Community College

[Yes. And?]

Anybody attending or attended in the past? Is the work easier/harder than a four-year college? Is it hard to transfer to a four year? Can you still have the ~college experience~ in community? Tell me everything you can, thanks.

[gloriousmuse]

It's a lot easier to transfer to a 4 year University when you get an AA which is 60 semester credit hours.

[Yes. And?]

Yeah, I'm planning on doing so. I actually got into a 4-year but I can't afford it so I'm staying home and going to school here. :-/

[allhourcymbals]

I have a few friends who went to community college last year, and they all said they didn't really get the "college experience" while they were there. They took their classes, and then went home/out to do whatever they had to do... pretty much the same as high school. :shrug:

[OldJersey]

I went to a private university for 2 years...way too much fucking money. So now im goin to community for a semester then goin to an in state school.

[allhourcymbals]

I went to a private university for 2 years...way too much fucking money. So now im goin to community for a semester then goin to an in state school.
What county in Jersey?

[OldJersey]

What county in Jersey?

Essex

[June_Bug]

You know, my dad is holding a new car over my head to get me to goto community college. No, not everyboyd has money to go to a 4 year but there's ways around it. I don't want to goto my classes and come home and do nothing like high school. I know it's conrtol think with him thats about 20% of it. I don't like control unless I have it. I don;t know what to do either. But I hear it's easier to transfer from community college to a 4 year.

Sorry for the story.

[Yes. And?]

Nah, it's cool. My mom is kind of doing the same thing. Trying to threaten me about not getting me a new car and $5,000 if I don't do well here. Uh, I can't drive and am in no hurry to learn, so..I don't give a fuck.

I just really wish I could go to Marymount. :-(

[June_Bug]

Nah, it's cool. My mom is kind of doing the same thing. Trying to threaten me about not getting me a new car and $5,000 if I don't do well here. Uh, I can't drive and am in no hurry to learn, so..I don't give a fuck.

I just really wish I could go to Marymount. :-(

Yea, I want to go to UT really bad. By holding the car over my head I mean, he was like "Like if you go to community college, i'll buy you a new car." And if I got into UT what then you know?
Idk just wait it out I guess, although we don't have that much time.

[Yes. And?]

Well, good luck with everything.

[rhinitus]

Anybody attending or attended in the past? Is the work easier/harder than a four-year college? Is it hard to transfer to a four year? Can you still have the ~college experience~ in community? Tell me everything you can, thanks.

Probably not too difficult provided you get good grades...but I think that goes without saying. Kids I know that went to community college never really changed...and it's a pivotal time in your life to change. Some also become complacent with their lifestyle and never really end up going to a 4-year school.

As far as the college experience goes, I would say you probably can't get it. Most people obviously live at home, which doesn't allow you to figure out who you really are and do whatever the fuck you want...and not even necessarily bad things, but you know, even little things like having to clean your room at home for no reason because your parents want you to. Kids might make fun of you if you're a complete slob, but you're still free to do whatever you want. This sort of ties in to the social scene in general - I feel like there isn't really one at community colleges. You obviously make friends and stuff, but people are probably more focused on work and other stuff than they would be at a 4-year school. Not to mention - and I hate to say it - you will be surrounded by some complete dumbasses. There are definitely the kids who are motivated and whatnot and are going to community college for money or whatever other reason, and that's great - do what you have to do. But there are also the complete burnouts that couldn't have gotten into a 4-year if they tried and they're just finally realizing that your dipoloma and some good acid might NOT be all you need to be happy in life.

I think you might have mentioned money in a later post, and I just want to say that money really should not be the deciding factor here. I know money is a real issue for a lot of people, but there are definitely grants, loans, etc., that if you are smart about it, you can definitely make it through just fine. People have probably told you that before - you probably didn't believe them. I didn't think it was possible either but I knew a lot of kids when I was at school that literally had to pay for everything themselves. They were still able to have the whole college experience. You might have to have a part time job, but trust me when I say that you will kick yourself later for not sucking it up and giving yourself the chance to have a lot of fun and learn and grow a lot before you have to embark on the real world. I just graduated in May - and even though I like my job, just watching college football makes me depressed because I think about how all the people on the field are still in school and all the people in the stands get to tailgate.

