Expert: Bruce - 7/27/2007

Question
I just graduated high school and i am currently undecided but mostly looking at a communications major or a pre mead major. My parents wouldn't let me apply to the colleges of my choice since i was undecided they did not want to spend a lot of money so i only applied to California State University Northridge and got accepted. However, i am not sure California State University Northridge is the right college for my education but it seems to be ok. I am not sure if i should go to a community college first then transfer? Or should i apply for late admissions somewhere else. I know I don't want to live at home for 4 years since California State University Northridge is about 20 minutes away from my house.
Thank you

Answer
If I were advising you at this point, I think I would suggest this approach:

Stick with CS-N for right now, but in the mean time work to create a list of colleges you'd really like to attend. Then find out what the transfer policies are for these schools.

Since you are unsure of your major, you may want to use your first year to help you find that out. If you take the freshman bio course (for bio majors) and somekind of communication course, that would help. Also, being around CSN may help you to pin down what it is you are looking for in a college. You may find that you like it there, or you may find it doesn;t quite fit. Try to be intentional about determining what you like/dislike about CSN, so you can use that to inform a possible transfer decision. Also, get the best grades you can, so that you maximize your scholarship opportunities upon transfer.

So I would suggest staying at CSN and putting that year to good use.

Hope this helps. Please let me know if you have more questions.

Bruce