April 29, 2003
A: FROM MENTOR KAREN PELLETIER IN MA
"All dreams are possible only believe."
I am all for continually growing and learning using education as your pathway. If your goal is to obtain a college degree, you will reach that goal. It may not be in the four years you had planned right out of high school. I would consider a nontraditional approach. Find a college that has the degree you are working toward which offers courses at night, during the weekend, or may allow you to take one or two courses at a time. You don't have to limit yourself to a community college. If you do make sure the courses you take will transfer to the degree program you desire. There are many ways to obtain a college degree with a nontraditional approach. I live on the east coast where many colleges offer you the ability to work toward a degree at night over a course of 7 years. Taking a course or two at a time may be easier on the budget since you would be working and earning money with a full-time job. The benefit is that you are acquiring occupational and professional skills. Have you looked into a co-op program? Northeaster has a co-op program. Unfortunately, it is a private institution so the cost may be higher. In a co-op program, you go to school for sometime period then you work in an industry (usually making more money) which you can then use to pay for education. Another alternative is finding a corporation that supports continuing education through financial assistance. I currently have two master's degrees that I obtained while working full-time. I would go to school in the evening or weekends. My MBA took me 5 years nights and my MEd. took me 2 years (I went summers.) Most corporations will pay for additional education if you are learning skills applicable to the position you are working. Most corporations have certain rules to obtain the funding so look into these first. The rules I worked under were, to obtain the financial aid you must be accepted into a degree program. Then apply for educational reimbursement from your company. You paid for the courses upfront. Once you completed your courses and obtained a grade of B or better, you would supply the information to the corporation and they would reimburse you. You had to stay with the corporation for over a year or they would request the funding back. Best of luck as you continue your education and obtain a degree!!
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A: FROM MENTOR DENISE HARBERT IN IL
Hi Jess! I have a slightly different perspective than what you've heard so
far. I know that an overwhelming number of mentors supported the idea of
community college, and I think that community college is an excellent place
for many students to begin their higher education. A LOT of my friends
used it as a stepping stone to a larger university. However, there is
something about the way you worded your question that made me think that
community college might not be the best choice for you. You said you HAD
YOUR HEART SET ON COLLEGE. If going away to a big university is one of
your lifelong dreams, then maybe you should think of community college as a
last resort. Set your sights on going to a big university and exhaust
every resource you can think of to get there.

If your family doesn't have much money, then you might qualify for a lot of
financial aid from the government. Mentor Charlene Cassidy already pointed
you to a great government web site (www.ed.gov). If you fill out the
financial aid form (I think it's called the FAFSA), the government will
tell you how much money you can get in grants and loans. Grants do not
need to be paid back - they're "free" money. Student loans do need to be
paid back, but you don't need to start paying them back until 6-9 months
after you leave school (payments are required when you leave school, even
if you leave before you graduate). Some loans are OK, but it's not a good
idea to expect everything to come from loans. You could end up graduating
with 40-50 thousand dollars in loans, which is a really dangerous way to
start your career.

There are a LOT of small scholarships available (a few hundred dollars
each). The smaller ones are often easier to get because the really
outstanding students usually don't think it's worth the effort to go for
the small dollar amounts. Your high school guidance counselor should have
a list of scholarships. If you know what university you're interested in,
go to their web site, contact their financial aid office, and ask them if
they have a list of scholarships. A lot of scholarship applications ask
similar questions, so you could write two or three standard essays and
re-use them for different scholarships. Generally, the best essays
describe hardships you've overcome and how determined you are to achieve
high goals (you don't have to know the major as long as you have a general
direction e.g., saying a SET bachelor's degree and hopefully graduate
school). Americans LOVE stories about people who start from nowhere and
work hard to rise above their conditions. (Just think about how many
movies have that theme!) The people who make scholarship decisions are no
exception. Write scholarship essays that describe any personal struggles
you've had that have made you want to go to college as badly as you do. Be
subtle but honest and your chances of winning will be better. My cousin
got into an excellent university after flunking several classes his Junior
year because his grades were A's and B's in the other 3 years and he wrote
a profound essay about how his mother's death that one year had emotionally
devastated him.

