Do Dental Schools look down upon this??

[mfoti1]

Hello everyone,

I'm currently finishing up my Freshman year at a Community College (because i was a screw-up during highschool), but i finally have my stuff together. I'm absolutely positive that dentistry is the field that i want to get into. I've done a lot of research, and ever since i was a kid, i had thoughts about becoming a dentist. I've always had very weak teeth, so ever since i was very young, I've been in and out of the dentist office. But for some reason, I've always been very interested in everything the dentist was doing. It seems like a career that i would really enjoy, and that's the most important part ( plus the pay isn't so bad either ). Anyways, I'm positive that this is the field i want and am going to get into, but i just have an important question.

• I was wondering if Dental schools look down upon being in Community College. Not only am i in Community College, but IN ALL, I'm going to be here for 3 years most likely. I'm getting my degree in Biology, and I'm planning on transferring to a 4-year AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. But i have met with my counselor, and the soonest realistic time that i will be out of community college would be another 2 full years( I'm about to finish 1 year). So my overall concern is that, I've talked to my dentist, and apparently Dental schools want you to get out of Community College as quick as possible?? Unfortunately i messed up the beginning of my first year and only got into a few classes, but I'm going to be fully loaded up for the rest of the time I'm here. Will the fact that I'm going to be at a community college for 3 years effect there decisions extremely?? Even if I'm trying my hardest to get out of here?

Anyways, I'm very committed to this. Its what i really want to do. Ive been reading and researching in the mornings and before i go to bed. It makes me excited to even think about it, and i just want to start this all up as soon as possible. I'm starting to take my first science class in college, and I'm even going to be taking a class during the summer. I need to catch up for the time I've lost, from messing around.

Another question is:
Should i be taking 2 science courses in one semester? i never even knew that was possible until i read another thread. But it seems like its something i need to do, because there are so many science pre-req's for Biology Major, to get into a 4-year. I was wondering how i would finish all of them, until i realized i could take more than one a semester?? So i was wondering if that's a good idea to get them out of the way.

To anyone who actually took the time listening to my story, i really appreciate it. And i would appreciate any advice to a person in my position.( i plan on volunteering for the entire 2 more years that im in community college, because i dont have a job, and i have a bunch of time... other than all the classes im going to be taking). But again, thanks so much, and i appreciate any advice that anyone thinks i need to pursue my dream of becoming a dentist.

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[Philippines03j]

Yes they don't want you to take all your classes at a community college. The quicker you get out the better. With that said I took my first 35 credits at a community college. All my general biologies, general chemistry, and a physicas class was taken at a community college. So is it still possible to get in after taking classes at a community college? Yes but you will need to make sure you do well at the university.

You can read more details about my story on my blog.
http://dentaldat.blogspot.com/2011/03/i-have-had-few-requests-to-share-story.html

 

[mfoti1]

Thanks so much, will do.

 

[spearmint]

Generally, dental schools prefer you take prereqs at a 4-yr university. Some schools have a limit on the number of CC credits they will accept. If you're going the community college route, make sure you complete a significant number of upper division credits at a university level and ace them.

 

[duycuonggg]

Some dental schools don't even accept CC credits so make sure you choose your schools wisely and research them. That being said, I was in a very similar situation not too long ago. I was a high school screw up and graduated with a 2.8 GPA. I couldn't go to a university so I went to the local CC and got my crap together. I ended up taking Gen Bio, Gen Chem and O-Chem there until I got up to the big U.

I think the main thing is that when you go up to the U you have to prove yourself. I knew it would be a lot more difficult and a lot of my friends looked down on me because I went to a CC. But that motivated me and I came up to the U in the fall ready to open a can of ass whoopin! Take hard classes like upper level bio and Bioc. If you ace them then it will look very good. My first quarter I took Biochem with 650 students and ended up being the top 4% because I believed that just because I was from a CC didn't mean that I was inferior to anyone.

Develop very good study habits so that when you goto the U you won't be overwhelmed. And what also helped me is that I put everything else in my life on hold that quarter, my family, my friends, my girlfriend, EVERYTHING. If you have the drive then thats all that matters. In the end the people who want it more will get it.

