When most people graduate and start applying for colleges, they always start right off with the 4-year universities and pay no attention to community colleges. Community colleges are looked at as last resorts, and something to be embarrassed about. However, starting off at a community college can be one of the most beneficial things you can do for your academic career. Here are some things to think about when considering higher education.
1. Community colleges have smaller class sizes.
As many people who have been in introductory courses at large universities can tell you, trying to learn new concepts in a classroom of 300 students can make learning a real challenge. Community colleges have average class sizes of twenty or thirty people, and provide the perfect platform for introductory classes, especially in subjects like sciences that require labs as well as lectures. There will be more hands on learning and immersive lecturing in community college classes, and the professor can answer each of your questions more easily. You’ll spend much less time watching Khan Academy videos and eating lunch in the tutoring center. Plus, because of the smaller class loads professors can assign more homework to help you with your grade, so exams will be far less stressful.
2. You’ll spend a fraction of what you’re paying for 4-year colleges.
Even at a cheaper school in-state I was spending close to 14,000 dollars a semester for 12 credits. I am currently taking 13 credits at a community college and spending about 3,000. The grants and scholarships I’m getting can pay for most of that, and as somebody looking to be in med-school, having less loans to pay off in the future will definitely be an asset.
3. You can completely restart your GPA.
For some students who have freshly graduated you’re looking at your GPA and thinking “I definitely could have done better.” Because of that you probably have less of a chance of getting into your dream college, or getting scholarships or honors. Community colleges provide the perfect pathway to give yourself another chance, and after getting an associates you’ll only need your new college transcript and ACT and SAT scores won’t even be looked at. Not only will you have more opportunity for getting into a 4-year university, you’ll have all your prerequisites done by the time you get there, and you can dive right into the advanced courses for your major.
4. You’ll probably change your mind about your major.
Studies show that most college students change their major three or four times in their college career. Those of us who have changed their major drastically will almost feel like they wasted years of their life and money on classes we wouldn’t have needed. Community colleges provide intro classes, and you can really explore your options if you’re unsure or looking for a change. With how cheap courses are, and the amount of general electives you’ll need to take there’s a chance you’ll find what you’d really like to do with your life. In fact, it was a professor last semester that I had a conversation with after class who convinced me to pursue a medical degree. Had I not had room to explore in my major, I might not have come to that same conclusion.
5. Professors will get to know you personally.
No, not in a creepy way. There is a huge advantage for students looking to pursue internships and grad school in getting to know your professors, and having them see your work in a more familiar environment. To get into CU’s medical program I’ll need 11 or more letters of recommendation from professors or employers. The fact is, large lecture classes won’t provide you with a chance to show a professor what you can really bring to the table. I’ve gone to my professor’s office hours multiple times to discuss how I can do better in the class and what is expected from me. Professors want to get to know students like that, and they’ll have multiple things to say about you in a letter other than “they did well on exams.” Internships can be hard to come by, so having recommendations from professors can really give you an edge after you graduate.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong if community college isn’t your style, but just know that there are plenty of benefits that can positively alter your academic career. I’ve really enjoyed my time at Front Range, and I’m glad I chose to start my biology degree before transferring into CU’s biomedical bachelors program. Nobody should ever feel that community college is beneath them, because sometimes a step in the opposite direction is the step you need to take to be successful in your life!