You should probably examine universities in your state because tuition is
lower for in-state residents than it is for students who leave their states.

Some universities have work-study programs. Work a full time job every
summer, particularly if you can get a job in an area related to your
major. Avoid spending money on things like clothes, hair, nails, spring
break vacations, etc. You can do that after you graduate and start making
more money. Don't work part time during school unless you're desperate for
money AND you're sure you can do it without letting your grades
slip. Don't plan to work your first semester of college. The first is the
hardest because you're learning where everything is, adjusting to life
without parents, and figuring out how to navigate the university "red
tape". Once you're in a university for a year or two, you might be able to
get a university job that pays more money than a regular part time job. I
worked for the math department grading papers and got a unique student
teaching job for a pilot program in calculus. Both jobs paid twice as much
as the shopping mall Music Land I worked at. Some friends of mine got jobs
as Resident Assistants in the dorms during their Junior and Senior
years. They were the people the younger students went to for advice and
referrals to university resources. That got them free rent and free food.

Finally, you might want to ask yourself whether you've got the internal
strength and courage of conviction to delay college or alternate between
work and college. This approach is a BAD IDEA unless you can HONESTLY say
that you want college MUCH MORE than anything else you can think of in
life. If having children or something else interests you the almost the
same as college does, then definitely pursue the community college route
before you even consider delaying college. Most students who "take a year
off" from school end up never returning. They spend the money they make on
other things, get married, and/or have children. Life just "gets in the
way" of school. That's why most mentors and guidance counselors strongly
discourage their students from choosing that route. However, I chose that
path, succeeded, and never regretted my decision.

I couldn't afford my dream either. I was a straight A student in honors
and AP classes throughout high school and had spent my whole life dreaming
of going to a big university and "reaching for the stars". Every adult I
knew tried to talk me into community college, but I flat out refused to
consider it. I wanted my dream and was determined to get it no matter
what. Instead of settling for a smaller, cheaper school, I did what
everyone thought was a huge mistake. I applied to my favorite in-state
university, got as much scholarship and grant money I could, and went to
college for a year until I ran out of money. Because I was terrified of
racking up a large student loan, I dropped out of school and moved in with
a family member who let me live there rent-free in exchange for doing
various household chores. I got two jobs, one working full time in a bank
and the other part time at a Music Land store. I worked two years, avoided
spending money on anything that wasn't necessary for my survival, and
eventually had enough savings to pay for two more years of school. I went
back to school, continued working part time, and constantly applied for
grants and scholarships. I eventually collected enough money to pay for
the fourth year of school without having to take another break in my
education. I graduated at the top of my class with honors, three majors,
and one loan for $878. I also earned a fellowship for graduate school and
got my Master's degree with a lot less effort.

Very few people have the will power to get their education that way, but I
am living proof that it is possible. To me, there was no risk in the
decisions I made because I knew I could count on myself to always do what
was best for me. It was incredibly difficult and I worked harder than most
people can comprehend, but I will be proud of my accomplishments for the
rest of my life. I wouldn't change any of my decisions.

Ask yourself who you are, what you want, and how much you're willing to
work and sacrifice in order to get it. If you are not good at really hard
work and a lot of sacrifice, then community college is probably the best
and safest route to go. You can get a good education there for a lot
cheaper and you can always transfer to a bigger university later. However,
if you are truly willing to "do whatever it takes", then figure out a way
to go directly to that big university you're dreaming of. You know who you
are better than anyone else. Just be honest with yourself about what you
are and are not capable of and don't let others dissuade you. When I was a
Senior in high school, my guidance counselor tried to convince me to go to
a community college against my will by asking me, "Wouldn't you rather be a
big fish in a little sea instead of a little fish in a big sea?" I thought
for a while and said, "You don't understand. I want to be a whale in an ocean.
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April 28, 2003
A: FROM MENTOR KRISTIN TAGHON IN ILJess,
I commend you on taking a positive approach and trying to figure out a way to
get where you want to be. My family also could not afford much for college so I
went to a community college for 2 years before heading off to a 4-year college.
Many community colleges are improving their courses and offer many of the
courses you may need to get into the 4-year college. Also, they offer some
GREAT 2-year degrees that may actually get you into the workforce much quicker!
If you can take classes at the community college and work to save money to go on
to the 4-year college, that would help. You could probably get a job at the
college or at a company to help you learn in your field of choice. That will
help you gain skills that will impress a future job interviewer.

