Community colleges: Lacking the college experience?
We've seen how the image of two-year colleges -- whether it's correct or distorted -- causes some Minnesotans to choose four-year colleges instead.
Judging from my survey, some of the reason my be tied into how people view the "college experience."
Students looking at four-year institutions may want the friendships formed in dorm life, a large alumni network, or may just want to study in a 100-year-old ivy-covered building. In contrast, community college students, some responses suggested, might feel more comfortable -- or just not mind -- staying at home.
Four-year student Blaine Ponto wrote in:
Create a More Connected Minnesota
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I feel like a four-year college, for most students, would provide a better experience, but it's not for everyone. (Community colleges are best for) people who are working (or) want to be at home a lot .....
Century College admissions representative Andy Gammons said:
The only reason I wouldn't encourage someone to consider a two-year college is if they were interested in a residential experience. Especially at a private institution, these experiences are very beneficial. At state four-year institutions though, the residential experience can often take away, not add to, the learning.
One University of Minnesota - Twin Cities student said:
There's also a view that community/tech colleges don't have as connected of a student network or support system, and you dont meet as many people as you would in a traditional school setting.
Indeed, North Central University teacher Amy Anderson said:
In my opinion, the larger loss is the experience of being with the same group of friends and the same professors for an entire four years. Much of the value of a four-year school is in the relationships and mentoring that occurs.
Nathan Flanders, a counselor at St. Paul's Central High School, said:
Sometimes a two-year school is a great next step to get acclimated to life away from home.
Yet one parent said the college experience is possible at some two-year colleges:
We had to do our own research to find two-year colleges that offer a full college experience (dorms, arts, sports, community). I ended up putting together a guide for other parents because no one seemed to know about the residential two-year colleges.
I'll try to post that guide next week.