Exclusive School vs Community College

Is Community College Right For You?

Advice Seeker: Dear April,

After making a few mistakes in high school, I did not get into the state school all my friends got in to. I aspire to go to that school, but have been advised to go to a community college first. Do community colleges sufficiently prepare young people for four-year institutions? Are there any drawbacks or benefits of attending a two-year school first?

Sincerely,

School Daze

April Masini's advice:

Dear School Daze,

In spite of tremendous hype about the exclusivity of college admission and the competition that's out there -- the reality is that there are more colleges and universities than ever before, and there absolutely is one for everyone who wants to attend. Community Colleges are a great way for someone to attend college and get a college, education or to jump start a four year college career that they would not be able to enter without the two year community college first.

In fact, there are certain universities that will automatically accept a student who has successfully completed a two year community college degree at specified institutions, while others who apply directly to that same four year university may not gain acceptance.

There's no question that certain universities and colleges carry the same cache and status that designer handbags do, and in fact, some elite universities even have superior teachers and educational courses, but it's not the rule across the board. Many universities employ professors who need to publish in order to maintain status for the university. Publishing professors are more interested in research than real life experience, and this is where the education at a community college may better serve a particular student.