Feel free to PM me or quote me if you have any follow-up questions. Maybe my advice sucks...in which case do what you want and you think is right.

[Yes. And?]

Thanks, this was a really good post. I definitely see your point about community college hindering growth. I am also kind of hesitant because community college has a real stigma to it and most of the kids from my school end up here. I didn't want to leave high school just to end up right back in class with them.

Marymount is in New York City which is a very expensive place to live all on it's own, and it's a private liberal arts institution. They weren't offering me much and I don't see how I can come out with anything but $100,000+ in debt.

Besides, I start classes at Montgomery in three days. It's pretty much a done deal.

[OldJersey]

Its a done deal only for this semester, you can easily do something else for the spring semester.

[rhinitus]

Thanks, this was a really good post. I definitely see your point about community college hindering growth. I am also kind of hesitant because community college has a real stigma to it and most of the kids from my school end up here. I didn't want to leave high school just to end up right back in class with them.

Marymount is in New York City which is a very expensive place to live all on it's own, and it's a private liberal arts institution. They weren't offering me much and I don't see how I can come out with anything but $100,000+ in debt.

Besides, I start classes at Montgomery in three days. It's pretty much a done deal.

Is there a reason you wouldn't want to go to a state school? Is going to a private school for 2 years and coming out $50,000 in debt better than going to a state school for 4 and coming out $20,000 in debt (if you do it right)?

[rhinitus]

Its a done deal only for this semester, you can easily do something else for the spring semester.

I would wonder if it would be a better decision socially to just wait til next fall.

[CTMarshall]

Honestly it's not that bad, and to the poster above: Money can definitely be a deciding factor. If you transfer you will still get that "college experience" and it allows you to stay home, possibly work, and knock some classes out of the way. I'm in a community college right now and I plan on transferring to a University next semester. I'm not complacent or lazy. It isn't detrimental to your being. Often times, it is helpful.

[Yes. And?]

Its a done deal only for this semester, you can easily do something else for the spring semester.Eh, my mom would prefer that I get the 60 credits before trying to graduate. Montgomery College has some sort of partnership with the University that offers money and instant admission to people who get the A.A.

Is there a reason you wouldn't want to go to a state school? Is going to a private school for 2 years and coming out $50,000 in debt better than going to a state school for 4 and coming out $20,000 in debt (if you do it right)?
The plan is to transfer to a state school after I get my 60 credits. In high school, most of the colleges I applied to were out of state because I wanted to leave Maryland. Now, I feel like I need to stay here.

[OldJersey]

I would wonder if it would be a better decision socially to just wait til next fall.


Good point.

[CTMarshall]

Good point.

Haha...you guys are acting like going to a community college is the worst thing in the world. Sure, I hated the thought of going to one at first, but it does make alot of sense.

[allhourcymbals]

Thanks, this was a really good post. I definitely see your point about community college hindering growth. I am also kind of hesitant because community college has a real stigma to it and most of the kids from my school end up here. I didn't want to leave high school just to end up right back in class with them.

Marymount is in New York City which is a very expensive place to live all on it's own, and it's a private liberal arts institution. They weren't offering me much and I don't see how I can come out with anything but $100,000+ in debt.

Besides, I start classes at Montgomery in three days. It's pretty much a done deal.
I'll be going to school in New York in the Spring, so you know, totally make you want to go there more... :-)

[Yes. And?]

I'll be going to school in New York in the Spring, so you know, totally make you want to go there more... :-)
We'd paint the town red...and get jailed for it.:excited:

[OldJersey]

Haha...you guys are acting like going to a community college is the worst thing in the world. Sure, I hated the thought of going to one at first, but it does make alot of sense.


