Junior College vs. University
Aug 18 '00 (Updated Dec 29 '00)
First, I would like to say that I feel an education is one of the most valuable traits a person could possess. Throughout life one will face many changes, and deal with many loses. However, there is one thing that can never be taken away from someone...and that is their knowledge.
For those that decide to continue their education beyond high school, one imperative decision will have to be made. Should they apply to a four-year university or should they start out at a junior college and then transfer to a university? For some the decision is clear, a four-year university, without a doubt. But for many, there is uncertainty, and this is the group of students I am directing my Epinion to.
I have had the opportunity to work with many high school students. From my experience I know there are a great number of students who do not fully understand how a junior college could be beneficial to them. Making the decision to attend a junior college instead of a four-year university is a very practical and wise option for some students. Unfortunately, there seem to be many misconceptions about junior colleges. Below are three main concerns students have approached me with when considering a junior college.
Misconception #1
First of all, there is the misconception that students who attend junior colleges are students who are less inspired, have no set objectives, or are simply "clueless" about what they want to do with their lives. There tends to be this stigma that says "students from a junior college are inferior to those of a university". Now this may sound immature and childish, but it's true. Many high school students feel the pressure to attend a "university" because they feel it sounds or will be more impressive to other people.
The truth is people attend junior college for a variety of different reasons. There are many students attending four-year universities under the major of "undecided" also. Parents, teachers, school counselors, and friends need to assure students that it's not what college a student attends that is important, rather it's the fact that they do attend any college.
Misconception #2
Another misconception is that most students attend a junior college because they can not be accepted to a four-year due to low G.P.A. (grade point average) and/or test scores. Again, the stigma of inferiority.
Of course this is true for some, but it should not be a reason to discredit a junior college. There are many students at junior colleges who do have high G.P.A.s and test scores, and could be accepted into a university. Why would they decide NOT to attend a university? For one good reason...money. Unfortunately many parents don't set aside or can't afford to set aside money to pay for the higher education of their son/daughter. Unless a student is blessed with a scholarship or takes out a student loan...the finances for a four-year are just not there. A junior college is a great opportunity to NOT apply for that high interest student loan or save a great deal of money.
Misconception #3
Some people have the "you get what you pay for" attitude towards junior colleges. They feel that because it is less expensive, the quality of education must be less.
Not true! Now keep in mind I'm speaking of the first 2 years of a college education. In these first 2 years the focus is usually on general education and not the major. Let's compare a freshman student at a junior college and freshman student at a university. Whether the student takes college algebra, speech, or psychology 101, by the end of the semester both students will have learned the exact same subject, there is no difference. What about the difference of quality and experience of the professors? Well many of the professors at junior colleges also teach at other colleges, four-year universities included. On many occasions I have herd a professor at a junior college say "I also teach this exact same class at "X University" (with a different price tag!).
Final Thought
My advice to students considering a junior college is to weight the pro's and con's. For students who only want a two-year degree such a an A.A. (Associates Degree in Arts) or A.S. (Associates Degree in Science), junior college is the answer. For students who have a low G.P.A., a junior college can be the opportunity for them to raise their G.P.A. and get excepted into the major program of their choice at a university. If the finances for a four-year are not available this is the chance to save a large amount of money and NOT take out a loan. To the student still uncertain: Research junior colleges and universities near you, visit both campuses, talk to current students at the colleges, and ask your parents or school counselor for their input. Make the decision that is right for YOU. Take advantage of the opportunity for growth in yourself and in your education!
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