The interviewers never asked anything about me being at a CC. I know its different for everyone and it is true that you should not take a lot of pre-reqs at a CC. But I just want you to know that you have a solid chance of getting in even if you took some classes at a CC.

Sorry for the rant and good luck to you.

 

[youknowthedrill]

You mentioned you were looking at getting a biology degree at the community college and it would take two more years. Are you having to catch up with your peers and take some remedial math/English courses? The best thing to do right now is to take it easy and build a strong foundation in the basics. You can take more than one science class at a time but don't do it yet. Get your feet wet with general biology, and when you have a strong foundation in math tackle general chemistry or physics.

College counselors are not necessarily the best source of information. Is there any way you can transfer to a 4-year college/university in another year? An associates degree in biology is not important. The faster you can get to a 4-year college the better. If your counselor insists that you cannot transfer without graduating from the CC, do some investigating on your own. Talk to a college or university that you would like to attend in the future and see what they say. You would be much better off taking classes for two years at a community college and spending 3 years at a college/university than the other way around.

Do well in your studies, but take time to make friends and enjoy yourself. You mentioned that you plan to volunteer. See if there are any free/reduced fee dental offices in your area that would let you volunteer. You will also need to shadow several dentists before you apply to dental school. You may stumble on your journey, but stay focused and don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it. Good luck!

 

[dentalWorks]

• I was wondering if Dental schools look down upon being in Community College. Not only am i in Community College, but IN ALL, I'm going to be here for 3 years most likely. I'm getting my degree in Biology, and I'm planning on transferring to a 4-year AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. But i have met with my counselor, and the soonest realistic time that i will be out of community college would be another 2 full years( I'm about to finish 1 year). So my overall concern is that, I've talked to my dentist, and apparently Dental schools want you to get out of Community College as quick as possible?? Unfortunately i messed up the beginning of my first year and only got into a few classes, but I'm going to be fully loaded up for the rest of the time I'm here. Will the fact that I'm going to be at a community college for 3 years effect there decisions extremely?? Even if I'm trying my hardest to get out of here?

Well there is no exact answer to this. There is however rumor going around that Dental schools prefer to see students take their classes (most importantly the pre-dents) at a 4-year university. The only basis of proof of this is that some schools flat out don't accept ANY community college credits, and others only accept a maximum of 60 credits.

Overall (IMO ofc) If you are a strong student in community college, continued to get similar marks when you switch over to a university while taking upper level biologies, and have a respectable DAT score, then you are an ideal candidate.....

By the way, I'd like to point out that I did not follow this route, I was one of the few who tried to avoid CC credits as much as possible due to the "rumor".

Anyways, I'm very committed to this. Its what i really want to do. Ive been reading and researching in the mornings and before i go to bed. It makes me excited to even think about it, and i just want to start this all up as soon as possible. I'm starting to take my first science class in college, and I'm even going to be taking a class during the summer. I need to catch up for the time I've lost, from messing around.

Another question is:
Should i be taking 2 science courses in one semester? i never even knew that was possible until i read another thread. But it seems like its something i need to do, because there are so many science pre-req's for Biology Major, to get into a 4-year. I was wondering how i would finish all of them, until i realized i could take more than one a semester?? So i was wondering if that's a good idea to get them out of the way.

To anyone who actually took the time listening to my story, i really appreciate it. And i would appreciate any advice to a person in my position.( i plan on volunteering for the entire 2 more years that im in community college, because i dont have a job, and i have a bunch of time... other than all the classes im going to be taking). But again, thanks so much, and i appreciate any advice that anyone thinks i need to pursue my dream of becoming a dentist.

Yes, dental schools highly recommend students (especially juniors and seniors) to start taking 3 sciences and 1 non-science (if possible) courses per semester, that way they get a little taste of what dental school will be like. Remember, in dental school, you'll be hit with 20-30 credits per term.

My biggest advice to you is to never, I mean NEVER let your undergrad and science GPA fall bellow the 3.4-3.5 range. Always stay within that range (or higher ofc).... it will make the interview-hooking process so much smoother.

 

[mfoti1]

duycuonggg, I REALLY appreciate you taking time out of your day to respond to my post.

I have a question for you, or anyone who knows...

