Choosing the right college or university is a very important decision. If you don’t know where to apply to, the following can help you figure out which is better — a community college or a university.
Pros and cons of studying at community colleges
When you are the type of student who wants easy access to your instructors so you can easily consult any problems you have in your subject, then a community college is for you. This type of school tends to have fewer students in a class so there is a greater teacher to student ratio leading to more interaction. However, a community college may only offer an Associate of Arts degree and not a full four years degree that’s offered at universities. But these associate degrees are extremely useful for those who will eventually decide to go to a university.
In terms of the transition period from high school to the next level, a community college is easier though you are going to miss the independence part – living away from home – since most community colleges rarely offer housing inside the campus. But the best part is that this type of school will surely shed less of your money saved for college education since it has lower tuition rates.(1)
Pros and cons of studying at universities
Universities offer higher degrees such as the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctorates. But due to the high number of students, many classes in big universities are conducted at huge auditoriums full of students, each one trying to comprehend the lecture. Students are more often burdened by their tiresome experiences in trying to fit in to the schedule of their busy professors who are devoted to their whole publish-or-perish game. However, it can’t be denied that some university professors are some of the best among their chosen fields and once they are inside the classroom, no one can refute their excellence. The university environment requires a lot of adjustments. But this can be a proper training ground before you enter the real world. Just keep in mind that a university education is more expensive than any other community college education.(2)
About myself: what would suit you
Even before your write your “about myself” essay or admissions essay which is a common requirement for both institutions, you have to be aware of what you really want, and that includes whether you like to study in a community college or in a university. The right decision for your school of choice basically depends on your personality, and the type of environment that you find to be more conducive for learning and where you will be more productive. Basically, your “about my self” essay should have an explanation on why you want to study in a certain institution. So be sure that you write an honest “essay on myself” to land that spot in your dream school.(3)
(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community_college
(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University
(3) http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2008-07-12-college-essays_N.htm
A crucial decision that a new high school graduate faces is this: should I go to the community college or a university? Which one is better for me? Take your time when you mull over this, for this is one of the most important decisions you’ll be making in your young life. The following are some things to consider to alleviate the difficulty of choosing.
Expenses
A lot of community colleges cost much less than the tuition in the university. Still, when you opt to go to the latter, and your finances are not enough to fund the tuition, do not despair. Bear in mind that there are a lot of scholarships out there. Fact is, if you would go through some sample of admissions essays online, you would find mention of these matters as the theme of their “sample essay about myself.”
The transition phase
If you think you would be intimidated in your freshman year at a university for whatever reasons, then consider going to a community college. After all, community colleges are less populated and thus have an intimate learning environment.
Housing and place
A crucial factor is the place of the school. Assuming it is far from your place, then you could be forced to reside in a dormitory. Many universities have housing accommodations for their students, whereas, community colleges seldom have this. Naturally, a strong reason why many go to community colleges is the proximity factor.
The separation issue
The typical university gives courses on a myriad of specializations. For some community colleges, one could get a degree in Associate of Arts only.
Be it a university or a community, you would probably be required to give admission essays, and before you do so, go through other sample essays online with the theme “sample essay about myself.” This requirement is important, as today’s admissions committees – generally speaking – are very discerning and particular.
Photo Credit : epugachev
