College question?

Is a community college a good option as an alternative for someone who has not much financial resources like me? I need to know what are the pros and the cons for a community college, if you need more information let me know so i post more, the community college I am looking forward to is this one "Northern Virginia Community College" the website is www.nvcc.edu THANKS IN ADVANCE! :D

College question?
A community college is almost always less expensive than a 4 year college or university.


It is a great option for those who don't want to pay a lot - it is also a good option for someone who is still unsure if they want to go on to get a 4 year degree (Bachelor's degree) or what they want to major in.





The nice thing about a community college is that it is usually a little bit easier (not much though) and when you are finished and have earned a 2 year degree (associates) all of your credits should transfer to a 4 year college if you choose to go on to get that degree.


By that time you may have done very well at the community college and will qualify for some scholarships and grants at a more expensive 4 year program.





good luck!
Reply:I don't think that a community college is bad. I think it depends on what you want to do. If you would rather go to a 4 year university or college then I think you should look into financial aid and student loans. Also, look into scholarships, there are so many and they aren't all academic and they aren't all athletic either. They have them for pretty much everything. One that I'm gonna try to apply to in my senior year of high school is one that is just for leadership roles and being a good community citizen and helping out and stuff. Those are really good choices but if you don't REALLY WANT to go to a 4 year college or university, then I don't think that there is anything wrong with a community college, especially considering if you decided to look into those options later all your credits should transfer over easily. Good Luck!
Reply:Community colleges are good for completing your general education requirements and then transfer to a university or 4 year college.





What about student loans? You may apply for financial aid at a private university. Check out all your options before settling on a community college, especially since it appears that that is not your first choice.
Reply:I went to a Community College for 2 yrs and got My Associates Degree. It was a great re-introduction to the education system because the hours better fit my schedule (as an older student). I was in class with students from many different backgrounds, some older, some young, some working, some for financial reasons.


It was a great experience and the mix of student backgrounds was an experience in itself and gave me a wonderful appreciation for diversity in the classroom.


I went on to a 4yr college to finish my BA and that was a more typical student demographic, still a great experience though. The college I went on to attend was very tough academically (that's its reputation) but I can tell you that I was just as well looked after, listened to and taught at the Community College.


It's a great way to go if you are financially strapped, are hesitant, or just need more time.





One thing I think might come into play though (and it might just be me, I am hard on myself). I felt the Community College graded a little bit higher than I would have expected, especially when I knew I had not done my best work. I fully expected to drop at least a grade (a-b) when I went to the 4 yr but I didn't in most classes. Many of my CC classmates did though.


Just my experiences. Hope they help.





Community Colleges are getting great ratings across the country though.
Reply:Yes, Community college is a good option for students who are limited financially. NVCC has a good set of articulation agreements to let you transfer to a 4-year degree program (B.A/ B.S) after 2-years of coursework there (transfer/A.A/ A.S).


Have you filed a Free Application for Federal Students Aid yet? You may be eligible for more financial help than you know.


You did not mention your academic GPA, SAT or ACT scores, etc that are usually part of the admissions process at colleges although most community colleges admission processes are less demanding. Have you considered your possible eligibility for grants and scholarships?


If you are not a strong student academically then community college is an excellent way to begin because these institutions typically offer more individualized and a greater range of student support.


The only down side I can think of is related to snob-value; typically community colleges may not be viewed by your parents and others as a 'real' college. I suggest that you show them the articulation page to illustrate the 'name' schools you can transfer to after two years with a considerable savings over 2-years' worth of tuition at one of those colleges/ universities.