So, I'm majoring in Biology, and i used this website called"assist.org" to figure out what classes i would need to transfer to that college, majoring in Bio.
The website told me that i would have to take chem 1a,1b, and 1c, org chem 12a,12b,12c, physics 2a, 2b, and bio 1a,1b, and 1c.

SOO, i am VERY confused and i would love if someone could help me out. Everyone is telling me that Dental schools would rather you take your pre-reqs at a University, BUT, it is telling me that i have to take all these classes to even get into the 4-year institute. So, i dont really understand...Basically, its making me take all the pre-req's of dental school, while in community college, because its saying that, if im majoring in BIO, i must take all these classes listed before they can accept me into there school.

I dont know if im making any sense or explaining this well at all. But what im confused about, is, that i know they probably look down upon taking pre-reqs at community college, and if i could choose, i would take all my pre-reqs at the 4-year, but the 4-year is basically telling me that i have to take all the pre-reqs before i even get there...

wow, i am horrible at explaining things. if this makes any sense to you, and you could help me out, it would be greatly appreciated. thanks SO MUCH

 

[mfoti1]

dentalWorks, i've seen your name all around this website, and im very glad and honored that you took the time out of your day to help me out.

One important question i have for you, is, Do i have to attend a University?? Are State Colleges looked down upon?? Because i see everyone bringing up the fact of me transfering to a University, and i was planning on finishing up at a State University, EX: San Jose State ( in California, close to where i live ).

Also, if you could take a look at the question that i asked duycuonggg, and see if that makes any sense to you. thanks so much sir

 

[mfoti1]

youknowthedrill, thanks so much for taking time out of your day to respond to my post, sir.

Basically, my story is that, i messed up my first 2 semesters while i was at this community college. Well, not really messed up, but messed up by the fact that i only took 1 class my first semester, and 2 classes this past semester, and im about to start my third semester here. Now im going to have 4 classes, so i have a full load finally, and i plan on having a full load untill i can get out of this place.

And what you were saying about my counselor, well, we sort of planned it out, with all the General Ed i need to take, and with all my pre-reqs for my Bio major, it would take atleast another 2 full years, of 4-class loads, and im even going to be taking a class during each summer. Whatever i can do to get out of here as soon as possible.

Im wondering, why is everyone saying that i should take my pre-reqs at a community college, when i have NO choice apparently?? Because for instance, a 4-year, San Jose State's website, is basically saying that if i want to major in Bio, i need to take a bunch of pre-reqs. and those pre-reqs are almost the same pre-reqs for dental schools ( because of bio major )....

so if it was my choice, i would wait to take the pre-reqs at a 4-year, but apparently i dont have a choice?? because i need those same dental pre-reqs to get into the 4-year for Bio major??

Im just very confused. And a response would be very appreciated. thanks for taking time out of your day!

 

[MedDevil]

State Universities are perfectly fine. Most applicants for any type of graduate school usually come from state schools, so attending a school like SJSU won't be detrimental at all.

 

[mfoti1]

MedDevil... Thanks so much! That cleared things up a bit for me.

Still wondering about the pre-req's. Because the Pre-Req's for Bio are basically the same pre-req's for Dental School. So, supposedly i have to finish all those bio/physics/chem/org chem before i even get into the 4-year, and everyone is saying that its bad to be taking those classes at a Community College? IDK

 

[MedDevil]

Because you'll be spending a large amount of your undergrad at a CC, I think the only option you have is to take your prereq's at a CC so you can still be on track to transfer and take the DAT on time. Most dental schools usually prefer that you take these at a university, but they won't outright reject you if you've taken them at a CC. The best way to equalize this would be to do well on the science section of the DAT. This will tell adcoms that despite taking science classes at a CC, you learned enough to be able to succeed in dental school.

Another thing I would recommend is to take some Upper division science classes once you get to the university. Classes like anatomy, pathology, histology, and immunology will show adcoms that you'll still be coming into dental school with a strong science background.

 

[mfoti1]

MedDevil, thanks again. Good advice, ill definitely do that and keep it in mind.

 

[dentalWorks]

duycuonggg, I REALLY appreciate you taking time out of your day to respond to my post.

I have a question for you, or anyone who knows...

