I need some college advice *Update: Accepted AGAIN!*

[pomtzu]

Any form of higher education is a plus - be it CC, trade school, or university. You almost sound to me like you are thinking of yourself as a failure for not being accepted at one of the universities you applied to. You need to get that out of your head. Think positive, and know that you are already in the winner's circle for even applying to these schools. No matter which you choose, it can only lead to a better life for you. Don't be embarrassed and apologize for the school you ultimately choose - just know that it was your decision and you are definitely moving forward with your goals. GOOD LUCK!!!!

p.s. Even tho my granddaughter is going to MU - she absolutely HATES NJ. Only 4.5 years to go......

[Pembroke_Corgi]

I think community college is a great choice, especially if you are the least bit unsure of what to major in. Plus, you may get into the other 2 schools you applied to. If not, don't take it personally- it's getting harder and harder to get in anywhere. I have a master's degree and am currently working on my PhD- so I've had a good 7 years post-HS education- and I can say that I enjoyed community college more than the big state university I started at.

I HATED having 300+ students to a lecture then getting the "real" teaching by a grad student who had no idea how to teach. You don't even really need to take 2 years at CC if you don't want to- I ended up taking credits here and there and earned about 40 or so that went towards my BA.

Rejection really, really sucks. When I first applied to grad schools 5 years ago, (I think I applied to 3 or 4), I got rejected by all of them. But, you know what, I ended up deciding I wanted to go into another field anyway and got into a top institution later in a different field. You never really know how things will turn out.

And about the HS thing...there are people everywhere, at every age, who sometimes make things like high school, unfortunately. You would not believe some of the adults I have worked with in the past. However, you sound like you are more mature than that and could avoid those situations. And as long as you get involved in something on campus I don't think you'll have any trouble making new friends even if you don't live in the dorms.

Anyway, best of luck with whatever you decide.

[Pembroke_Corgi]

Oh yeah, I thought of something else to add. Aren't there any schools you are interested in with application deadlines still open?? It's early January so I would imagine there must be some. Good luck!

[Karen]

Community college would be a fine place to start, and it's not "just like high school" in that no one is being forced to go there! Keep it as an option, and many school make you get through freshman year before declaring a major anyway, so don't stress about that too much right now. And the three majors you have listed have many of the same basic requirements anyway - so wherever you go you can take your basic college biology and sciences and then decide!

Your sister's friend who cries in her car between classes obviously has other issues than just being at Community College - there are plenty of people there and if you reach out, you'll make friends!

[Marigold2]

CC are great. Less tuition, usually closer to home, smaller classes and more of a communtity feel. All my kids started there as did my niece who went on to become a vet. Why pay double of triple for a four year school to just take the basics? The smart move is to start at a CC get your basics down and then transfer to a four year school with those great grades you got.
Best of luck to you.

[Asiel]

Sounds like you took a blow to your self esteem because of that one rejection. Look at it this way, the school doesn't really matter but the fact that you're looking to better yourself and continue your education is a big plus in my book. A good education, no matter where you go is something you will never regret. I think I'd go along with starting at CC , save some $$$ and decide where you want to take that education for the next term. Be proud that you opted to continue your education...

[cassiesmom]

Our local community college has transfer arrangements with several local 4-year schools to make it easier for students to transfer to a bachelor's program. They streamline the process of having your credits evaluated and getting enrolled at the 4-year school. I know two people who have done it that way.

My niece's academic adviser told her that she should consider colleges in 3 categories- those you know you can get into; those you're pretty confident of getting into; and "in my wildest dreams" schools. She ended up at a school she had no doubts of getting into, and it is working out okay so far.