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Community colleges are understandably in demand today due to rising tuition fee across universities and colleges. However, some counsellors warn students that these public institutions may be low cost but really do not provide quality education.

According to them, a student’s long term prospects are at stake if he or she chooses a two year college. According to researches, a student from a community college finds it very difficult getting into a four year course. A paper by Bridget Terry Long, a Professor from Harvard in 2008 says that a student from the two year community college courses is unlikely or less likely to obtain a bachelor’s degree as compared to those who attended a four year college.

According to her, employers prefer students who have an authentic four year college degree. If a student does not persevere and go on to complete a four year degree after two years at the community college, he or she may lose thousands of dollars and a bright future in the bargain trying to save a few dollars on tuition fee when they are eighteen.

They also however say that if the student is aware of what he or she is getting into and is prepared to continue on to a prestigious degree after taking advantage of the lower tuition fee at community colleges, then this is one of the best options.

There standards of all the community colleges are not the same. While some are good, others are not. So, it is a good idea choosing the right school rather than the closest one in order to ensure better quality education and chances for transfer. It is in your interest to call the four year colleges you are interested in and find out the list of community colleges they accept. Attending a community college with a better track record of student transfer is better even if you may have to travel for a distance.

Decide on the community college after researching on the number of students who transfer on an average to four year universities. These colleges are sure to provide a better counselling support. Select a college that has rigorous courses which equip you to handle tougher university environment. Another aspect to remember is to apply early to enjoy a chance of selecting the best courses.

Community colleges require students to clear certain papers such as maths and English placement tests. It is important to concentrate and get through these papers to avoid delay in commencing college level classes and subsequently delay transfer.

It is vital as a student of community colleges to check with counsellors on a periodical basis. Taking advice from them and from professors of the college will ensure a smooth transfer to four year colleges.

Last but not the least, there is no substitute for hard work. Universities always prefer transfer students who show good performance and score high grades. Community colleges thus are good options provided students take the effort to research and identify the right college.