So, I'm majoring in Biology, and i used this website called"assist.org" to figure out what classes i would need to transfer to that college, majoring in Bio.
The website told me that i would have to take chem 1a,1b, and 1c, org chem 12a,12b,12c, physics 2a, 2b, and bio 1a,1b, and 1c.

SOO, i am VERY confused and i would love if someone could help me out. Everyone is telling me that Dental schools would rather you take your pre-reqs at a University, BUT, it is telling me that i have to take all these classes to even get into the 4-year institute. So, i dont really understand...Basically, its making me take all the pre-req's of dental school, while in community college, because its saying that, if im majoring in BIO, i must take all these classes listed before they can accept me into there school.

I dont know if im making any sense or explaining this well at all. But what im confused about, is, that i know they probably look down upon taking pre-reqs at community college, and if i could choose, i would take all my pre-reqs at the 4-year, but the 4-year is basically telling me that i have to take all the pre-reqs before i even get there...

wow, i am horrible at explaining things. if this makes any sense to you, and you could help me out, it would be greatly appreciated. thanks SO MUCH

As far as I know... this doesn't make any sense. Thousands of kids get accepted into dental schools and majority of them never attended community college while still being biology majors....

I think your misunderstanding something. You can enroll into almost any 4-year university any time you want WITHOUT taking any courses at a community college.

If this is confusing you, and you really wanna attend a university (not CC), then just apply to the school and under major say "undecided". Most schools have this undecided option when first applying. After you get accepted, you can declare your major (biology, chemistry, engineer, etc etc)

dentalWorks, i've seen your name all around this website, and im very glad and honored that you took the time out of your day to help me out.

One important question i have for you, is, Do i have to attend a University?? Are State Colleges looked down upon?? Because i see everyone bringing up the fact of me transfering to a University, and i was planning on finishing up at a State University, EX: San Jose State ( in California, close to where i live ).

Also, if you could take a look at the question that i asked duycuonggg, and see if that makes any sense to you. thanks so much sir

What is the definition of state college? The way I've always understood it is: its either community college or university.

Is state college = community college?

 

[glo1984]

My husband was a horrible student in high school. He and his brother skipped a ton of school during his senior year- a day here and a day there and went fishing or just goofed off. My husband wanted to become a physician so he went to a community college for two years and a small liberal arts college for three. He had to develop some study skills at the community college and he had to work even harder when he transferred to the 4-year school. He is now a physician and his brother is a college professor. It doesn't matter what you did in high school, what counts is your academic record in college.

You mentioned you were looking at getting a biology degree at the community college and it would take two more years. Are you having to catch up with your peers and take some remedial math/English courses? The best thing to do right now is to take it easy and build a strong foundation in the basics. You can take more than one science class at a time but don't do it yet. Get your feet wet with general biology, and when you have a strong foundation in math tackle general chemistry or physics.

College counselors are not necessarily the best source of information. Is there any way you can transfer to a 4-year college/university in another year? An associates degree in biology is not important. The faster you can get to a 4-year college the better. If your counselor insists that you cannot transfer without graduating from the CC, do some investigating on your own. Talk to a college or university that you would like to attend in the future and see what they say. You would be much better off taking classes for two years at a community college and spending 3 years at a college/university than the other way around.

Do well in your studies, but take time to make friends and enjoy yourself. You mentioned that you plan to volunteer. See if there are any free/reduced fee dental offices in your area that would let you volunteer. You will also need to shadow several dentists before you apply to dental school. You may stumble on your journey, but stay focused and don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it. Good luck!

I agree with this sound advice, don't pursue an AA in biology and also take academic counselors with a grain of salt. It is time to learn on your own and do your own research.

With that being said, if you plan to graduate with a biology degree from a University, be prepared to accept that your CC science credits may not count. I know this is different for each institution but I can assure you that many private institutions will most likely not accept your science credits towards a future degree. As far as prereqs go, they do have a chance counting. Using the CC as a stepping stool for developing proper studying skills and general work ethic is the most important factor considering you need to transfer to a 4yr University as soon as possible.

With DS becoming so competitive, you really have to plan strategically. For example, usually applicants who aren't ideal candidates don't have a chance with their state school. This is dependent on plenty of factors so you need to look at your specific situation to figure out how competitive certain dental schools are/aren't. I only state this so you know what you're up against.