When did i ever in one way say going to community is the worst thing in the world?

[bduke13]

If you got good enough grades to get into college after HS, and you get good grades at community college you won't have a problem transferring. I'm pretty sure most college won't even look at your HS grades.

In Maryland if you get your 2 year degree at a community college with at least a 2.0 GPA you are automatically accepted into any state school. (I think)

What community college would you go to?

[allhourcymbals]

We'd paint the town red...and get jailed for it.:excited:
It'd totally be worth it.



If we end up in jail, I'd make sure nobody makes you their bitch.
I saw that on a bumper sticker once.

[Yes. And?]

If you got good enough grades to get into college after HS, and you get good grades at community college you won't have a problem transferring. I'm pretty sure most college won't even look at your HS grades.

In Maryland if you get your 2 year degree at a community college with at least a 2.0 GPA you are automatically accepted into any state school. (I think)

What community college would you go to?
Montgomery.

Ha, I wish that were true. I could probably pull off a 2.0 no problem.
It'd totally be worth it.



If we end up in jail, I'd make sure nobody makes you their bitch.
I saw that on a bumper sticker once.
NO ONE BUT YOURSSSSSSSS

[CTMarshall]

When did i ever in one way say going to community is the worst thing in the world?

I didn't say that you said that. I said that you were acting like that. I was just exaggerating though, because, honestly, going to a Community College is a great decision is some cases.

[OldJersey]

I didn't say that you said that. I said that you were acting like that. I was just exaggerating though, because, honestly, going to a Community College is a great decision is some cases.

Acting like what? By saying its a good point that going to a 4 year school in the winter isnt a wise decision socially?

[bduke13]

Montgomery.

Ha, I wih that were true. I could probably pull off a 2.0 no problem.


I know CCBC has that deal with at least Towson and Stevenson (the new Villa Julie). I also think the "community college experience" has a lot to do with where you go. I go to Essex and I don't mind it but I have heard stories from people who have went to Harford who can't stand it

[June_Bug]

I think me not wanting to go to a community college has to be a social/personal thing. I want to feel like I have accomplished something. The thing with community college is that, they'll take anybody who wants to go and that bothers me a little. My brother went and he's a sorry excuse for a human being. Not saying that every one that goes there is. And the other thing is, i'll still be at home and won't be able to do what I want just like in high school. I want to be awya from home and do what I want for a little bit.

[Yes. And?]

I think me not wanting to go to a community college has to be a social/personal thing. I want to feel like I have accomplished something. The thing with community college is that, they'll take anybody who wants to go and that bothers me a little. My brother went and he's a sorry excuse for a human being. Not saying that every one that goes there is. And the other thing is, i'll still be at home and won't be able to do what I want just like in high school. I want to be awya from home and do what I want for a little bit.
I feel the same way.

[incredulous]

In my city, there's a bit of a stigma against going to a community college. I think it's a good way to save money, though, and the general requirements you have to meet for college are the same everywhere. The big thing is not losing your drive, I guess.I'm personally not ruling it out.

[FadedFocus]

I'm finishing up my last semester at one this fall. The whole stigma about them taking anyone is just a little misguided. From my experience, the people who really don't want to be there after all drop out fairly quick and the majority of the people are there to get on with their education. Me, I couldn't handle my first year of college and moved on to a community college and have since straightened everything out and I'm on my way to finishing.

[Alison1488]

I just graduated from a community college in the spring. Community college definitely has it's pros and cons. It is cheaper and more convenient in a sense, but at times, and can be more of a disadvantage. I know they say you can graduate in 2 years, but in a lot of cases, that is impossible. Some classes are not offered every semester, and so, you must wait for them to become available. You have to worry about classes transferring. Sometimes, your exact major isn't offered. My friend wants to become a graphic designer, and at our community college, they didn't offer that major. She had to major in something that was as close to graphic design as was possible, but in the long run, it's going to set her behind. She also is waiting for a class to become available.

