<p>Hello guys.
I am a high school graduate from Poland. Sadly I am not rich enough to attend some fancy university therefore the only possibility for me is studying in college but I’d be thrilled to do it anyway.
The problem is that when it comes to American education system I am a total and complete moron so please be forgiving :). </p>
<p>What do you mean by requirements? The application process for this school is on the website, as is a whole page of details regarding international students. This school is a community college that offers two-year associates degrees–what you can think of as half of a full undergraduate degree–and certificates, which are not degrees, but just an official confirmation that a student has completed certain courses. Whether the certificate program you are looking at will prepare you for employment in your home country is something you will need to research, but it is not a college degree.</p>
<p>Harold Washington is a Community College. The more is offers is a 2 year Associates degree. However, it is open enrollment and all you need to do is apply. Once you are there, you can ask an advisor about your options for pursuing a 4-year degree by transferring to a university. If you are a good student there will even be some financial aid available. If you have to stay in the City of Chicago, there are a number of 4-year schools who take transfers form Harold Washington. I know that my university, Illinois Institute of Technology does and these students do well. It is a good first step if you are not sure about the system.</p>
<p>Comparing colleges based on sticker price is a mistake a lot of students and families make. Private universities have very large endowments and plenty of aid to give. Focus your search on a college that is the right fit and apply to at least 10 colleges that fit you. </p>
<p>List your colleges on the FAFSA form so they can see the competition. The results might surprise you.</p>
<p>Thank you guys so much for helping me out.
I didn’t have any problems with applying to universities in Scotland, I even got accepted there, but the British education system is in many ways similar to Polish so it was much easier.
My goal is to to go to uni some day, but I think it would be better for me to spend two years in college to get rid of my language barrier and get to know American education system more.
Associate degree is like a half of a full undergradutate degree… so if I wanted to transfer from college to university with Associate degree completed, I will have to study only for another 2 years to obtain an undergraduate degree?</p>
<p>Yes, assuming the university will give you credit for all the courses you have taken at community college. There is typically a transfer adviser at each community college who can help you select classes that will make the transition possible and give general advice about transferring.</p>