By Barbie Farley/reporter
College is not for the timid. From state universities to community colleges, being prepared is crucial to enjoying the college experience.
Moving on to college after high school can be a fun, yet nerve-wracking part of growing up. For many, it is the first taste of adulthood.
TCC offers a variety of degrees and certificate plans as well as the opportunity to complete basic courses at a cheaper price than other universities. But students need to plan ahead and decide what career path they will choose.
Lauren Spivey, a NE Campus student, has to stay in college longer than four years because she didn’t have her schedule planned out well.
“If you don’t plan right, going to TCC first makes college take a lot longer than just four years,” she said. “Even though it has saved money going there getting my core classes taken care of, I still have like a year and a half or two left at a university starting in the fall.”
Setting an academic schedule for a student’s whole college career would be the best way to avoid this problem. Students can seek advice from a counselor if help is needed.
TCC can be a cost-effective alternative to a four-year university. Many basic classes are cheaper at TCC than other colleges in the area. Currently, a 12-credit hour semester at TCC costs $600. At the University of North Texas, a similar schedule costs more than $2,900.
Amber Bell, a NE Campus student also attending UNT, knows she could have saved more money had she planned better.
“I wish I had known that I didn’t have to go to a big four-year university because now I realize how much money I could have saved,” she said. “UNT classes run about $1,000 each, and it’s not like the education is any better just because it’s a big university.”
Seeking out universities that could help complete a degree plan is a must. Students need to be aware of which classes at TCC will be eligible to be transferred to other colleges.
Michael Rodriguez, a former TCC student, recently transferred to Texas Christian University. He knows firsthand the importance of planning ahead to make TCC an enjoyable and advantageous college decision.
“If you want to transfer to a university, make sure you know what classes and the amount of hours that university will accept,” he said. “And be sure the curriculum you’re taking at TCC matches the curriculum of the other university.”
Aside from everything else, college is meant to be a growing and learning experience. Anna Ballard, a former TCC student, said students should enjoy themselves.
“Fit in a class or two that are just something you’re interested in,” she said. “In the years to come, knowing you did your best and enjoyed yourself will be valuable to you.”