With me, I went into a teaching program thinking it was going to beneficial, and it set me behind. I wasn't able to pick my classes or the times, so I had to alter work around school and a lot of the classes chosen for me did not transfer. I graduated with 68 credits, and the two places I applied to transfer only accepted 37 and 42 of those credits.

I never felt the college experience. It was a very small campus, and there just was not much to do. Once I was done class, I just wanted to go home. I lived 25 minutes away, so it was inconvenient for me to try and get involved in clubs.

[Yes. And?]

Starting classes tomorrow. Blah.

[WhoSaidThat?]

I think me not wanting to go to a community college has to be a social/personal thing. I want to feel like I have accomplished something. The thing with community college is that, they'll take anybody who wants to go and that bothers me a little. My brother went and he's a sorry excuse for a human being. Not saying that every one that goes there is. And the other thing is, i'll still be at home and won't be able to do what I want just like in high school. I want to be awya from home and do what I want for a little bit.
Agreed on all sides and corners.
I just graduated from a community college in the spring. Community college definitely has it's pros and cons. It is cheaper and more convenient in a sense, but at times, and can be more of a disadvantage. I know they say you can graduate in 2 years, but in a lot of cases, that is impossible. Some classes are not offered every semester, and so, you must wait for them to become available. You have to worry about classes transferring. Sometimes, your exact major isn't offered. My friend wants to become a graphic designer, and at our community college, they didn't offer that major. She had to major in something that was as close to graphic design as was possible, but in the long run, it's going to set her behind. She also is waiting for a class to become available.

With me, I went into a teaching program thinking it was going to beneficial, and it set me behind. I wasn't able to pick my classes or the times, so I had to alter work around school and a lot of the classes chosen for me did not transfer. I graduated with 68 credits, and the two places I applied to transfer only accepted 37 and 42 of those credits.

I never felt the college experience. It was a very small campus, and there just was not much to do. Once I was done class, I just wanted to go home. I lived 25 minutes away, so it was inconvenient for me to try and get involved in clubs.
My God, yes.
Starting classes tomorrow. Blah.
You can cry on my shoulder.

I'm also starting tomorrow. Yay,

[Yes. And?]

So far it's meh.

[concernedparent]

Well, universities give top transfer spots to community college students, that's why I was considering doing it myself actually.

[Yes. And?]

Maybe I'll have a good shot at American University, then.

[ihatecayte]

I'm finishing up my last semester at one this fall. The whole stigma about them taking anyone is just a little misguided. From my experience, the people who really don't want to be there after all drop out fairly quick and the majority of the people are there to get on with their education. Me, I couldn't handle my first year of college and moved on to a community college and have since straightened everything out and I'm on my way to finishing.

exactly. thank you. the ones that don't want to be there quit going / drop / get dropped by the teachers.
my mom's a professor at our hometown community college, so i get a little defensive about people who bitch about going to one. my best friend would bitch about her shitty teachers, which sucks, because i know for a fact that there are some excellent teachers at that school that get a bad rep just because they happen to teach at a community college, and not a "real" college.

i went to the one she taught at for a year, and transferred to another one for a specialized program.
i'm getting a great education in my specialized program and had some excellent teachers during my first year.

in a way, it kind of depends on your mentality going into it all, too.
i dunno... i'm just saying...

[KellyGleason]

I go to a community school because:
a) The school that my parents were forcing me to attend screwed me over and cost me a lot of my valuable items and
b) It's all that I can afford right now.

Sure, there are grants and student loans, but, on paper, my parents make a lot of money. They don't take into account the fact that I have two brothers in college/graduate school. I'm paying my own way and it's frustrating when people look down on me because I go to a community school. Luckily, a lot of people at my work also go there, so I don't feel embarrassed when around them.

