Community colleges do not have a prestigious reputation. And even though they are not Ivy League, they have more to offer than meets the eye. Especially if you’re not sure what you want to do in life. It’s okay to feel hesitant about such a huge life decision as a teen. And community college provides tons of benefits and options to explore.
Besides, there are perks of attending this institution that you haven’t even thought about. Getting an education is greatly important. But so is a head start in your career and entire life. And it’s not always through prestigious institutions. So, ditch all the stereotypes or prejudices you might have about community college. And look into these reasons to apply to one.
A Better “Gap Year” Option
Let’s say you’ve decided to take a break after high school. And even though traveling for a year sounds exciting, it’s not usually a viable or practical option. In this case, starting a job is a much more sensible choice. However, it does not mean that you have to put your education completely on hold. And community college can be your solution to doing it all.
These educational institutions were designed to provide affordable and accessible education to busy people. Community college creates a safe and understanding environment. And professional writers can always fulfill your custom research papers or other request if you’re having a busy week at work. Thus, you have enough time to figure things out.
Accessibility
You can be sure to get into community college. Even if your GPA is not the highest. Community colleges have around 80% acceptance rate. That means that the majority of the applicants are getting in. So, if you happened to flunk your SATs, do not despair. Most community colleges do not demand them anyway. Anyone can try and anyone can get in. So, you have almost a 100% chance to get a year without putting your education on hold. You just get more time to work on your goals without sacrificing anything.
Honors Programs
But even if you’re a high achiever, there is something a community college can offer. You can apply for the honors program that targets excellent high school students. These programs allow you to work with the faculty one-on-one. That means designing your own research and getting a personal academic tutor.
You also have all the opportunities to study abroad programs. So, you get all of this support and opportunities for a fraction of the price. Not to mention that you don’t have to worry about whether you’ll get in or not. You most certainly will.
Affordable Tuition
Another huge benefit of community college is affordable tuition fees. The average cost for a year comes to around $4000, which is at least a few times less than the average cost of both state and private college programs. So, if you decide to start your education at a community college, be sure to save yourself a couple of thousands of dollars.
Besides, you are likely to afford the tuition without getting into student debt. And that’s quite a win. So, you can focus on saving money on tuition fees and always have some to pay for the best write my essay services when needed. This way, you complete your credits and do not compromise your job or education.
Scholarship Opportunities
You might not have a couple of thousand dollars lying around to pay for your tuition. But that does not mean that you need to get a student loan either. You can apply for a scholarship offered by community colleges as well. Of course, there is no guarantee that you get a full-funded one. But it’s worth a try.
The scholarship options are pretty much the same as in any college. That includes athletic scholarships as well. Make sure to do proper research first. There will be a scholarship that you’re eligible for. And if it won’t cover your tuition, you’ll at least save some good money.
No Moving Out
Another dollar-saving perk is the community college’s proximity to your home. Unlike with most unis, here, you don’t have to move into the dorms. So, you do not have to worry about finding a place to live for at least a year of your community college experience.
If attending community college is your version of a gap year, you’ll at least not have to worry about your living situation. And that will benefit both your wallet and mental health. Thus, you can figure out your plans and goals for the future in peace.
Flexible and Adaptable Schedule
As was mentioned before, you can easily combine community college with any job of your choice. These institutions take into account all kinds of schedules for their students. Since the majority of attendees are working at least a part-time job, you’ll have no problem making the needed arrangements. Thus, no missed classes and no missed shifts.
Easy to Transfer
You don’t have to choose between a community college and another school. You might not know where you want to study yet. Or you didn’t get into your dream school. Either way, community college is here for you to start your education and transfer at any time. The procedure is quite simple in comparison to other institutions.
So, you can always transfer credits without a huge fuss. And you have enough time to work on your application without stressing about being nowhere. Granted, you’d need a killer application essay to transfer. But it will be easier to write when you’re already attending a college and have proper guidance. And you won’t be losing any time on your way.
Wrapping Up
That’s about it. Give community college a chance for the best alternative to a gap year. With a high acceptance rate, you’ll get in easily and can even count on getting into an honors program with lots of perks. And all of this for the most affordable price that can be also partially covered by a scholarship. Besides, you won’t have to worry about your living situation for a year or how to adjust your working schedule to your studies. And finally, you can always transfer if you find a uni program that fits your career goals and needs.
