It’s worth noting that a lot of the higher education journeys that students go through are over complicated and oftentimes feel nearly impossible to navigate. The applytexas website has application instructions that are 87 pages long (ApplyTexas, n.d.). This kind of process is deeply overwhelming. The “academic advisors” students come across don’t simplify the journey either. The reality is that what you don’t know will indeed kill you when it comes to getting into college.
I came across a tiktok by “communitycollegetips” highlighting this very concern. Why is the process so complicated? Why are there so many steps to even understanding how to sign up for community college classes? Why do advisors not know how to help? Why aren’t the right tools available for students?
First generation students rely heavily on outside influencers to inform them of their options for continuing education. The secret to success in advising and college planning is not accessible for those who need it most. The advice that is given to these students instead comes from a place of privilege. The following are a few key points that students need to know.
- Your first two years of college are generally your basics
- Community colleges also offer sponsorship opportunities
- University professors often teach at the local Community College
Essentially students who don’t understand the top three statements end up going into debt for the first two years of University that could have best been spent at a local community college or don’t continue their education journey at all after High School. The courses at the local community college in Austin support that their cost is about 74% lower than that of the tuition in central Texas (Austin Community College District | Start Here. Get There., n.d.). There is nothing stigmatized about saving money however access to this information is found nowhere and we are often hearing that marketing community college as cheap does not always invite students in.
What are some things you wish you would’ve known about community college?
