Can I do two years at a community college and then transfer?

I'm thinking of going to a community college for the first two years to save some money and then transferring to a 4-year university. Is this a common route and what should I watch out for?

Absolutely, you can certainly start at a community college and then transfer to a four-year institution. In fact, this is a common path for many students due to the cost savings and smaller class sizes that community colleges often offer. However, there are a few important considerations along the way:

1. Course Articulation: It's critical to choose courses that will transfer and count toward your bachelor's degree requirements. Many schools have articulation agreements with local community colleges, which specify which community college courses satisfy which requirements at the four-year institution.

2. Academic Performance: Maintain a strong GPA during your time at community college. This will not only help with admission to your targeted four-year college, but it could also help you qualify for transfer scholarships.

3. Timing: You'll want to plan your transfer timeline carefully as admission deadlines for transfer students can be different from those for first-time incoming freshmen.

4. Opportunities: Life at a four-year college often comes with opportunities for internships, research, or mentorship programs that could be beneficial to your undergraduate experience. So, do look into whether your targeted four-year college offers any such programs for transfer students.

5. Transfer admissions: Don't assume the transfer admission process will be easier than as a high school senior. Some colleges have more limited spots for transfer students or have separate admission requirements, so it's important to investigate these nuances.

Overall, while this path requires some smart planning and good performance at the community college level, it can definitely be an excellent way to achieve a four-year degree.