Im a high school senior torn between two choices as of now. I can either choose to study engineering at Iowa State University or I can go to Harper community college for two years, save some money, and then transfer into a four year institution of a higher caliber such as University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, or University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign. I know the answer may seem obvious since a “full college experience” isn’t important to me and I would be saving a ton of money by taking the community college route, but what troubles me is the risk involved in making the decision to go to one. What I mean is, will I be behind if I transfer into a 4-year institution? I heard of some engineering majors who have transferred from their community college and found that it didn’t adequately prepare them for their new schools program, some even dropped out of the engineering program altogether. I know I’d put in the effort to do well in a community college and then later when I’d transfer to a 4-year, but if that route doesn’t fully prepare me for the degree as Iowa State’s 4-year program would, then should I just go to the 4-year institution right off the bat and not have to worry about transferring? Does anyone know of examples in which people have found success in engineering by taking the community college route? My ultimate plan is to earn a Masters degree in mechanical engineering and an education from a higher ranked institution than Iowa State would help in getting accepted into a top notch graduate school. I foolishly applied to few schools my senior year so now my only way of getting a degree from a top undergraduate program is by transferring into one from community college. If anyone is reading this, please let me know your opinions. Any input is greatly appreciated.
I know a guy who came to America when he was about twelve years old, went to community college and then transferred to ucla for his civil engineering bachelors. So yeah it’s possible. You just have to work extra heard