Story by Alyssa Jara
Assistant Editor
When thinking of college most young students think of big universities and aspire to attend one, but once their senior year comes around they might realize that a community college might not be a bad choice.
Bishop Amat’s College Center provides a lot of useful information for those who are undecided in which college is right for them.
College Counselor Mr. Michael Scott believes that there are many advantages for students choosing to go to a community college.
“It is definitely a good option because some people might pursue options that are available to them at a two year college, such as a two year degree in respiratory or maybe even a fireman,” he said.
There are numerous reasons why a student may choose to go to a two-year college over a four-year one.
According to Mr. Scott, a community college should be considered by those who want to improve their grades, those who are not sure of what they want to major in and by those who may want to save money considering the cost is paid for by units.
All these reasons are very common among high school students.
“I chose to go to Citrus Community College because it’s cheaper,” said 2011 graduate and former Bishop Amat student Alyssa Velasquez. “I’m doing the same thing here as I would be at a four-year college or a Cal State, but at a cheaper price.”
Velasquez said Citrus is not the end of her educational career.
“My plans are to get my general education done at Citrus then transfer to a UC and I’ll be better prepared,” she said.
Many agree that a community college can be a great advantage for some students.
Counselors at Amat are also very involved with their students in helping them to decide which colleges they are interested in. Junior students are called in the counselor’s offices in their second semester to go over a list of colleges they may consider.
In addition, students have many other opportunities to learn about different colleges. Representatives from schools come to the College Center throughout the year to talk about their school and inform students about the campus.
One community college in particular, Mount San Antonio College, comes to Amat to work step by step with students who may consider going there.
“If it [Mount San Antonio College] is requested on a list that students got their junior year then they send an invitation to the students to come and take their math and English tests,” said counselor Mrs. Teresa George. “They come back to Amat with results from the tests and then there is an orientation.”
Though not in their district, there is also a representative who comes to Amat from Citrus Community College.
“She is not in our area but she just comes because she is an alumnus,” said Mrs. George.
Community college can be given a second thought when students are deciphering where they should go after high school.
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Visit www.cccco.edu for information on California Community Colleges.
