II. Things to Consider |
A. School Life & the Work World |
1. School - Full, Half or Part Time? |
Community Colleges and Technical Schools Because of their open enrollment policies and their flexible scheduling of classes, community colleges offer a valuable option to students pursuing a first degree or who are interested in updating existing work skills. Their friendly environments can offer encouragement to students who are unsure of abilities or goals. In offering evening as well as day classes, community colleges accommodate the adult who must work while attending classes. Their low cost in comparison to four year schools offers an attractive alternative to students who are concerned about financing their education. An added advantage is the agreement in many states between four year institutions and community colleges to allow a student receiving a two-year associate degree from a community college to be accepted with junior status at any four year college or university state-wide. Technical colleges can prepare students for jobs in existing vocational fields. Because most programs are open entry/open exit, they allow the student to enroll when a vacancy exists and leave when the student is ready for employment. Most programs at the technical schools are hands on, practical, skill-building classes designed to prepare the student for immediate employment. For-profit, proprietary schools offer programs similar to those offered at the community and technical colleges, but be aware that their credits are seldom transferable should you decide to continue at a four year institution. These schools have limited federal or state financial aid grants available to their students and rely heavily on student loans that must be repaid. Coupling that with their much greater cost, you will find that community and technical colleges are a much better educational buy.
Four Year Institutions Many students elect to enter a four year college or university because they offer a greater selection of majors and classes than are available at a community college or technical school. These four year institutions can be exciting but intimidating places for re-entry adults, as they may be larger and have more requirements. Four-year colleges and universities offer bachelor's and graduate degrees in many areas and professions. Most undergraduate degrees require that the student complete two years of general studies before entering in the major program. Please be aware that most universities will require that you apply for admission to the specific school and major as well as applying for general admission to the college or university. At some universities, applying for admission to your major is done during the second year after you've complete the general requirements, but programs vary in their admission standards and it is best to check with your specific institution to be prepared. For those students wishing to enter professional fields, most colleges and universities offer degree programs leading to master's, doctoral or professional degrees. Occupations in the health sciences, law, education, engineering or business are some of the professions requiring a more advanced education. Admission to these programs require that the student include evidence of an earned bachelor's degree and generally suggest that the student take the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or other graduate exams. Again, requirements vary, so check with the individual institutions if you are interested in a graduate program. |
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