Select a Community College by Asking Common Questions - UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKERLEY

Not long after her secondary school graduation, Sofia Rodriguez of Elk Grove, California, measured her future choices and chose that going to a junior college was the most ideal approach to spare cash before exchanging to a four-year college.

That choice, then again, prompted another: With a few junior colleges in the territory, which one would it be a good idea for her to pick?

"I chose to go to Sacramento City College in light of the fact that it's somewhat more distant far from Elk Grove. I needed to experience seeing crisp faces and something else," says Rodriguez, 18, now in her first semester at the school. "It was most likely the best choice I've ever constructed, on the grounds that I do appreciate that sentiment autonomy. It's likewise somewhat more individual there, so I'm doing admirably with speaking with my educators."

With more than 1,100 junior colleges in the nation, as indicated by 2015 insights from the American Association of Community Colleges, forthcoming understudies might have a few grounds from which to pick. The way to assessing them, specialists say, is to make inquiries in view of individual objectives and needs.

[Discover reasons why secondary school graduates swing to group college.]

Sid Savara, a 2002 graduate of the University of Hawaii—Manoa, burned through two of his undergrad years as a volunteer counselor offering planned understudies some assistance with navigating the University of Hawaii framework, which incorporates seven junior colleges and three four-year colleges.

He says understudies ought to begin by taking a gander at their final objectives and inquiring as to whether the junior college they're considering is a solid match, whether for transitioning to a specific four-year college or specifically into the workforce.

For understudies going for a particular employment, Savara recommends searching for a junior college that is a solid match.

"Much the same as sure four-year colleges, junior colleges have qualities, as well. In Hawaii we have one junior college that is eminent for its culinary project, while another is known more for its hands-on specialized projects," says Savara. "So even with two-year degrees and testament programs, there are some grounds that could be more qualified for you than others."

Ryan Helsdingen had a four-year degree and a vocation in his sights when he selected in the Engineering Pathways program at Harper College in Illinois. Qualifying understudies who finish the project are ensured admission to the building school at the University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign. Secondary school starting courses in electrical designing had energized his craving to seek after a vocation in the field, Helsdingen​ says. ​

Numerous junior colleges offer professional or instructive pathways to outfit understudies with the particular capabilities they have to move to a business or a college partner.​

[Make the jump from junior college to a four-year university.]

Helsdingen, now 21 and in his senior year at the University of Illinois, says the pathways project was a key component in his choice to go to Harper College.

"Clearly do your exploration before you go into a junior college and ensure the classes they offer exchange to the college you need to go to," he says.

Sandra Kurtinitis, president of the Community College of Baltimore County in Maryland, says one way understudies can gage a junior college's dedication to their prosperity is to get some information about the admissions process.

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