<p>I am going to community college for two years. After those two years I am going to transfer to a four year college. Once I get my BA then I will go into grad school. In those two years of community college, I want to make sure my grades can be the highest they possibly can. This is from rumors I have heard: I heard that all A’s in college is a 4.2. What are some things I should know about community college so I don’t go in blind. Are there classes that are offered to higher my GPA even more than the normal classes I am taking? What time of day classes are most popular? And anything else you think I need to know. Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>I think the way grade points is done depends on the school. At my school, A+=A=4.0, A-=3.7, B+=3.3, B=3.0, etc. No 4.2’s. I took a few classes at community college back in high school during the summer. Many of the people at community college are not that bright so the classes were easy A’s for me. Many people take summer school classes at community colleges and then transfer the units to thier university because the community college courses are easier. </p>
<p>I think the time of day you take your classes depends on your personal preferences. If you work during the day, evening or night classes would be preferable. I don’t really think you’ll need to know that much going in.</p>
<p>This might be kind of obvious but I’ll say it anyway. Make sure you’re taking classes with transferable credits. </p>
<p>I’ve had friends who’ve had horror stories of taking classes and not being able to transfer the credits.</p>
<p>I don’t know about where you live, but here in Virginia, any course taken at a in-state community college is guarenteed to give credit at a 4-year in-state college.</p>
<p>Sounds good 
Thanks.</p>
<p>I’m from California.</p>
<p>This site is handy to see what is transferable & what is not:
<a href=“Welcome to ASSIST”>Welcome to ASSIST;
<p>(for California)</p>
<p>you should go visit the transfer center before you sign up for classes and pick up the brochures, also they probably have workshops you can attend. In CA many of the UCs have guaranteed xfer programs with the CCs, provided you take classes from a specified list and get a certain gpa.</p>
<p>And as more general advice, its important to keep your motivation up and join groups with like-minded people. CCs provide great opportunities for a low-cost education and a 2nd chance for anyone to attend college regardless of HS grades. The unfortunate flip side is that about 1/2 of all students who start at a CC never get very far; according to a US government website
Peer influence is a big deal; if 1/2 the kids around you are blowing off the homework, sarcastic towards those who show an interest in learning, etc. it can be tough to persevere.</p>
<p>mike’s warning is very much worth heeding. while only 51% of CC students transfer, the chances of never graduating are MUCH worse than that! I do not remember the exact statistics; however, I do know they are pretty bad.
As far as 4.2’s and honor course GPA bonuses in college… NOPE, don’t exist.
An A is a 4.0, B is 3.0, etc. (+/- .3 for +/- grades)</p>
<p>There are two types of people who end up at CCCs- People who seriously want to get in and out of there as soon as possible, and people who end up wandering around for 6+ years and still don’t know their major. </p>
<p>If you’re serious about transferring, be on top of your own transfer planning. Counselors are good, but Assist.org is better. Figure out what you want to major in ASAP, if you haven’t already. If you want to transfer to a UC, become well acquainted with IGETC (unless you’re engineering). If you want to transfer to a cal state, get to know that GE plan. If your school has an honors program, do it, especially if you want to go to LA, Berkeley, etc. Try to get involved with something on campus that relates to the field you’re interested in, or look for internships. Community service and ECs don’t really matter, and will help but not hurt. Make sure you get as high of a GPA as you can maintain (only goes to 4.0), especially if you’re trying for a tough major in a tough school. Make friends with your teachers, or at least one mentor teacher. Summer school might be a good way to get classes out of the way. Take a significant course load but not one that you can’t handle. Be very aware of application dates, rep visits, college tours, etc. </p>
<p>And try to make the most out of your two years. It sucks, and all you want to do is move on, but you might as well enjoy your time there if you have to be there. Participation in ECs, honors, and clubs will help you have a greater ownership on campus and it’ll make your experience much more enjoyable. It makes it feel like you’re there for a reason and it will keep you on track. </p>
<p>Oh, and go to the transfer board. Lots of people in the same boat over there, and as you progress in the transfer process lots of people will be able to answer the questions you’ll have.</p>