Community College vs 4-Year University (degree, school, retaking, best)

[mchelle]

I attended a 4-year university in Wisconsin and did horribly. It was totally my fault - a combination of immaturity, stress and mental issues. I dropped out two semesters in a row, appealed (and won) both times after that. I ended last semester with abysmal grades in academic probation.

One option now is to pay for 9 credits out of pocket and then be allowed to receive financial aid (it gets frozen when one is on academic probation). I could apply for a personal loan through the credit union I work at to pay for 9 credits and then continue to attend this institution.

OR I could apply at a local community college affiliated with the 4-year school. This school guarantees transfer to any colleges in the University of Wisconsin system, including Madison.

I'm a bit stuck. I want to raise my grades in the first school by retaking courses, and I love the city the school is in. On the other hand, I'm not sure I'd even qualify for a personal loan and I feel like I should punish myself for being such a moron and just stay in this crappy area (close to family ) for a couple more years at the 2-year school. I'd save a bit of money on tuition which doesn't hurt, but I will need to pay to send my transcripts and whatnot. I would be getting a teeny tiny studio apartment if financial aid allows for it, so there wouldn't be much of a change in COL either way.

What would you do? (Besides not doing terribly in the first place. )

[DFWgal]

CC all the way.

[BigDGeek]

I don't see the stigma attached to doing your basics at a community college. We are extremely lucky in Dallas County to have a superb system of community colleges that teach not only the first two years of "basics" for students preparing to transfer to a 4-year school but continuing/adult education and vocational degree courses as well. CCs are a treasure.

If it will save you money and you are sure the credits will transfer, go for it. Just don't assume that CC courses will be easy; they're often not. Open admission doesn't mean that they're going to take it easy on you!

[StinaTado]

Look at the CC as a chance to start over. It will give you a chance to prove to the school you want to attend that you can now do the work. A good year or two at CC will help you make up for your rough start.

[StinaTado]

PS, You sound like you've got your head on straight and you're ready to work, so keep that focus and knock 'em dead with awesome grades from the CC. I bet you'll find that once you build some momentum now that you're really motivated, you'll succeed both at the CC and at Madison. Best of luck!