Seniors! The time is here for you to make the biggest decision of your life: “Where am I going for college?” For many, the process can feel very overwhelming and impossible since this choice can shape your future, but does it really have to be this stressful? When it really comes down to it, is a four-year university the best option, or could it be a community college?
Four-year universities often have a better and stronger reputation amongst students because of the notion that they are more prestigious. And while this is the case for some universities, not all of them live up to that image. Many students are also drawn to the idea of a “classic college experience” that is often portrayed on TV, and that can sometimes be severely overhyped. YLHS senior Zoe Turner (12) shares, “I want to go to a four-year program because it’s a great chance for me to figure out what I’m really interested in, grow as a person, and start moving toward my career goals with all the opportunities the university has to offer.” Ultimately, a four-year university is a great option for students seeking growth and opportunity.
Many students tend to be repulsed by the idea of attending a community college because they assume it’s a place for the high school “slackers.” While that stereotype is very much real, it’s far from the whole truth. Especially when many four-year universities with high acceptance rates have a similar mix of students. The reality of the matter is that community colleges offer just as many opportunities for success, often at a much lower cost! For four years, they allow students to explore different majors, save money on general education classes, and later down the road, transfer to top universities. Kyle Briones (12), a YLHS senior, states that she wants to go to a community college because, “I don’t want to have any student loans. Also, my parents are successful in attending a community college, so if they can do it, so can I.” So for many students, like Kylie, community college is not a fallback by any means but a smart and strategic first step toward their future.
At the end of the day, you shouldn’t stress too much about where you want to go. Every person is different, so there is not one right answer on where you should go. What matters the most is finding a place that fits you the best.
