What are the most crucial community college classes?

I'm planning to enroll in a community college before transferring to a university. What classes are essential at this stage, and which ones should I prioritize?

Prioritizing your classes in community college largely depends on your intended major and the potential four-year university you intend to transfer to since different universities and programs may require different core prerequisites.

First off, focus on general education (GE) classes. These are foundational courses that almost all degrees require, including Mathematics, English, Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities. By completing your general education requirements, you can typically transfer those credits to your four-year institution.

Next, if you have a particular major in mind, identify the prerequisite classes for that major. For instance, if you're interested in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) field, you'd want to prioritize classes like Calculus, Physics, Chemistry, or Biology. If you're inclined towards arts or social sciences, courses in Literature, History, Sociology, Psychology may be crucial.

Lastly, if your target four-year institution has particular prerequisites for transfer students, be sure to tackle those. For example, some universities may require a specific writing or communications class, or a certain level of a foreign language.

However, remember that it's not just about ticking off the required courses - maintaining a strong GPA is also a crucial factor in facilitating a successful transfer. You can consider adding a few elective classes you're interested in and confident about excelling in, to boost your GPA.

In summary, it's best to work with an academic advisor at your community college to help set up the best academic plan for you based on your interests and long-term goals. They can provide you with the most accurate information tailored to your specific situation.