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My parents don’t want me to go to community college

Navigating Parental Expectations and College Planning: My Journey from High School to Higher Education

Embarking on the path to higher education can be a challenging journey, especially when parental concerns and personal aspirations collide. As a recent high school graduate who spent five years in the United States—beginning my high school journey without prior English language skills—I managed to achieve a 3.3 GPA and a 1300 SAT score. Despite these achievements, my college application process was marked by limited options and some hard lessons learned.

During my senior year, I applied to just two institutions: Saint Peter’s University and Stevens Institute of Technology. I viewed Stevens as my dream school, pouring effort into a compelling application, including a well-written essay and strong recommendation letters. Unfortunately, I faced rejection, which left me with limited choices as most other college application deadlines had already passed. My primary alternative became Saint Peter’s University.

My initial plan was to attend community college for a year or two, gain experience, and then transfer to a university like Stevens. However, my parents were hesitant about this approach, fearing it might delay my academic progress or limit my opportunities. As a result, I’ve decided to begin my college journey at Saint Peter’s with the intention of working diligently to transfer to Stevens or similar institutions later on.

This experience raises a common question among students: How does transferring from a university compare to transferring from a community college? Generally, transferring from a community college can offer more flexibility and potentially easier transfer pathways into four-year universities. However, transferring between universities directly can be more competitive and may require maintaining a strong academic record and fulfilling specific transfer requirements.

While parental guidance and support are invaluable, it’s essential to evaluate your options carefully and pursue the path that aligns with your goals and circumstances. Remember, each step you take is part of your unique educational journey, and perseverance often opens doors to new possibilities.

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