I believe that going to a community college would benefit you and be a good
stepping stone to where you need to be.

Good Luck, Jess!
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April 25, 2003
A: FROM MENTOR CHARLENE CASSIDY IN SC
Jesse, I'm sure you are disappointed to find that you cannot afford to
do something that you had your heart set on. I wonder though, if you have
explored all of your options with regard to financial aid. Both the state
and federal government sponsor financial aid programs in the form of low
interest loans and/or grants. The amount/type of aid you receive is
income-based. Most colleges and universities have a financial aid office
that helps students determine what type of aid is available to them. If you
have applied to a specific college(s) contact the financial aid office there
to get some help. If you go to the US Department of Education website
(www.ed.gov), you will find information on Federal Financial Aid Programs as
well as links to other programs. You may also download the federal
application form from this site. Your high school guidance counselor should
also be able to help you find the forms you need and point you in the right
direction through the application process.

If you have exhausted all of your options and you still feel that you cannot
afford the college/university you want to attend right now, I think
community college is an excellent choice. You could take your basic core
courses and not spend as much as you would at a college. You would be able
to transfer some, if not all of the credits you take to a college/university
at a later date.
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A: FROM MENTOR ROSE CLARK IN PA
Hello Jess,
Taking classes at the community college is a good place to start, but I would not give up on college. My family could not afford to send me to college but I found that there were government grants and loans that help to pay the way. Neither of my parents attended college and they both had minimum wage jobs. I now have a PH.D in chemistry and teach at a smaller university. Have you spoken to the financial aid office at any colleges? Most colleges will do everything that they can to help you find the money you need, even if it means taking out loans. I had several loans when I finished but the education is worth it and I love my science job! I wish you the best of luck.
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A: FROM MENTOR DIANA DIONISIO IN CA
There is nothin wrong with takin classes at a community college. It saves money and you basically get general education out of the way. Since you're planning on transferring to your dream college, your diploma will say that college and nobody will know that you even went to a jc in the end on your diploma. Just make sure to work hard during those first two years because you're going to compete again to get into the school you want when you transfer.
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A: FROM MENTOR JUDY LONG IN CO
I would say yes,
definitely go to community college versus none at all.
I encourage Jess to look everywhere for financial aid
- start with the financial aid office at the community
college. I was in the same situation as she is and
found a lot of different types of financial aid
available. My father's place of employment offered
scholarships, there were scholarships based on
academic performance, student loans, work-study and
tutoring programs. I attended my community college
the first year on shcolarship from my father's
employer then transferred to a bigger university with
the help of academic scholarships and student loans.
I also worked part time during school and full time in
the summers. It wasn't easy but it was very well
worth it to be able to graduate from a good
university. It helped me get a good job after
graduation and pay back the loans quickly.
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A: FROM MENTOR JOAN LUSK IN RI
I do think it's a good idea. Many students start at community
colleges and transfer to 4-year colleges. Some community colleges
have agreements with 4-year colleges that students who succeed there
can transfer. Each4-year college has its own rules about transfer
credit, so it's a good idea in choosing the community college, your
courses and, later, your 4-year college, to look into the
transferability of credit, so you don't end up having to take many
more courses that the minimum to complete a bachelor's degree.

When you say you can't afford it, I'm taking you at your word,
assuming that you have already looked into what financial aid you
would get and carefully thought about how cheaply you might be able
to live. If you haven't done that, you certainly should. There are
many sources of scholarships (though I'm not prepared to endorse any
particular way of finding them, alas) and you should apply for any
that you are eligible for. You may be able to combine part-time
study with work for pay, and save up for full-time study later; with
luck, you might find work that help you to clarify your eventual
career goals and through which you learn useful skills. Living at
home saves a lot of money, and tuition at community colleges is
typically lower than at 4-year institutions.

