Community College vs. College

16 de noviembre, 2016

David Romero

Consejero Académico

y

Activista estudiantil

Académico: de
Iowa State University

“In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility”.

~Eleanor Roosevelt

Pursuing a degree after high school is a big decision.  Nowadays you have many options to choose from when making a decision about your academic future.  To give you some perspective - Just in the state of Iowa there are 60institutions of higher education.  When choosing between these 60 different choices – think as if you choosing your next pair of shoes.  Next time you go to the store, pay close attention to some of the aspects you consider when buying a new pair of shoes.  For instance, you pay attention to the size (is the shoe too big or too small for me?); you pay attention to the price (are these shoes too expensive for me? or why are they so cheap?); you pay attention to the style (you like the shoes because they fit your style).  After taking into account all of these aspects you make a decision about what pair of shoes to buy.  In the same way you will find that choosing a college that is right for you requires you to think about the size, price, and style of a college.  Each of the 60 different institutions of higher education in Iowa has a different size, price, and style – Which one will you choose?  Are you going to a community college first? Or will you be going to a four-year institution right away?  These are questions that will help you to get started in your search and the resources you need to get there.  Take a proactive role in this decision by searching and investigating info about each institution you are considering.  Choosing the right fit for college or community college is not a passive process, it requires your effort and time.  Your parents and counselors will be great resources to help you make a wise decision for the future. Seek out their counsel in making a decision for your academic future.  In the end, the benefits of your effort will be peace of mind and the satisfaction of knowing you have chosen the right place for your academic future.

Since most of our focus has been on going to a four-year institution, I want to take this chance to highlight the opportunities that exist at community colleges to give you some perspectives that can help in the process of searching for the right fit.  If you are considering attending a community college take into account the following benefits:

1. Access to short careers with high demand:

Community colleges focus on the necessities of the communities they serve.  This means that many community colleges are in close contact with employers around the area that have a specific need for skilled workers.  This is a great opportunity if you are looking for a two-year career that can help you find jobs in some of the industries in your town.

2. Save money in tuition:

Tuition can be a big obstacle if you do not have much financial aid available to attend a four-year institution. Attending a community college first to complete certain requirements can save you a lot of money in tuition.  The tuition and cost associated with attending a community college can be half the cost of what it takes to attend a four-year institution.

3.  Take time to define your career goals:

Many students do not know what careers they wish to pursue after high school.  Community colleges are an excellent place to explore your interest, talents, personality, and skills before you make a commitment to a certain career.  Studying at a community college can give you a chance to really explore your options and define your goals.

Take these recommendations into consideration if you are thinking about attending community college or going directly into a four-year institution.  Remember this is an important decision that needs you to be proactive in searching for advice from parents and school counselors.

Resumen en Español:

Escoger la institución adecuada para continuar tu educación es una decisión muy importante.

Compara el proceso a los pasos que sigues cuando compras un par de zapatos nuevos.  Toma en consideración el tamaño, precio, y estilo de la institución que estas considerando

Busca el consejo de tus padres y consejeros para tomar una buena decisión

Los colegios comunitarios tienen sus ventajas.  Considera asistir a un colegio comunitario como una de tus opciones para continuar tu educación

Questions? Comments? I would love to hear from you. Join the discussion on Twitter and Facebook and ECHALE GANAS…