<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I’m an older student (29) returning to school after a long hiatus (last attended in 2000 and 2004). I’m planning to attend CC to take about 4 semesters worth of math classes (paired with other prereqs) in order to transfer to a 4 yr (most likely GA Tech unless I get a transfer scholarship to a private U).</p>
<p>I looked at CCs and found that Georgia Perimeter seems to be the largest and most reputable, however the commute to any of their campuses is too far for me to travel, considering my location, and the fact that I work 30 hours a week. I ended up registering at Atlanta Metropolitan College, and now I’m starting to have my doubts.</p>
<p>I attended orientation a week ago, and roughly 98% of those in attendance will have to take remedial classes in order to satisfy missing CPC (college preparatory curriculum requirements). The admissions people and advisors got so excited when they saw my OLD test scores and grades (all As/Bs) that they overzealously waived me from having to take math placement tests (even though policy says that as a nontraditional student out of school for 5 yrs, I have to). I was planning to enroll myself in remedial math (basically high school algebra) due to a shaky math foundation but my advisor says I can’t. I have to enroll in Math 1111 College Algebra.</p>
<p>Of course not having to take remedial classes will save me money and time (2 semesters) but I’m both excited and scared. Does this class include a repeat of the basic concepts, or does it build on stuff learned from high school - in short - with hard work, can I survive it?</p>
<p>As for other issues, I’m a little disturbed that this college doesn’t have any guaranteed admission agreements (GPC has a lot, including guaranteed admission to GA Tech, Auburn, others), and they say that the default rate on student loans is very high (which tells me that people are having problems after leaving…) </p>
<p>Everyone at the school seems both rude and ignorant, and the financial aid office has messed up my aid (even though I applied by all deadlines). They just don’t want to give me a loan even though I’m eligible. Now they’re telling me that I may have to pay out of pocket and wait to be reimbursed (yeah right). Without a student loan to break down the costs monthly, I won’t be able to afford it. I’m getting so many signs that this may be a bad choice. </p>
<p>And now I worry that I’m going to ruin my chances of transferring due to this school possibly having a bad reputation locally…</p>
<p>This isn’t good is it? A blessing in disguise perhaps? What should I do?</p>