Community College for Gen Ed

Applying to College
1

Hi everyone! I am asking this question for one of my best friends! He is very bright and heavily involved in ECs. He will be in NHS and already has a pretty big writing award (about to be a junior). Obviously he has yet to take the SAT, so unfortunately, I don’t have that crucial part of information. But anyways, he is an only child and his parents REALLY want him to stay close to them (Southeast PA - must stay in PA, school must be Catholic and not in a big city). In fact, they told him to think about going to a community college to get his general education requirements done, then transfer. They said it would save a lot of money (which is obviously true), but also they really really want him close.

I was wondering how that would look on a transcript, when transferring, or even applying for jobs in the future?

I know community college isn’t bad but this kid is really bright and I think if he applied to King’s College, or Chestnut Hill (just listing less selective, but good Catholic schools), I really think he would get an awful lot of money. I’m basing this assumption on the fact that several kids from my school get great deals from such places, and don’t have my friends academic record or achievements, So because of this I’m kind of against him going to Community college (from what he says, I get the impression his parents want him to go more for the proximity, rather than financials).

I know I’m overstepping my bounds in posting this, cause I know that’s family business, but I just wondered how cc would look on a resume. And I don’t know if I should encourage the community college or the other schools…I know I’m overstepping my bounds but I just want what’s best for him! Thanks :slight_smile:

Also, my friend is interested in science, chemistry in particular, so i don’t know how good cc is for laying a strong foundation in that area, if one was to later major in it. Thanks again! :slight_smile:

2

CC won’t even show up on his resume unless he wants to put it there. The school from which you graduate goes on the resume. Don’t overthink this.

3

I believe only about 30% of college diplomas are awarded to people who do the 4-5 year residency stereotype of college. What you’re describing is actually more common than you think. Trust your friend. He’s not blind to his options. If he thought it was worth pushing back and cutting ties and going away, he would. You’ve said your piece. Support him fully and be a good friend.

4

He should not worry about resume and reputational aspects of starting at a CC if he transfers to a four year school and earns a bachelor’s degree later.

However, the quality of CCs for transfer aspirants does depend on the state. Perhaps someone in PA may know more, although it seems that in PA, the CC role for transfer aspirants is mainly fulfilled by the more expensive Penn State branch campuses.

It may be a good idea for him to apply to four year schools to see what kind of net prices he can get in order to make a cost comparison with the CC->transfer route (if he gets a really big scholarship or something, going directly to a four year school may be cheaper). However, his parents’ restrictions of a very nearby Catholic school may limit the options (neither Catholic schools in general nor PA publics have good reputations for need-based financial aid).

ACS approved chemistry majors are listed at https://webapplications.acs.org/Applications/CPTASL/app_list_search.cfm?CFID=20768&CFTOKEN=8ec3ab9325b1130-50570BDB-0E75-DE27-E74D51ABD8CD0569&jsessionid=B1D35AE1381DADFBE0E28ACC1E030E05.cfusion .

5

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate all the thoughtful insight! :)) this helps a lot!