Since this forum was great for getting general advice, I’m posting another question…just wondering if anyone has advice on this…if a student has low test scores/GPA would it be better to (a) go the Guaranteed Admission route – Community College/AA then transfer to better ranked school of choice; or (b) go directly to a lower ranked school that has much higher acceptance rate. Pros/cons of each route? Thanks.
There are lots of “it depends”.
a. Overall cost of each option?
b. Strength of intended major at each four year school?
c. How good is the transfer credit articulation between the CC and the four year school?
d. What are the conditions of the guaranteed transfer?
e. Is the intended major more competitive admission at either four year school?
f. Does the higher ranking make any practical difference for the student’s goals?
a. Overall cost of each option? – would probably even out…but likely CC route would save a little bit of money
b. Strength of intended major at each four year school? somewhat standard…as of now interested major is Early Childhood Education so nearly all 4-yr schools have decent strength in this major.
c. How good is the transfer credit articulation between the CC and the four year school? Very good based on research.
d. What are the conditions of the guaranteed transfer? Maintaining specific GPA and grades. - lets assume ability to meet all conditions of the guaranteed transfer.
e. Is the intended major more competitive admission at either four year school? Yes – more competitive at higher tier school, but we are assuming she would not get accepted as freshmen, but would have better change of admittance with guaranteed admission.
f. Does the higher ranking make any practical difference for the student’s goals? Likely not, but more social difference as going directly to 4-yr means sorority availabilities, on-campus freshmen experience, etc.
The big question is whether you expect your grades and GPA to improve, and not just in a “I swear I’m gonna try harder next year” sort of way, but if there is solid evidence that you will actually can improve. (Remember most students do a little worse their first year of college than their last year of high school as they make the transition.)
If the “lower tier” school is a better academic fit, you may be both happier and more likely to graduate than trying to keep up with the kids who all graduated at the tops of their classes.