Cheap Four-Year vs. Community College

Transfer Students
1

<p>I'm trying to decide between community college and a local university. The university is a tier 2 school (the uber safety for lots at my high school), and it's close to being the same price as a lot of in-state community colleges.<br>
I'm looking into the honors programs for both (not difficult to get into either).
I didn't do as well as I would've liked in HS and had subpar SAT scores (which I plan on retaking). I hope to transfer to one of the Ivies or an equally rigorous school. </p>

<p>It seems like a lot of the more selective schools give special consideration to CC students because of the diversity aspect, overcoming of adversity, etc. I've dealt with plenty of hardship, but I feel like being a vertical transfer would grant me a little more understanding from the admissions committees (bc rough starts are more common among cc students). I wouldn't select an institution to manipulate adcoms; I like CC for many reasons, while the local university is best for convenience. I'm wondering if choosing one would have any sway, though. Would the committees consider the price factor and lackluster academics (generally, the fact that the four-year would be my CC equivalent) if I chose the university? I know applications are reviewed wholistically, but I'm worried that I wouldn't measure up to other four-year transfers, since many are coming from other great uni's or tested really well in high school.<br>
Am I completely wrong in my thinking? I hope I didn't offend anyone. I don't think the transfer process is any easier for CC students, but I've gotten the impression that the things committees consider differ depending on where you start.</p>

2

<p>I don’t regret starting at a four year school. (In fact, a CC was never in the picture). But as someone who transferred from a four year school, it seemed like there was a lot more information/ resources about transferring from a community college than a four year school. An advantage of going to a community college is that everyone expects these students to transfer. Another advantage of going the CC route is that some 4 year colleges offer scholarships for community college students who are in the honor society ([Phi</a> Theta Kappa - Honor Society](<a href=“http://www.ptk.org/]Phi”>http://www.ptk.org/)). That being said, applicants are still “competing” with other applicants who had “nearly” perfect high school and collegiate records.</p>