Education is an investment in your future - it's worth doing without
things you want but don't really need in order to have the career and
life you want later. It's worth taking out some student loans - but
be careful to think about your expected future income and don't
borrow more than you can afford to pay back.

If you don't continue with school at all, the danger is that you
might get so busy with full-time work and/or with starting a family
that higher education becomes very difficult to start. Community
college is a way to keep in school, possibly part-time, and keep
yourself focused on your educational goals.

Very best wishes for you -
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A: FROM MENTOR MAMIE MOY IN TX
You will be able to take courses at the community college that are accepted
at almost all colleges. Many students begin their post secondary educational
experience at community colleges for a number of reasons. In many instances
the class size in community colleges is smaller than in many colleges and
universities. Your academic foundations will not suffer by attending a
community college before enrolling in a four year college or univerisity.
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A: FROM MENTOR MAUREEN O'BRIEN ROZENHART IN WA
Of course community college is a great idea!! Not all education
needs to come from a university and many, many excellent courses and
instructors are offered at community colleges. What matters is what you
want to do. If the career/s you're interested in have educational
requirements that can be met by going to a community college instead of
a university, by all means, save a few dollars. Another option is
Vocational or Technical colleges. Many times you can get very specific
training in a fields such as nursing, computer courses or automotive
tech, etc. at these type of colleges. Many universities also transfer
credits from the Voc Tech courses and just finish up all the
math/english/science type of degree prerequistes at a university later
if that's an option that comes available to you. And last but not
least, don't forget there are student loans out there if you reeeeeeally
want to go to that university. Anything is possible.
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A: FROM MENTOR ELEANORA ROBBINS IN CA
The more education, the happier people are, the more interesting lives they have, and the more money they have to do things. The opposite, therefore, is an unhappy, boring, and poor person. Which sounds like the kind of person you want to be? Here in California, many students begin their college educations at community colleges, and then transfer to main campuses after two years. They do this for four reasons—it is so much cheaper to attend, it is so much less of a monetary stress for families, the transition from high school to college is easier, and most universities make it simple to transfer credits.

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A: FROM MENTOR MARSHA SEGEBARTH IN INDIANA
Jess, I have taught at both a community college and four year institutions. I certainly encourage you to consider a community college at least for a year (perhaps two if you choose courses wisely)if finances are a problem. Community colleges provide a valuable service to their areas. The trick is to make sure you choose courses that you KNOW will transfer to the institution you eventually hope to graduate from. In order to do this, I advise meeting with a representative of that insitution or checking with the registrar concerning community college courses which they accept. I live in Kentucky. At present, all courses taken at a community college in Kentucky will transfer to the University of Kentucky as both hours and GPA points. Sometimes the four year institution will accept the hours, but the points earned (usually 4 points for an A, 3 points for a B, 2 points for a C, 1 point for a D) will not be entered into your cumulative GPA. If you have earned A's in those courses it is a shame not to get credit for them! At any rate, be sure to check with the Registrar of the 4 yr. institution concerning which courses they accept, and choose your community college courses wisely. Often, community colleges have smaller class sizes and are able to provide more one-on-one help. Be sure to check into financial aid at the community college, too. It is available! Good luck.
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A: FROM MENTOR MOLLY WILLIAMS IN MI
Absolutely! Please try taking courses at a community college. The
experience will introduce you to college level courses and let you
explore your career options. And be sure to talk with both your
high school and community college counselors about where you could
transfer to complete your bachelor's degree. There are scholarship
and work-study programs at many colleges that are intended for
students who must support themselves. There are some colleges that
are especially geared to students with limited economic resources.
Berea College in Kentucky is one that comes to mind; the college
requires that all students work in order to support themselves and
the college. You certainly can go to college even if your family
can't help pay for it.