Community College is an alternate college path, with its cost and resources differing from a traditional four year university. Many juniors and seniors weigh their options carefully, with a community college path being one of them. The questions for prospective students include: What are the differences between universities and community colleges? What benefits would you receive, and what aspects of the system may not correlate with your goals? Is community college a reasonable option for you? The pros and cons below may help some decipher these questions.

Pros

Community College is a less expensive option for college, or the beginning of your college path. With tuition at private universities rising 3-5% annually, the difference between community college and universities is almost 50%. 529 money is often accepted through community colleges as well. This is not the case for public and private schools.

Many people also find community college beneficial for getting their general credits done at a lower price before transferring to a public or private university.

Community colleges are also located in populated areas, in state, providing an easy location to get to, and possibly the opportunity to stay at home through college, instead of paying for a dorm.

Another pro is the class variety in times and topics. There is a selection of general education classes as well as individual career programs where you take a mix of general courses along with courses directed towards your career path. Timing of the classes is very flexible as well, with day classes and evening classes available.

These two factors produce smaller class sizes which helps students get a deeper level of learning with easier access to help from their professors. The flexibility has also been found ideal for things like holding steady jobs, teen moms, sports, etc.

Cons

As you may know, community college is a less expensive option. While it can be used as a tool to save money and help make a steady plan for your future financially, it can also be a place for less motivated students. Some worry these individuals could be a distraction in classes.

Another concern for people is the fact that most community colleges only offer two year Associate Degrees. While credits can transfer to four year schools, not all do, and it is something that needs to be looked into prior to attending community college if you plan on going for higher degrees.

Another thing some have found difficult is the transition from community college to a university due to the increase in intensity of the workload after the first two years at community courses. Some people are willing to modify and piece together a plan with various colleges, but for others it leads to be too messy and stressful.

Lastly, for those who are looking for the “college experience” on campus with things such as activities and clubs, community college may not fit the description of that because they primarily focus/provide the education aspect of college life.

Either path you choose to take, you will be getting college degree, helping you secure more job opportunities in the future. If you know what you want to major in, research programs at community colleges and universities. Compare curriculum and costs. If you aren’t sure what you want do for your future occupation, community college may be a good way to get your general courses done while thinking about your future plans.

Ask J.A.M.

Hey Scots! High school is a difficult time for the growing teen, and we would like to help others in this intimidating journey through Highland Park Senior High. It’s not easy to talk about your problems face to face with another individual, so we thought of starting an advice column here in the Highland Plaid Line. For our first article, we would like to introduce ourselves so our audience knows who they are spilling their hearts out to. “We” are J.A.M.: Jane Iverson, Alandra Hickman, and Michelle Bourassa.

Hi guys, it’s me Jane. I’m a sophomore. I know that high school can be hard and we are here to help. High school is a time where kids are figuring out who they are and who they want to become. That can be very confusing and hard sometimes, so if you ever need, or just want to talk, we are always here to help. Last year I played golf, and I figured out that wasn’t something I wanted to pursue. In my free time I enjoy reading mystery novels and spending time up north at Lake Superior. During school, when I’m not learning, I enjoy eating smothered burritos and mashed potatoes. J.A.M. believes in helping others and making this a safe environment for them.

I’m Michelle, a sophomore here at Highland. Last year, I wasn’t too thrilled about Highland or school in general. Over the summer, I made a promise to myself to maintain a positive attitude and spread happiness among our community. This is my first season doing cheerleading, and it is definitely the highlight of my day. It works with my loud persona, giving me a platform for all my energy. I love to laugh and make others laugh, so look out for me if you want to hear a funny joke during your day. Life is hard, so I like to try and ease others stress if only for a second. Despite being more of a “jokester,” I also have a very mature mentality. If you want honest advice, come to me. I believe in facing your problems head on before they face you. I hope to help anyone I can this year!

Hey everyone, I’m Alandra! I’m also in my sophomore year at Highland. Everyone has a different high school experience and I’m here to help make it better! High school offers a myriad of things that every person should be involved in. Here at Highland we have great sports programs, Link Crew, and a variety of clubs! Here at Highland I play JV and Varsity volleyball. While playing, I have made a lot of friends and learned so many things not only pertaining to volleyball, but also life. I’ve learned methods on how to juggle sports, homework, and my personal life. These are things that I am more than willing to help you with. We believe that school can be a wonderful place where we as students should be able to express ourselves and have a wholesome high school journey. If you need advice for anything concerning sports or academics I’m always here!

If you would like to talk to us, contact us at our Ask.fm: @askhighlandjam

College: for many this is the next big step in their life after senior year. There’s applying for college, applying for scholarships, then graduation comes right around the corner. Students are ready to move on into something even bigger and better than high school.

Every year, Saint Paul Public Schools have new students joining their student body to learn and grow as they prepare for the next step in their lives, which may include college.

High school in general is a whole new experience in a teen’s education. You have the opportunity to join lots of clubs, make new friendships throughout your school years, and learn intriguing skills from many of your teachers in high school. When you get to your senior year, it’s both exciting and scary because you’ve come so far and now you’re almost about to leave something so special that you can never repeat.

I wanted to ask a Senior this year about their thoughts on being where they are and thinking about where they are going. Sam B is a Senior, graduating this year, 2017.

“I’m happy and scared to be a Senior, but I’m also glad it’s my last year of high school.

I do feel, as a Senior, I have a responsibility to guide the underclassmen and help them get to where I am now.

I’m not sure what I plan to do when I’ve graduated, maybe either biology or film, but I do want to study at the U of M.

I’m excited for Senior year because of graduation, our class field trips, and you don’t have to take so many classes, and of course, PROM!

The advice I have for the underclassmen is: Do your homework on time, don’t be nervous all the time, have some fun, and make LOTS of friends.”

Some Seniors have different opinions about their year, and that is common, but sometimes their thoughts about high school change once they reach college.

I connected with a Highland Park Senior who graduated just last year to see his point of view about where he is now.  

James Farnsworth: is a Highland Park High School graduate of 2016. He was involved with Youth in Government and was a member of various other clubs and activities, including The Plaid Line. 

“College is a big transition for an only child! I am settling into dorm life. I’m getting familiar with the campus of my college. I take four classes which are not so difficult so my schedule balances out nicely.

I go to the University of Minnesota Twin-Cities. I’m enrolled in the College of Liberal Arts but I’m still undecided on a major.

Two of the classes that I take are Oceanography, and Analysis of Argument.  

You must be independent, motivated, and able to encounter different situations and use a variety of problem-solving skills. There are a lot of things that you do on your own in college.

I went off to college because it was pretty much the expected path to take after high school for me. There was never really another thought of what I’d do. I wanted to be certain and positive about moving onto the next stage in my life.”

Students want to do their very best in school so they can keep moving onto something even bigger in the future. Each student has a different path they take in their education depending on what they are interested in doing for their career choice. One thing that students highly suggest to do while in high school is PSEO: Post Secondary Enrollment Options.

PSEO is a program that allows 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students to earn both high school and college credit while still in high school. Many students from Highland Park say that doing this program now in high school will really help you with basic level colleges classes that you would normally start when you have graduated and moved on to college. For more information, visit the PSEO section on Highland Park webpage: http://highlandsr.spps.org/domain/2785

High school is very exciting and interesting. You don’t know what you might get involved with in your four years of school. Then, before you know it, you’ll start to think about college: What do you want to do? Where do you want to go? How soon can I start to apply? The one thing to always keep in mind is what is going to be best for you.