Wisely Choices

Let's face it. Community colleges don't get the respect they deserve: They're short in comparison to the tall ivy league colleges; they won't ever make prom king or queen; and a community college will never be able to fit into its skinny jeans. So why should you still consider a community college first?

* For starters, community colleges are cheaper. Local taxpayers partly fund them, so students can get a cost-effective education, a higher paying job and contribute back into the community.

* Many community colleges have "rolling admissions." What does that mean? That means you can be admitted and register during any semester. They even take last-minute admissions, assuming your paperwork is in order.

* Many community colleges also offer remedial courses like pre-algebra, English writing and grammar if a potential student has been out of school for a long time, or who didn't make the honor roll in high school. Many universities and four-year public or private colleges don't offer remedial courses.

* Didn't take the SAT or ACT? No problem! You don't need them to get into most community colleges. Their standards aren't as rigorous as private or ivy-league colleges because most of them have an open-door policy. As long as you can produce a high-school diploma or GED, you're in.

* If you're an older student, you'll be in good company because many older adults attend community colleges because of their flexible schedules like night and weekend classes.

* Smaller class sizes are a plus at most community colleges. Each student can get the attention that he or she deserves.

* Community colleges are convenient. Most people have them near their homes, so they are easy to get to and are very accessible.

* The educational quality at a community college is comparable to a private college or university. Professors have to meet certain standards to become professors in the first place. In fact, some professors are professionals themselves, still in the business of their craft, and teach part-time.

* As an incentive, many community colleges have daycare facilities on the premises for students with children because many students are commuter students; they live at home and not in the dorms.

* Community colleges have a variety of degree offerings, not just a few obscure majors that no one has ever heard of. They have to keep up with the times, adding and eliminating skills to prepare students for the workplace.

* Sports are available at some community colleges too, so they can work on team spirit. Athletic teams--football or basketball--and even Olympic-size swimming pools, like at the community college I went to, are at these colleges.

If you're still skittish about going to a community college first, don't be. Many successful people start out at such colleges. Also, if you decide to transfer to a four-year college afterwards, the name of the college where you received your bachelor's degree will be reflected on your diploma.

Granted, a community college might not have the bells and whistles of the ivy's, but ask yourself, 'What am I really paying for?'
By: Brie Hart