I'm entering my sophomore (and final) year at my community college, and here's my experience thus far:
- I've been doing relatively well in all of my classes. All A's and B's.
- The classes are difficult, depending on what you take. I'm a Nursing major so I take the difficult courses like Anatomy and Physiology, Human Genetics, Human Nutrition, etc because they interest me. Some of my professors have taught at Columbia (the Ivy League portion), and other fantastic schools. The education is not any less at a community college than it is at other schools (with a few exceptions, of course). Either way, every professor had to make it there somehow.
- I've made a lot of friends. People say it's like high school, but that's only if you make it that way. I work about 40 hours a week so I do have little time to go out, but I go to the bars like any normal college student, regardless of if I live at home.
- I'm enjoying college because I'm motivated. People are like "Oh, you're at NCC?" with that surprised look because in high school I was pretty intelligent. But intelligence isn't all you need to go to a great school. I got into a lot of schools, but, contrary to what other people say, money sometimes IS an option.

All in all, I like my school. Next year, I want to go to NYU (longshot, I know, but everyone has dreams :D) NYU is hella expensive, kind of like Marymount! But I figure I've been saving all of my money these two years, and building up my credits in prerequisite courses to be able for transfer. Most schools in state are required to take your community college credits, so that makes transferring easy. As for how easy it is to transfer, I have no idea. I'm just as nervous as you are and am pretty worrying myself to death over whether I'm good enough to get into a great school. Do you think 4-year colleges will look down on my application because I was at a community college? Someone please give insight on this.

I hope I helped you a bit! PM me if you want to talk more.

[KidRobot]

Essex

Caldwell or Newark campus?


You're right near me.

[OldJersey]

Caldwell or Newark campus?


You're right near me.

caldwell

[jenny_ell]

i go to community college because,

1. its cheaper
2. i can live at home for free
3. i have a job 5 mins from my house
4. all my friends basically still live around here or within an hour away and some even go to the same community college as me
5. idk what i want to do with my life yet.
6. i am scared to go live on my own/live far away from home
7. i dont really like the idea of a big unversity/the "college" life

yeah i bascially im on my 2nd year of community college. i like it, its pretty easy. ive met some really cool people and taken some really good classes. it depends what comm. college you go to but most credits transfer but talk to a counsler at the comm. college. i went because i want to stay at home and im just not ready to move away yet, and i have a really good paying job 5 minutes from my house. i dont like to party and im not into the whole college lifestyle, its just not for me. plus universitys cost a shitload. go to a community college for two years get an associates degree then transfer, thats what im doing. its a smarter idea cause most kids who go to universitys are just wasting their money the first two years cause you have to take basic classes anyways. and dont ever think for a second your lame or something for going to community college. its the same as real college but better cause you dont have classes with 200 kids, you have classes with like 30 kids and its easier to pay attention and the teachers can help you more. its kinda like high school but minus all the little clicks and drama and stuff. and idk what you like to do, but everyone saying its boring and theres nothing to do when you live at home and go to community college, well thats not true for me. just get a job and keep yourself busy....im always busy, i go to class 2 days a week and the rest of the time im going to work, going to concerts, hanging with friends, going to my internship. so i guess it depends what you like to do. but i guess this is coming from someone who lives in michigan, there was really never anything to do here so everyone always finds random shit to do. i want to eventually maybe go to a college in chicago cause i really like it there and it would be a good change for me but right now i still feel really young[i just turned 19]. and i dont really agree with people saying you have to move away to find out who you are. i mean i guess everyones different but i live at home but im still extremely independent. i have my own car, i pay my car payment, insurance, my phone bill, my books for school, i pay for all my clothes, ect. i have a part time job ive worked at for 2 years and so id say im pretty responsible and independent. you can still learn to be independent at home. turning 18 means your an adult but who really said that once you turn 18 and graduate high school your supposed to go live on your own and figure out life. its stupid.


hope this helps
sorry i kinda rambled about life. its getting late and im tired haha.

[KidRobot]

caldwell

Oh alright yeah. I'm one town over.

