| Perhaps you didn't think you wanted to go to college, | | | | high-tech graphic design labs and studios and this is a |
| but now that you have finished high school you have | | | | great way to learn a new art form or even full-blown |
| changed your mind. Maybe you aren't sure if college is | | | | trade. Some community colleges are also technical |
| for you, but you don't want to let the opportunity for an | | | | schools and can provide auto mechanic, plumbing, |
| education pass you by. You may even wonder "what | | | | electrical, drafting, and even engineering training. |
| to do with your life" and can't commit a full year of | | | | A college search for a community college should also |
| tuition to a four-year school. | | | | take into consideration whether or not there are |
| What is the answer? One of the best choices for a | | | | classes at all hours of the day and evening. Many |
| student who is unsure, undetermined or nervous about | | | | schools accommodate full-time working students and |
| college is to attend a community college. There you | | | | make many classes available during twilight and |
| can experience high-quality education at a fraction of | | | | evening hours. Some schools also make weekend |
| the cost of a four year college or university, you can | | | | courses, and even some online classes, available to |
| earn credits that will transfer to any other academic | | | | their enrolled students. While this can be an excellent |
| institution, and most importantly you can "test the | | | | opportunity for working students it may make it difficult |
| waters" to see if college is what you would like. | | | | for someone looking for day classes. It pays to visit a |
| Community colleges earned their name by being just | | | | few schools, their web sites and counselor's offices to |
| that, "community" schools. They accept all who apply, | | | | see which is the best fit. |
| though deadlines will always determine if a student can | | | | Finally, when doing a college search for a community |
| enter the upcoming semester. These schools will often | | | | college take the time to make sure the school is fully |
| have multiple opportunities in a wide range of fields. | | | | accredited. This can be very important later on if a |
| Many are a two-year, Associate's degree program | | | | student would like to transfer to a larger college or |
| and some offer other professional credentials such as | | | | university, or if they would like to go on to graduate |
| veterinarian technology certification, emergency | | | | school. Only accredited schools can offer course |
| medical training, and many more. | | | | work, credits and transcripts that are considered valid |
| When beginning a college search among local | | | | by other accredited schools. |
| community colleges it is a good idea to take one of | | | | A community college is an excellent method of finding |
| the school's orientation tours. This way a student can | | | | a career path without committing to a large student |
| see what kinds of resources are available to them. For | | | | loan, a four year degree or moving to a new area to |
| example, some community colleges have extremely | | | | be near a large college or university. |