Reality Check: Is Community College Right for Me?

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Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you determine if your next step should be community college. Your personal circumstances, grades, vocational and career interests, and finances are all factors that will enter into your decision.

 If You're Just Graduating from High School

• Could I use some help and time to strengthen my basic skills"writing, reading, math, and science"and my academic record?
• Am I interested in starting a career in a short period of time? Do I want to explore vocational and technical career options?
• Am I ready to be on my own at college living away from my family and friends?
• Do I need some time to decide what I want to do before making a commitment to a four-year institution?
• Can I afford a four-year college at this time?

If You're an Adult Considering Community College

• Can I afford to put off my education any longer?
• Do I want to continue in the same career or job, or am I ready for something new?
• Could I improve my current or future job situation by updating my skills?
• Will a smaller, more intimate environment help me be successful in the classroom?
• Do I need a flexible schedule so that I can juggle the demands of work, family, and community while attending college?

Find Out More

• Check out the excellent Web site of the American Association of Community Colleges (www.aacc.nche.edu). You'll find a wealth of information about community colleges and their history, as well as a community college locator and advice for parents and students.
• The College Board Web site (www.collegeboard.com) is a comprehensive site for information about community colleges, as well as four-year institutions.
• Peterson's Two-Year Colleges (Thomson's Peterson), an annual guide, plus their Web site (www.petersons.com), offer advice for high school adult students who want to go to community colleges, career colleges, and for-profit colleges, plus specific information about these colleges such as location, number of students, types of degrees and majors offered, and more.