<p>Now I have to choose between them. The 2nd tier schools are the state schools that are not flagships.
I definitely want to transfer to a good or even top school. Which kind of college should I choose?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>ok,you’re from China, international student ( not citizen, I assume? )
need to pay OOS tuition?
assume you are now in HS & have pretty good grades ?</p>
<p>state college !
since both choices require you to pay full price & a good state college is a better choice,
~~ my opinion only ~~~
which state(s) college do you have in mind?</p>
<p>Your definition of “2nd tier” is hopelessly vague. Non-flagship state universities have huge variation in quality.</p>
<p>If the community college has a formal articulation agreement with one of your target universities, it may make sense to go to the community college. Check the website of the community college to find out about that.</p>
<p>The universities’ websites also list all of their articulation agreements.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Absolutely. Give us specifics, otherwise it’s a meaningless question.</p>
<p>Yup, I want to transfer to a UC so I want to look at California community colleges. Btw,happymomof1, do you know if I went to a community college for 2 years then transfer to a UC, do I pay out of state tuition or in state tuition?</p>
<p>@eduedm
Yeah I am Chinese, ni hao!</p>
<p>There are many different community colleges and non flagship stat schools. It isn’t just comparing apples and oranges but the whole fruit stand when you are talking in generalities. </p>
<p>Many community colleges do not have dorms or much of a residential life. If you are looking at any that are in that category, vs a 4 year school that has some dormitories and some live in student, I would say the latter could make things a bit easier for you coming from so far. But then location can make a big difference. If one is a city school, and the other out in the country away from everything, you have other issues at play as well. Also many 2nd tier school are first tier quality and others described that way are really 4 year versions of the stereotypical community college.</p>
<p>As a F-1 student you will always be paying out-of-state tuition in the state of California.</p>
<p>Schei</p>
<p>Know what you want through your college education, then figure out the paths to get there --It may or may not involve a community college. If certain types of college experience are important to you, cc and 4-year schools are easily distinguishable. Talk to the actual schools you have in mind and see what they can provide you.</p>
<p>"Actually I always thought I could pay in-state after 1 year of studying in a CCC. "</p>
<p>I think you are confusing your situation with the people who are in the country illegally…they get in-state tuition right away in some states. Great system, huh?</p>
<p>Some states grant in-state status for tuition and fees to undocumented students who have attended schools in that state for a certain number of years AND have graduated from high school in that state. Just suddenly appearing in that state is not enough.</p>
<p>The “2nd tier” college probably provides housing for freshman. As a student at the CC, you would have to find your own place to live. Unless you have family or friends in the area, this could be an important consideration.</p>
<p>“Some states grant in-state status for tuition and fees to undocumented students who have attended schools in that state for a certain number of years AND have graduated from high school in that state. Just suddenly appearing in that state is not enough.”</p>
<p>My mistake. So actually you’re better off to have been in the country illegally for a long time rather than a short time. I feel better now.</p>
<p>California community colleges are very inexpensive. Next year tuition will go up, but they’ll still be way cheaper than UCs and CSUs, even for instate.</p>
<p>A lot of native Chinese students go to California community colleges and transfer to UC Berkeley, UCSD and other UCs.</p>
<p>i am not in CA, so I am totally un-familiar w/ CA system
but I know 99% sure that in my state ( VA )
F1 student visa holder
pay OOS tuition for all the years in school ( Community college or state U )</p>
<p>unless OP is a US citizen currently living in China whose parents are US citizen,
if that is the case, then, he may qualify for in state tuition???</p>