Image From Ohlone.edu
Community college is often overlooked among seniors in high school. However, it is an excellent option for many. Attending a community college allows for students to have a smooth transition into a 4-year university.
“I am planning on attending Ohlone and transferring to a UC in the future,” says WHS senior Johanna Laquian. “There’s so many perks in attending a community college first and I have a higher chance of getting into the university I want to attend.”
Counselors and advisors at community colleges also help students transfer to a 4-year college by assisting with course selections and mapping out their pathways.
Smaller classes and additional resources allow for more support in community colleges. Many students who go out-of-state or straight into a 4-year university are unprepared and some drop out because they are unable to adjust to their newfound independence. It is difficult for students to find appointments with counselors as well because of reduced flexibility.
Many seniors think that they are prepared for a 4-year university and treat it as their sole option for the future; however, this is not always a smart choice.
“Community college isn’t only smarter for minimizing debt, but also for utilizing tools like TAG to get the same degree,” Laquian adds. TAG, the Transfer Admission Guarantee program, is a helpful way for students attending community colleges to be guaranteed their desired UC. By attending local community colleges like Ohlone, students have the option to transfer to participating UCs: UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Merced, UC Riverside, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Santa Cruz.
Community college does not have to be a senior’s first choice, but it could be a good backup plan. Many seniors apply to a bunch of UCs but end up disappointed if they don’t get their first choice. These seniors can utilize helpful resources like TAG to go to a UC of their choice.
Community college students also have higher chances to attend more prestigious UCs like UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, or UCLA.
According to “Complex Pathways to Transfer: A Qualitative Comparative Analysis of the Transition From Community College to 4-Year University,” a lot of students are unaware of the resources that exist to assist them in transferring to a 4-year university. This is why schools should raise awareness about this option.
Attending a 4-year university straight out of high school is not the best option for a lot of people. Students should give community college a chance and plan their career pathways according to their own needs. Community college should not be looked down upon but as a second option because it is so helpful and resourceful.
Aysha Farooq is currently a senior at Washington High School. She grew up in Fremont and has lived there all her life. This is her first year at The Hatchet and she’s looking forward to writing about local news, politics, and opinions. In her free time, she enjoys going out, spending time with family and friends, and finding new shows and movies to watch. In the future, she wants to go to college and major in political science on the pre-law track.