Quiz: Should you attend a community college?

18 Sep 2019

Are you planning to further your studies in the US? You might feel torn over your options, wondering whether you should you enrol in a community college or opt for direct entry into a four-year university.

Community college does have its appeal. Upon completing your studies at these two-year institutions, you’ll receive an associate degree or professional certificate and can transfer to a four-year university to complete your degree.

However, a growing number of community colleges are also offering Bachelor degree programmes.

So, how do you decide whether you should enrol in community college or a regular university?

Take our quiz to find out:

Did you struggle in high school or are you uncertain whether college is the right path for you?

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No, that doesn’t sound like me.

Yes, that sounds like me.

If you enrol in higher education, do you know what major you’d like to pursue?

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Yes.

Not really - I’d like to keep my options open.

Do you learn better in small classes that give you more chances to speak with your instructor and learn at your own pace?

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Not necessarily - I learn equally well in both small and large classes.

Yes, I learn better when I have more one-on-one time with my instructor.

Is money a major stumbling block when it comes to deciding whether you should pursue higher education?

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I may not be a millionaire, but a lack of money isn’t a major factor stopping me from pursuing higher education.

Yes, a lack of money is a huge factor that’s making me reconsider whether or not I should attend a four-year university.

Is school-life balance extremely important to you?

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No, I can dedicate the next few years of my life solely to my studies.

Yes, I need a flexible schedule that allows me to balance my studies with part-time work/raising my kids, etc.

Quiz: Is community college the right choice for you?

Regular four-year university

Based on your responses, a regular four-year college or university would suit you best. You don't necessarily need a flexible school-life balance to cope with your part-time work or family obligations (more so than usual), are generally confident with your ability to cope with a university workload, and feel fairly certain that pursuing a four-year degree is the right choice for you.

Community college

Based on your responses, community college could be a good choice for you. This option is useful for students who struggled in high school, or even those who didn't struggle in school but are uncertain whether they want to commit to a four-year university programme. Community college is cheaper than a traditional four-year university, while the US News and World Report notes that some 60 percent of community college students attend school part-time, making it an ideal choice for both young and older students who need the flexibility to work part-time or see to family obligations.