[AShannon04]

Yea, I want to go to UT really bad. By holding the car over my head I mean, he was like "Like if you go to community college, i'll buy you a new car." And if I got into UT what then you know?
Idk just wait it out I guess, although we don't have that much time.

I think going to UT or another 4-year school over a CC will more than make up for a car in the long run.

Also, for people who are worried about the debt thing, check out http://usgovinfo.about.com/library/weekly/aa072602a.htm

According to a study that was done about 10 years ago, a person with an Associate's Degree will earn an average of $1.6 million over their lifetime, while someone with a bachelors degree will earn $2.1 million, so higher degrees definitely translate into higher earnings over your lifetime.

[KellyGleason]

I think going to UT or another 4-year school over a CC will more than make up for a car in the long run.

Also, for people who are worried about the debt thing, check out http://usgovinfo.about.com/library/weekly/aa072602a.htm

According to a study that was done about 10 years ago, a person with an Associate's Degree will earn an average of $1.6 million over their lifetime, while someone with a bachelors degree will earn $2.1 million, so higher degrees definitely translate into higher earnings over your lifetime.
Well, most people who go to Community Colleges obtain their Associate's Degree and then transfer to a 4 year for their final 2 years, and get their Bachelor's degree. Either way, we'll get both degrees, make the same amount of money, but, overall, we saved ourselves 2 years of debt. Since a lot of us are struggling as it is, those 2 years definitely mean a lot.

[Klatzke]

Anybody attending or attended in the past? Is the work easier/harder than a four-year college? Is it hard to transfer to a four year? Can you still have the ~college experience~ in community? Tell me everything you can, thanks.
I went to one last year, and this year I'm going to a university branch.

It's hard to get credits to transfer without a degree. Mine was in-region though, so they're more accepted.

[mylastflight]

if you dont know wht you wanna major in, go to comm college. less people, more one on one type education and you learn more. and some comm colleges have deal with state univ. for example i am graduating from my comm. college this fall and if you have3.0 grade point ave. and grduate from here, tuition is paid for for any state univ and you get associates degree. plus you are automatically accepted into some state univ. w/o taking any tests

[AShannon04]

Well, most people who go to Community Colleges obtain their Associate's Degree and then transfer to a 4 year for their final 2 years, and get their Bachelor's degree. Either way, we'll get both degrees, make the same amount of money, but, overall, we saved ourselves 2 years of debt. Since a lot of us are struggling as it is, those 2 years definitely mean a lot.

My post was more aimed at people who aren't planning on going to a 4-year university.

[Alison1488]

if you dont know wht you wanna major in, go to comm college. less people, more one on one type education and you learn more. and some comm colleges have deal with state univ. for example i am graduating from my comm. college this fall and if you have3.0 grade point ave. and grduate from here, tuition is paid for for any state univ and you get associates degree. plus you are automatically accepted into some state univ. w/o taking any tests

My state offers pretty much the same deal, which I am cashing in on currently.

[Yes. And?]

Oh, I know what I'm going to major in. Sociology. They don't offer that at MC, so I'm doing General Studies.

[mylastflight]

yeah get gen ed out of the way

[Kerplunk_23]

I know for me I don't feel like community college feels like the full college experience to me it just feels like high school revisted which can suck majorly at times,but since my school screwed me out of ever getting the ACT's this is what I have to do if I wanted to go to a bigger college,but thats how I feel about it.

[mylastflight]

see, i feel exactly the opposite, my girlfriend goes to Umass and whenever i go there, its high school except worse, too much drama, to much partying, not peoplegoing there cuz they want to learn, people go there cuz mommies and daddies pay for them and they tell them they have to go to college. but at my comm college, they are not fucking aroudn, they are there cuz they want to be there and learn. But then if you are talking about "college life" as in partying stuff...i guess state schools are what you are looking for, not comm. college. if you want to learn, private school or comm school unless you are a junior/senior in state school

[TruthBeTold 13]

My cousin got kicked out of community college. Twice.

[Yes. And?]