Don't believe anyone if they say your a joker for taking courses at a CC but do know that it is not the common path for matriculation at many competitive programs.

Also know that everyone usually has an agenda, consulting advice on SDN is a great first step. Doing your own research is part of individualistic success and I wish you the best as you continue on this road of growth. It is the failures in life that ultimately build character.

 

[mfoti1]

dentalWorks, by State school, i mean, EX: San jose State, San francisco Sate, San Diego State, Long Beach State.

and when i think of university, i think of, UCLA, USC, University of san fran, gonzaga, etc etc etc.

But i got my answer for that question from someone else.
As long as its a 4 year institution, and by " state" schools, thats what i meant.

Anyways, im confusing myself at this point lol.


OK, and to explain my other concern. Basically, i NEED to be at a community college, because i messed up in highschool. But as i've heard from everyone, i HAVE TO stay at community college for 2 years?? WOW, if this wasn't true, then i would be applying for a 4-year right away. everyone has told me that once i enter a community college, i cant just get the classes i needed from slacking off in highschool, but that i need to stay for the full 2 years.... is this not true??

thanks for your time again, DentalWorks

 

[mfoti1]

glo1984, thanks for the advice.

Whats still confusing me, is, what i just responded to DentalWorks with.
Basically about the fact that, i wish i could apply for a 4 year school, but apparently i have to finish the 2 years at a community college before i can even apply?

I screwed up in highschool so i couldnt have gone to a 4-year even if i wanted to. but i've made up the classes that i messed up on during highschool, and still, apparently, i have to wait the full 2 years or something??

DentalWorks made a good point that i've never heard of, or thought about.
The fact that i can actually apply to a 4-year as undecided?? if this is true, i'd be overly happy and amazed.

Because, my plan is to major in BIO, and to do that, i need A BUNCH of pre-reqs at the CC im at, and that will just keep me at this CC even longer. but if there is a way that i can just apply as undecided and only get my general ed done, i would do that immediatly!!

thanks for your time!!!

 

[glo1984]

glo1984, thanks for the advice.

Whats still confusing me, is, what i just responded to DentalWorks with.
Basically about the fact that, i wish i could apply for a 4 year school, but apparently i have to finish the 2 years at a community college before i can even apply?

I screwed up in highschool so i couldnt have gone to a 4-year even if i wanted to. but i've made up the classes that i messed up on during highschool, and still, apparently, i have to wait the full 2 years or something??

DentalWorks made a good point that i've never heard of, or thought about.
The fact that i can actually apply to a 4-year as undecided?? if this is true, i'd be overly happy and amazed.

Because, my plan is to major in BIO, and to do that, i need A BUNCH of pre-reqs at the CC im at, and that will just keep me at this CC even longer. but if there is a way that i can just apply as undecided and only get my general ed done, i would do that immediatly!!

thanks for your time!!!

I believe what you mean is that since you screwed up in HS, no college will accept you because of the terrible HS transcript. I believe some state 4yr's allow transfer from a CC after you achieve an AA. Is that what you are getting at?

Many people apply and attend different universities as undecided. You need to apply towards a given major sometime in the future upon taking some science courses. Usually schools want you to have a 2.75 or 3.0 to even make it into such major.

The other thing that doesn't make any sense is you needing prereqs at CC for a Bio major at a University. Forget about that, as stated previously, many 4yr's won't accept CC credit for their own major. If you have corrected courses you messed up on during HS, I would definitely apply to colleges as a transfer student showing both your HS transcript and your CC transcript.

 

[nap5035]

glo1984, thanks for the advice.

Whats still confusing me, is, what i just responded to DentalWorks with.
Basically about the fact that, i wish i could apply for a 4 year school, but apparently i have to finish the 2 years at a community college before i can even apply?

I screwed up in highschool so i couldnt have gone to a 4-year even if i wanted to. but i've made up the classes that i messed up on during highschool, and still, apparently, i have to wait the full 2 years or something??

DentalWorks made a good point that i've never heard of, or thought about.
The fact that i can actually apply to a 4-year as undecided?? if this is true, i'd be overly happy and amazed.

