<p>I've done some research on what the benefits are in earning an associates degree. I'm not against the idea at all. My ultimate goal is to transfer to the University of Kansas (KU) and earn a journalism degree. </p>
<p>I currently attend a community college in Kansas. Small story short, this community college has a good reputation. There's always a mis-conception that community colleges are for only bad students. However, some of my teachers teach at a four-year school. I had an economics class and my professor taught at KU and at the community college. The lectures and tests are exactly the same. </p>
<p>He told my class that he was pleased with our second test, not because we did well, but because we were far better than his KU students, who took the exact same test. So I guess you could say this isn't a cake-walk community college.. </p>
<p>Anyway, my counselor at this college has my planned schedule for this fall and spring. She told me that I only need to take one more class to earn an associates degree and that would be a physical education class. The people who've awarded me with scholarships have also suggested that I pursue the idea. </p>
<p>Before, when I had the same major (but different choice of school to transfer to a year ago..long story short: I wanted to go to Missouri, but I'll be at this community college for one more year, junior year, to get the KU requirements since I decided to go for in-state.) my mom was concerned that some programs from some schools would consider it a disadvantage and you won't be the first in line to get accepted into the program, depending on the program and school. </p>
<p>There is a counselor from KU who comes to our community college once a week and meets with students who are interested in transferring to KU. I asked her if having an associates degree would be good or if it would be to my disadvantage. She whispered so other employees of the community college would not hear her and she said it would be a disadvantage and I should focus on just transferring. She didn't provide any reason for that. </p>
<p>I shared those details with my counselor and the people who provided me scholarships and were surprised and wondered how it would be a disadvantage. They say when you fill out transcript forms and fill out applications to four-year schools, like KU, they'll like to see that you have a degree going into their school from a community college. They also said it would be good when you fill out scholarship applications and if they ask if you have earned any degrees. </p>
<p>Another student from my school who I met this summer told me that it's also good for summer jobs as well. </p>
<p>Can getting an associates degree be a disadvantage for some programs and schools? If so how? Does that mean you may not receive a scholarship? Do some programs/schools just flat out not want you to have a degree? </p>
<p>I'm going to get in touch with the KU journalism folks I met with during my visit in April. However, I did want advice from some of you and find out if any of you were ever told that getting an associates degree was a disadvantage. I'm not shutting the door on this idea if there are lots of benefits.</p>
<p>I need opinions from an unbiased stand point. Mainly, if I find out the degree will help me get scholarships at KU, I'm more than willing to get it.</p>