When considering you're future and the best way to succeed at a four-year university, do not neglect to consider the benefits of first attending a community college.
Community college does NOT mean just getting an Associate's Degree.
Inevitably more cost efficient, community colleges allow students to focus on getting their general studies courses out of the way at a fraction of the price.
If your scores in high school weren't exactly what your university of choice is looking for, attending a community college (with its smaller classes and course loads) and doing well there provides you the opportunity to prove you are ready to work and capable of excelling academically.
If you plan your courses right, you can transfer credits from community college, and by the time you attend the University of your choice, you will have saved time, money and the energy you might have otherwise spent adapting to a larger university.
When deciding on the best educational route, one concern many students have is that by choosing to attend a community college, they will be seen as “unable to make it” at a four-year institution.
This is, however, false. But don't take our word for it – there are plenty of well-known, famous community college alumni who have gone on to do great things!
Here are just a few of them:
3 Famous Community College Graduates
1. George Lucas
You might recognize the name. If you don't, you are sure to at least recognize the title of his most well known work: Star Wars. What you may not know is that before aspiring to become a filmmaker, Lucas attended Modesto Junior College to study anthropology. He later transferred to the University of Southern California, where he studied film-making.
2. Gwendolyn Brooks
A poet who authored more than 20 books and won the Pulitzer Prize in 1949, Gwendolyn first attended Wilson Junior College before going on to obtain her degree. Later, she would teach at several different highly esteemed universities (including Columbia University in New York City) before becoming the Poet Laureate of Illinois in 1968. She held this post until her death, as well as the position of Poet Laureate Consultant to the Library of Congress.
3. Jim Lehrer
Mostly known for his work with PBS and his television show, The News Hour with Jim Lehrer, Lehrer is an American journalist who first received his Associate of Arts degree from Victoria College before pursuing his bachelor’s in journalism at the University of Missouri. Jim first started in newspapers and transitioned to television later on in his career. He has authored 20 novels and three plays, and been awarded two Emmys, a Chairman Award and the Fourth Estate Award.
As you can see, attending a community college can give quite an advantage to those who are either undecided on their career path or unable to attend a four-year university right away for whatever reason.
With alumni like this, is it any wonder that more and more students are choosing to go to community college then transfer to university?
About The Author
Sarah Fudin currently works in community relations for University of Southern California Rossier School of Education’s online master’s programs. USC Rossier Online provides current and aspiring teachers the opportunity to earn an online Masters degree in education and teaching credential. Outside of work Sarah enjoys running, reading and Pinkberry frozen yogurt.
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Thank you. Keep up the good writing.