<p>I still don't understand how the college certificate/degree system works. </p>
<p>Here is what I plan on doing:
- Community college for Biology/Biochemistry (associates degree or certificate?!*)
- 4 Year university for Biochemistry (B.A. degree)
- UC Davis for Forensics (Masters) </p>
<p>*As I am looking at community colleges to go to, none of them offer certificates for biochemistry, but they have classes for it. If I am transferring into a 4 year university, do I not need to worry about getting my associates degree? And in that case, would I be getting a certificate? If theses schools offer the classes I want but don't have a certificate, should I not go there?</p>
<p>Anyone? Please!</p>
<p>Why are you looking at community colleges?</p>
<p>If you go from a CC to a 4-year, it is not required to get a certificate or associate’s from the CC. </p>
<p>If you go to a CC for the first two years with an intention to transfer to a 4-year, you’ll likely take a standard arts & sciences curriculum. You won’t get into the major until you get to the 4-year institution. With something like biochemistry, it’s possible it will take you five years.</p>
<p>I am looking at community colleges to save money. I am ending my junior year of high school without a job, although I recently had an interview for a receptionist position and it is looking very good. But, I have little to no money saved up, and unless I get a full ride scholarship at a 4 year university, I really would rather not pay the high tuition for all 4 years. Also, I plan on going out of state, so the tuition for a community college, as an out of state student, would be less than that of a 4 year university’s.</p>
<p>Okay! Thank you :-)</p>
<p>Wait a minute…you’d be willing to pay out of state tuition to go to a community college? That is borderline nuts. The education at most 2-years is just not at the same standard as most 4-years. You sacrifice resources, amenities, services, and a number of opportunities to to go a CC, typically in exchange for a low expenditure. On its face it does not make sense to go to an out of state CC.</p>
<p>If you have the resources to go to an out of state CC, then spend them instead on going to an in-state 4-year.</p>
<p>If you are an OOS student worried about finances, then you cannot afford to get an undergrad degree in CA. Plain and simple. </p>
<p>Go to a college in your home state (or in a state that has reciprocity agreements with yours).</p>
<p>@mikemac </p>
<p>I’m not looking to get my undergrad in California.</p>
<p>@lynxinsider</p>
<p>Are you sure?</p>
<p>I know I will be taking out a student loan regardless. You really think I should pay the 30k for out of state at a 4 year?</p>
<p>Why aren’t you looking at in-state schools? Public colleges in your own state will likely be more affordable than an out of state one.</p>
<p>@reeinaz</p>
<p>So, the two biggest reasons why I am looking at going out of state:
- My boyfriend and I want to split rent and live on our own, but stay in his home state of Washington.
- I don’t have my permit or my license, although I have passed my written test, I would much rather live in an area where I can safely ride my bike a couple blocks down the road to my school.</p>
<p>I haven’t really seen many places in New Jersey like that, except by the beach maybe, and I’m sure it’s extremely expensive. My parents have repeatedly asked me to live with them, but I have told them that even with Raritan Valley CC, which is closest to me, I would have to drive.</p>
<p>My boyfriend is 4 years older than me, so he will be out of college with a full time job by the time I leave to live with him. So he may even be able to pay the full rent by himself, and then I would gladly pay for the groceries, the internet bill and what not.</p>
<p>Basically, I won’t be completely out on my own, but I am dead set on going out of state.</p>
<p>No, I don’t think you should pay $30k for out of state. I think you should pay $10k for in-state. Kean University is like 30 minutes away from Raritan Valley. If you lived with your parents, you could take a freaking taxi to class every day. Better yet, get a freaking license. </p>
<p>Following a boyfriend across the country to go to a CC is just disaster waiting to happen. You’ll get a far better education staying put in NJ. If he’s 4 years older that means he’s got like 1 year left in college and then he could come east to be near you. My wife and I were high school sweethearts and were apart for a year in college. Not a big deal.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>THIS</p>
<p>Are you nuts OP? Don’t bury yourself in debt or settle for a lesser education just to be with your boyfriend. There are plenty of opportunities to you see your boyfriend over breaks and throughout the summer, you won’t go an entire year without seeing him.</p>
<p>@lynxinsider</p>
<p>thanks! wow that’s the best freaking advice i’ve ever freaking recieved. your the freaking best!</p>
<p>@dfree124</p>
<p>I am not going to settle for a lesser education and I’m not going to bury myself in debt. I know what I want, I know what I don’t, and I know what I’m looking for. </p>
<p>My question in this post has already been answered.</p>