I am an international student. I have just graduated from high school. I want to study at some top universities but I think I am not qualified enough. Can I go to Community College (CC) to pursue my dream? After CC, I want to study at a National University in top 50 and then pursue PhD in Pure Mathematics. Is choosing CC a wise decision? Thanks a lot.
Yes, you can certainly take that route. Community colleges vary in quality widely across the U.S., so do a little research. A Community College is, for many students, the first two years of a four-year program of study; during those first two years the typical student is taking introductory courses and general education courses. If you do attend a Community College, make sure you work with an advisor who can help you select classes that will transfer nicely. In some states, there are agreements between CCs and four-year state schools that make it easy to set up a plan for transfer. If you are interested in private four-year schools, do some research by looking at their “Transfer” information and you can always contact the four-year schools once you enroll in the CC to ask for guidance.
Whether it is “wise” decision to attend a CC first depends on a lot of factors. Finances are one of the biggest considerations and is a major attraction of a CC. The students in CC vary widely in their motivation and intellect, so some can find the atmosphere frustrating. Some good CCs have honors programs that allow you to be challenged and in a classroom with like-minded students. With respect to American Honors, see the other thread on this site regarding this particular program.