Expert: Susie Watts - 2/25/2007

Question
Hi Susie. Im really confused about college and what to do in my current situation. Im forced to go along with my Plan B, which is to go to Community College and do my absolute best, and then transfer to a 4 year school. Here's the thing. I dont want to stay in community college for 2 years...I'd rather only stay for one year before transferring. But that means I'd have to apply to 4 year schools shortly after I begin my first year at Community college...Wouldnt that mean the schools wouldnt have much to look at in what I did in community college and they'd have to look at my high school grades which is the reason Im in community college in the first place. My mom told me for this reason, I'd have to stay in community college for 2 years and develop a good record before applying to a 4 year school. But thats not what I want. Is it my only option or can I do what I want which is to spend one year only at this community college, hopefully do really well and have the colleges look at my college grades (not my hs grades) before entering a 4 year school by Fall 2008..Thanks so much.

Answer
Most colleges will be interested in your community college grades especially if your high school grades aren't good. Not all schools will require two years of community college but most will probably wait on a decision until after they have seen your second semester grades.  The grades you make in community college will indicate to schools how interested you are in continuing your education and how successful you are in core classes which are required by most colleges, so work hard and prove that you are ready for the challenge.