I think you have missed the point of the conversation.
Nobody is looking down on CC or saying it’s the end of the world.
But clearly you, with kids at multiple non-T20 colleges, do not believe that CC should be the only alternative to a T20. Correct? That’s the assertion that is being discussed.
Also, the context in this particular thread is that the OP is having a difficult time with her family dynamics and feels strongly about going away to college for that reason. This also has nothing to do with looking down on community college.
I read the whole thread and get the problem with difficult dynamic with strange mom who is dreaming about Ivies and non-supportive dad. My point is that many people choose to take classes at CC to save money and not because they are stupid or cannot get to top schools.
I think OP’s recent posts with quoting her teacher who said top 20 or community college assumed that CC is kind of a terrible route. My point is that not necessarily the case and can be viable approach.
Grad school matters in that it zeros in on your career. Be careful though- big name school may not mean “better,” and “lesser name” does not always mean “worse” or “easier.”
You will find that for some graduate degrees, schools that are very competitive at the undergraduate level are a lot less competitive for grad school. And- schools that are less competitive for undergrad could have single digit acceptance rates for grad school. It depends on the degree/career path.
Rotations and internships are part of many grad school experiences.
OP lives in a context where the oft-repeated mantra is “Ivy or bust” and that stressed her out to the point of therapy. “Top 20 or CC” is another version of that. This student, with solid grades and ECs, can and will attend any 4-year college and succeed - there are many, many good colleges. Ivies aren’t the only path to success in the US, which is the point of this thread.
@rosechild: don’t assume your public library, let alone a school library, wouldn’t have something as basic as college guides. Go check. Even my small public library when I used to live in the boonies had a bunch of college guides.
Right now your goal is to finish high school well.
When you get to college, it’s very possible you will switch majors and maybe multiple times. Looking at grad school acceptances for a yet to be determined major is not going to do you any good. Your goal in undergrad school should be to find what piques your interest, and do well! Grad schools will look at your undergrad record.
Many kids find a course of study in undergrad school that piques their interest. This could be you.
Then go to the guidance office at your school. They usually have college guide books there. I know we donated ours to the school when our kids graduated. The school had their own copies, but they also had a bunch of donated ones they could give out.
If you know HS seniors , ask around. One of them might have one they are done with!
@rosechild since it appears premed is not your intention now, do you want that removed from your thread subject? Perhaps change it to “undecided major”
That was 11 years ago. Many libraries have an amnesty day whereby your debts and need to return books is forgiven. Check. This likely has happened.
You can also look at these college guides IN the library, and there are copiers so you can make a couple of pages to take with you ( for a nominal fee)
My public library still denies me. I think I can apply for a card in the other districts my dad lives in though? I’m just not there often enough to return it