Because, my plan is to major in BIO, and to do that, i need A BUNCH of pre-reqs at the CC im at, and that will just keep me at this CC even longer. but if there is a way that i can just apply as undecided and only get my general ed done, i would do that immediatly!!

thanks for your time!!!

whether the name of a college ends in state or university just deals with where the funding for that school is coming from. In no way does attending Boston College differ from attending University of Michigan or Florida State. They are all 4-year accredited universities.

As for your community college concerns, you should have/should try to transfer after your first year. I've never heard of anyone HAVING to stay at community college for two years. Community college is two years, so for people to transfer they would have to do it after their first year. For example, if you wanted to major in Biology, you could have taken English, a language, humanities, and other "general education" courses your freshman year. Every student has to fulfill these requirements no matter what major. Then, you'd have several college credits under your belt, hopefully with a nice GPA, and could have transferred to a 4 year institution to start your sophomore year. You could then start your science courses there.

While there are rumors everywhere about cc credits and whether or not they are looked down upon, if you are financially capable, you should aim to receive your bachelor's degree. dental school is not a guarantee for anyone, so it would be nice that even if you were not accepted, you would have a great degree to enter the workforce with.

 

[mfoti1]

glo1984,

I used this website called assist.org, and i type in my CC, and i type in my targeted 4-year, that im looking to go to. and then i type in what major i want, in my case, i typed biology, and then it lists all the classes that i need to have finished to get into that certain 4-year ontop of the general ed i guess.

does that make sense? so basically, i wrote down a long list of classes: physics 1a 1b, bio 1a 1b 1c, org chem, chem, etc etc etc. and that is ontop of general ed, so basically its going to take me a few years.

what i am really wondering is... Is there a way to get out of community college more quick?? rather than having to take all those pre-reqs for their biology major ontop of all the general ed?

Thanks

 

[mfoti1]

nap5035, your understanding me. OK, what you said about colleges makes a lot of sense, i understand it now.

OK, and this is my story real quick.

-messed up highschool ( didnt take algebra 2, so i couldnt even get into a 4-year if i wanted to), so i had to go to CC.
- ive taken math at the CC all the way up to Statistics now

so what your saying is, i can transfer to a 4-year now?? because EVERYONE i've talked to, has told me that i have to stay at community college for 2 years.

if there was ANY way, for me to leave community college ASAP, i would. and i am financially stable enough to do so.

im going to be so excited if theres any way for me to get to a 4-year without having to do 3 years at a damn CC...

wow man, thanks a lot for the reply. hopefully you can answer this question!
thanks so much!!

 

[MedDevil]

Transferring to a 4-year with your major as "undecided" or perhaps even a less demanding major such as English will allow you to take your prereq's there as general education classes (which universities require for graduation) along with other essentials like calculus and english (also required for some dental schools). I think the only reason you might not be able to transfer now is if you try to apply directly to a science program there. So after your first year at the university, declare a science major and finish up your prereqs, then you'll be set.

 

[JazzyPreMed]

dentalWorks, by State school, i mean, EX: San jose State, San francisco Sate, San Diego State, Long Beach State.

and when i think of university, i think of, UCLA, USC, University of san fran, gonzaga, etc etc etc.

But i got my answer for that question from someone else.
As long as its a 4 year institution, and by " state" schools, thats what i meant.

Anyways, im confusing myself at this point lol.


OK, and to explain my other concern. Basically, i NEED to be at a community college, because i messed up in highschool. But as i've heard from everyone, i HAVE TO stay at community college for 2 years?? WOW, if this wasn't true, then i would be applying for a 4-year right away. everyone has told me that once i enter a community college, i cant just get the classes i needed from slacking off in highschool, but that i need to stay for the full 2 years.... is this not true??

thanks for your time again, DentalWorks

- in regards to the schools above all of them are Universities SDSU=San diego state university, SFSU=San Francisco state university,etc. I think you are confusing yourself.

 

[mfoti1]

yes, JazzyPreMed, that makes sense now.

The last thing im really wondering about is:

Transfering to a university as soon as possible. i know i couldnt even transfer to a university right after highschool because i didnt have the appropriate classes ( i didnt take algebra 2 senior year like i should have), but now, i have taken all the algebras at my CC, and now im taking statistics, so im pretty sure im done with math, enough so to get into San Jose state, or San Fran state??

im just wondering if i can transfer asap, or if i have to wait the full 2 years like everyone has told me. can i just transfer once i have all the classes that i didnt have at the end of highschool??

