community college: the good and the bad?

Student Lounge International Students
1

<p>Is community college and then transferring a good idea for international students? I slacked off soph and junior year, so my GPA is on the lowish side at 3.3. Assuming I get really good grades in challenging classes in a community college, and fill my curriculum, what are the chances of a decently good university taking me in? I would still need near-full aid then, and this is what I have the most reservations about: isn't there virtually no aid at all for international transfers? Would this still apply if transferring from community college?</p>

<p>I have an excellent resume, great recs, a decent art portfolio, pretty good SAT (1990, not taking it again, will take 3 subject tests for projected 700-750ish) 119 out of 120 iBT TOEFL (english is not my first language, spanish is. I also speak japanese). But still, 3.3. And really high need.</p>

<p>As it stands now I could try for some international-friendly LACs like Grinnell, and they would be reaches, but I wonder if I spent two years at community college and really pulled up my GPA I would have better chances— or if actually I'd only be worse off for the sketchy chances afforded to international transfer applicants who also happen to need tons of aid.</p>

2

<p>If you “need tons of aid” you should be thinking about other options than studying in the US. Every college/university here will be a “reach” for you because of the financial issue. Very few institutions award “tons of aid”, and you would have to bring something very, very, very interesting to the table to attract that kind of money. A 3.3 is OK, but it probably isn’t interesting enough. And you are absolutely correct that financial aid for even US transfer students very difficult to come by.</p>

<p>Community Colleges are usually the least expensive option for university-level education in the US. However, many of them do not have housing, so you would have to be able to rent an apartment on your own, or find a place that you can share.</p>

<p>You also need to take a look at specific rates of transfer admission to 4-year institutions for students who have the major(s) you are interested in. Where do those students end up? Do they get any kind of scholarship money? Does that department have a formal articulation agreement that will guarantee admission to a 4-year program if you complete a particular series of courses and earn a particular GPA?</p>