High school students and their families should research the Community College path to a Bachelor’s degree in the same way that they research the University/College path. It’s harder to transfer from Community College to the UC/CSU system than it used to be. However, with proper research and planning, the transfer path can be the right path for you.
Make a Plan
Here’s what can happen if you don’t have a plan. Let’s say I want to be an Engineer. I would need to look at the Davis Engineering transfer prerequisites and complete those before applying. If I completed the UC Santa Barbara Engineering requirements and applied to UC Davis, I’d probably have taken the wrong classes. I’d then have to take the right classes for Davis and reapply. Planning ahead can save time.
Every major at each school has its own requirements, so, you have to find out what the requirements are for your field of study and take those classes. To research your major, go to www.assist.org, California’s database of major requirements at all campuses and www.UCTransfer.org. Bring the results of your search to your counselor to discuss with them.
Locally, our Sierra College satellite campus provides a great option for some students. For others, moving into the dorms in Rocklin may be a better idea. If I were a pre-med student, Rocklin would be a better option for me because the Truckee campus does not currently have higher math and laboratory classes like Calculus and Physical Chemistry (however the new Truckee campus may have more of these types of classes).
Time is Money
Plain and simple, when students finish a Bachelor’s degree they earn more money. If it takes more than six years to get your Bachelor’s via the transfer path – and for many it does – that means that for every additional year spend in school you earn significantly less than you would if you already had your Bachelor’s Degree. In many cases, this difference makes up for the higher price per unit University cost. With proper planning students can start at a Community College, transfer and get their degrees in four to six years. Good planning saves time and money.
Academic Preparedness: Take Rigorous Courses in High School
Studies show that regardless of whether or not you plan to attend a University or a Community College, the harder the classes you took in high school, the better you will do in college. In particular, students who took more than the minimum required Algebra 2 and English 12 are much better prepared for college level work. Taking college level classes in college costs money—taking them in high school is FREE.
Full Time Attendance is Critical
Full-time community college students are much more likely to successfully transfer than part-time students. This means studying must be a full-time job and working for money should take no more than 10 hours per week. Also, for each hour spent in a college classroom it is expected that the student spend two to three hours outside of the classroom studying and completing assigned work. The idea of saving money while attending Community College is very difficult for students who support themselves (i.e. pay rent).
Success Can Be Yours
Parents and students should begin educating themselves about the college admissions process in the 8th grade. Lengua Viva at Sierra Mountain Community Education Center (the old Middle School) is offering College Readiness for Families, a 12-session lecture series in English and Spanish (see side bar). The suggested fee for the entire series is $25 and fee waivers are available. Join us and help more Truckee students become college ready.
College Readiness for Families Seminar Series
Choosing a path to college is a complicated process. Rick Rantz, Dean of Sierra College at Truckee and Emily Wexler, Guidance Counselor at Lengua Viva Adult school have teamed up to help parents and students make informed choices about their postsecondary education.
Dates Topics
11/14/06 Time Line for College Applications
11/21/06 How to Choose a College: 2yr, 4yr, Public or Private?
11/28/06 Applying for Scholarships
12/05/06 How to Check Out a College Online
12/12/06 Financial Aid: System Overview
01/02/07 Financial Aid: College Price Tags
01/09/07 Getting the Most from College Visits
01/16/07 How to Choose College Ready Classes
01/23/07 College Vocabulary
Cost: $25 for series per family, fee waiver available. Location: Sierra Mountain Community Education Center (Old Middle School)