 

[nap5035]

yes, JazzyPreMed, that makes sense now.

The last thing im really wondering about is:

Transfering to a university as soon as possible. i know i couldnt even transfer to a university right after highschool because i didnt have the appropriate classes ( i didnt take algebra 2 senior year like i should have), but now, i have taken all the algebras at my CC, and now im taking statistics, so im pretty sure im done with math, enough so to get into San Jose state, or San Fran state??

im just wondering if i can transfer asap, or if i have to wait the full 2 years like everyone has told me. can i just transfer once i have all the classes that i didnt have at the end of highschool??

you could have transferred after one semester at community college if you had applied. most colleges would have accepted you after one year, if you were doing decent in school. most likely you wont be able to major in one of their high demand majors, such as business or engineering, since they require most of those students to take all the pre-reqs at that school. But you can transfer and be undecided, and then after sophomore year declare a major. Remember-you don't need to major in Bio to go to dental school!

Now, this is only applicable if your grades are decent. If you were a low C student in HS and you have a 2.0 GPA in CC, they might be telling you that because you would need another year to bring your GPA up. But if you have 3.0+GPA, there is no reason why you cant get into a 4-year school immediately.

You need to go to your transfer office at your community college. An advisor there can help you get applications together. Whoever told you you have to wait two years doesn't know what they're talking about (unless its because of poor grades). If you HAD to stay 2 years, how would anyone TRANSFER out? They would just be completing CC and then moving on to the 4-year institution which is not how it works.

Good luck!

 

[mfoti1]

nap5035, thanks so much, that cleared up basically everything.

But yea, i had poor grades in highschool, and decent grades in CC, but im just planning on attending this 4 year close to where i live, and its easy to get into... supposedly when i was in highschool, my teachers had told me, as long as you pass all your classes, that this 4 year has to accept you. so they dont have very high standards.

im so glad to hear that i can transfer though!!

so basically, my next step is, to get my highschool transcript, and college transcript?...because how do i know i even have taken all the correct classes to get into the 4-year. like lets say i failed an English class in highschool, i would obviously have to take english at CC.

so my point is, how do i know im even elidgable to apply to this school and that i have all the correct classes completed? im guessing i should talk with the transfer office at my CC, as you stated??

Thanks SOO much again!!!

 

[nap5035]

nap5035, thanks so much, that cleared up basically everything.

But yea, i had poor grades in highschool, and decent grades in CC, but im just planning on attending this 4 year close to where i live, and its easy to get into... supposedly when i was in highschool, my teachers had told me, as long as you pass all your classes, that this 4 year has to accept you. so they dont have very high standards.

im so glad to hear that i can transfer though!!

so basically, my next step is, to get my highschool transcript, and college transcript?...because how do i know i even have taken all the correct classes to get into the 4-year. like lets say i failed an English class in highschool, i would obviously have to take english at CC.

so my point is, how do i know im even elidgable to apply to this school and that i have all the correct classes completed? im guessing i should talk with the transfer office at my CC, as you stated??

Thanks SOO much again!!!

you don't "need" any classes to get into a 4-year school. People fail classes in HS, but as long as they have their diploma, you don't have to re-take anything.

Tons of people use CC as a stepping stone to a 4-year school. For example, Austin Community College is a CC next to University of Texas. Many kids who don't get accepted to UT go to ACC, and work really hard. They take art, english I, and other easy BUT NECESSARY courses for graduation. Students who have a 3.75 usually gain acceptance to UT for their sophomore year. UT is one of the top public schools in the nation, and look how it worked out for these "poor" students? Didn't get in the first time around, but CC gave them a second chance.

You really need to talk to someone at your school. They have to have officers and stuff that aid students in the transfer process. Honestly, the longer you stay at CC the worse off you might be. It'll take longer for you to take the pre-reqs necessary for the DAT.

Definitely talk to the right people ASAP. You might actually make it this cycle!