My cousin got kicked out of community college. Twice.
Your cousin must be a real winner.

[HelpMeSleep]

if I could redo it, I don't know if I'd choose to go to community college again. I'm definitely transferring after this year.

[the thread]

I got really good grades in high school, and probably could've gone to a bunch of good schools, but that didn't really work out for me, so I ended up going to a CC for two years and then transferring. CC's aren't really difficult at all; if you did well in HS, then you will do just as good at a CC. I ended up with a 3.8 after two years in CC and found I could transfer basically anywhere. I did well enough in HS to get a $1500 check deposited in my acocunt every semester from grants and scholarships, the classes were all cake and at the end of it, I got into a great school, saved a lot of money, and was really no worse of from it at all. If you honestly are that worried about the college experience and can't wait a year or two for it, grow up. I know its nice to go to a university that has a cool vibe, but if that is your main concern, I think your priorities are out of order. Once you transfer, you can move into a dorm with other transfers and make the same amount of friends you would've originally, you can do the same things and all that bullshit as well.

Most people who transfer lose some credits and it takes them normally about 2.5-3 years after transferring to finish, so you'll have plenty of time to see all the university has to offer. I busted my ass once I transferred to finish in two years; I took summer classes and all that shit, and I wish I hadn't. Pretty much everyone I know didn't finish college by then and I felt I had missed out on a lot of good things by focusing on school so much so I could save some money. College is a good ride, don't take forever, but don't rush things. There are a lot of cool programs and really interesting opportunities out there...once extra year isn't so bad. I think thats why I'm going back to grad school next year, I really miss taking classes and learning.

[lightupthesky]

I'm at a community college right now, for my first semester of college. I haven't decided whether to transfer after this semester, after this year, or after my second year, but I do know I want to transfer, because I've finally decided on a major and such.

I'd say that in community college you definitely miss out on experiencing "college life." My friends are all at A&M and UT and I'm still here at CyFair CC. It's not a good way to meet people, because typically you come to campus, go to class, go home. There are no dorms and only a small amount of community activity/clubs/organizations. It's high school with less hours, and most of your friends are gone, haha. But it's cheap! I paid for everything for this semester in cash. And the fact that I get to live at home means that when I'm not at school, I can work. And since I'm not having to pay for my own food or utilities or anything, I'm being able to save up money for next semester, or for when I decide to transfer.

It's really not so bad.

[im_wide_awake]

my parents bribed me to go to BGSU. i'm tired of justifying my decision with stuff. transferring to OSU next semester :]

[WhoSaidThat?]

I got really good grades in high school, and probably could've gone to a bunch of good schools, but that didn't really work out for me, so I ended up going to a CC for two years and then transferring. CC's aren't really difficult at all; if you did well in HS, then you will do just as good at a CC. I ended up with a 3.8 after two years in CC and found I could transfer basically anywhere. I did well enough in HS to get a $1500 check deposited in my acocunt every semester from grants and scholarships, the classes were all cake and at the end of it, I got into a great school, saved a lot of money, and was really no worse of from it at all. If you honestly are that worried about the college experience and can't wait a year or two for it, grow up. I know its nice to go to a university that has a cool vibe, but if that is your main concern, I think your priorities are out of order. Once you transfer, you can move into a dorm with other transfers and make the same amount of friends you would've originally, you can do the same things and all that bullshit as well.

Most people who transfer lose some credits and it takes them normally about 2.5-3 years after transferring to finish, so you'll have plenty of time to see all the university has to offer. I busted my ass once I transferred to finish in two years; I took summer classes and all that shit, and I wish I hadn't. Pretty much everyone I know didn't finish college by then and I felt I had missed out on a lot of good things by focusing on school so much so I could save some money. College is a good ride, don't take forever, but don't rush things. There are a lot of cool programs and really interesting opportunities out there...once extra year isn't so bad. I think thats why I'm going back to grad school next year, I really miss taking classes and learning.
This post is a real fresh breath of air for me. Thanks, man.