Thursday, August 6, 2015

How Community College Can Benefit You

An education is an important life goal for many people, and a gateway to countless employment opportunities later in life. Whether you are a high school student examining your options for after graduation, or an adult looking to further your career, the skills and knowledge gained in an undergraduate institution forms the basis for success down the road. Unfortunately, the education does not come cheaply, and some people may not meet the academic requirements needed for admission. But all hope is not lost - for many prospective students, community college offers an accessible and beneficial alternative to four-year institutions.

In an era of soaring tuition rates and widespread problems with student loan debt, these institutions offer an affordable way students to achieve the education they deserve. No matter what your area of interest or intended major, you can find a program that suits your goals, whether it's an artistic endeavor like creative writing, a humanities study like philosophy, or a hard science like biology.

As far as four-year schools are concerned, every institution has its own rules for what credits can transfer and what can't. However, a community college can have agreements in place with four-year schools that allow for the easy transition of their credits into four-year programs. Some state schools will even go as far as to guarantee entrance as a third-year student to those who have successfully completed two years of study.

In large institutions, students can be little more than another face in the crowd, or the last four digits of their social security number on blue exam booklets. Most community schools keep their class sizes small, so it is easier for professors to form personal relationships with their students. It also helps students form relationships with their fellow students - in addition to forming study groups for mutual academic help, students can form lasting friendships as well.

Unlike four-year institutions, most community colleges don't put pressure on their faculty to publish or pursue research projects that take them away from the classroom. That means that the professor teaching your class is solely dedicated to educating students and providing them with personal attention. Many teachers have real-world experience in their fields, allowing you to get practical advice on how to enter and thrive in the workforce.

Many community colleges have arrangements with local businesses and industries as far as internships and work placement. Some even allow students access to their facilities and technology, allowing you to experience first-hand the real-world application of the skills you learn in the classroom. In addition, they offer numerous student support services, such as tutoring programs, study workshops, and career counseling, as well as English as a Second Language programs for international students.

Finally, a community college offers students - for lack of a better term - a community. For students who cannot or don't wish to move to another city, or who are passionate about serving their local area, these schools are a great way to get an education that is close to home.

One great Michigan college is Southwestern Michigan College. Lear more about the institution here: http://www.swmich.edu.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Stratton



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