 

[nap5035]

you don't "need" any classes to get into a 4-year school. People fail classes in HS, but as long as they have their diploma, you don't have to re-take anything.

Tons of people use CC as a stepping stone to a 4-year school. For example, Austin Community College is a CC next to University of Texas. Many kids who don't get accepted to UT go to ACC, and work really hard. They take art, english I, and other easy BUT NECESSARY courses for graduation. Students who have a 3.75 usually gain acceptance to UT for their sophomore year. UT is one of the top public schools in the nation, and look how it worked out for these "poor" students? Didn't get in the first time around, but CC gave them a second chance.

You really need to talk to someone at your school. They have to have officers and stuff that aid students in the transfer process. Honestly, the longer you stay at CC the worse off you might be. It'll take longer for you to take the pre-reqs necessary for the DAT.

Definitely talk to the right people ASAP. You might actually make it this cycle!

i'll fix what I said-obviously you "need" certain HS classes to get into college, but this is with the assumption that you retook the failed classes

 

[mfoti1]

nap5035, yea. well i would be at a 4 year right now if i had all the classes i should have had. i know i didnt even attempt alg 2, which took me out of having a chance, because you need alg 2, and i might have failed another class.

so basically, if i go to my CC guidance office, they can tell me what i need to retake? or should i get my highschool transcript from my highschool, then see the people at my CC?

I just want to make sure i have whatever is necessary to get into this 4 year. even though its an easy one to get into. also, will it help for me to say that i played #1 on the tennis team at my highschool for all 4 years? even though im in CC now?

thanks so much again Nap

 

[youknowthedrill]

You do not need to talk to anyone at your community college right now. You need to set up an appointment with someone in admissions at both of the colleges that you would like to attend ASAP. Ask them what classes you need to take at the cc in order to transfer to their school. Many school counselors are overworked and try to get you out of their office as soon as possible, or they just don't know what they are talking about. I'm willing to bet that if you talk to someone at the cc, then they will say you have to stay there for 2+ years. Every school has its own admissions criteria. You need to go directly to the 4-year colleges for advice.

I wonder if the confusion over graduating from the cc is based on a matriculation agreement between the cc and the colleges. I attended a cc and they have a matriculation agreement with the local university. If students choose to follow the plan for their major and graduate from the cc, then the university guarantees that all of their courses will transfer. Perhaps this is the source of the confusion. I did not graduate from my local cc, but all of my courses transferred with no problems.

 

[mfoti1]

Ok youknowthedrill, so your saying that i should set up an appointment with the 4-year university, and they will tell me what classes i need from the CC to transfer there? Because i can never get a clear answer from anyone at my CC.

I dont understand, i thought i could transfer whenever i want, but now that im in CC, i have to finish 90 credits or something?? Thats what people are telling me.

And im confused as to why i cant just transfer when i want to. Sure, i messed up in highschool and didnt take algebra 2 my senior year, but, i made up that in CC, and im just about to finish Statistics. so now that i finished my math, like i should have done in highschool, im wondering why i cant just transfer?? its very confusing.

So anyway i guess your saying, the place where i will get the most clear answer, is the 4-year that i want to go to.

 

[mfoti1]

And also, people are telling me that i cannot transfer from a CC to a 4 year, as undecided?? im just very confused.

 

[youknowthedrill]

Ok youknowthedrill, so your saying that i should set up an appointment with the 4-year university, and they will tell me what classes i need from the CC to transfer there? Yes Because i can never get a clear answer from anyone at my CC. Thats why you should talk to the college/university.

I dont understand, i thought i could transfer whenever i want, but now that im in CC, i have to finish 90 credits or something?? Thats what people are telling me.

And im confused as to why i cant just transfer when i want to. Sure, i messed up in highschool and didnt take algebra 2 my senior year, but, i made up that in CC, and im just about to finish Statistics. so now that i finished my math, like i should have done in highschool, im wondering why i cant just transfer?? its very confusing.

So anyway i guess your saying, the place where i will get the most clear answer, is the 4-year that i want to go to. Yes. I suggest you call tomorrow and schedule an appointment. You have been given advice by several people on this site. None of us can give you a definite answer and the CC has not been helpful. Stop wasting your time and go set up that appointment. Write out your questions before the appointment and take notes during the meeting.

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