Junior colleges offer diverse disciplines, certificate programs, and Associates in Arts degrees. They are often cheaper than four-year universities and offer specialized programs in various fields. Admission is not based on high school performance, and scholarships can be based on college performance. Junior colleges offer a more intimate learning environment and are a great place to start exploring different career options. They also offer courses for high school students and community enrichment programs.
A junior college, often also called a community college, is a school that can offer a diverse number of disciplines, certificate programs, and Associates in Arts (also called Associates of Arts) degrees. Essentially, high school can function as the first two years of college study, with many students transferring to four-year colleges in their first year.
Sometimes a junior college offers certificate programs, which may or may not be part of a four-year course. Many people are licensed for different specialties in medicine, such as licensed professional nursing (LVN) or radiology, which may be required to become an X-ray technician or an ultrasound technician. Also, depending on the school, specialized programs in auto mechanics, computer programming, business management, electrical work, police or fire work may be available.
Most public junior colleges are generally the cheapest way to complete the first two years of college education or to specialize in a specific field that doesn’t require a four-year degree. The programs can be as good or better than those offered by more expensive training schools. Colleges may also offer weekend, evening, or online classes that help students work while attending school.
Many of these schools do not base admission on high school performance. This can make college an option for those who didn’t do well in the high school scene. Schools often require applicants to take placement tests in English and math, and tend to offer remedial courses for students who need additional help passing certain classes, graduation requirements, or certification.
When four-year universities screen junior college applicants, they may not require SAT or ACT scores. Scholarships and admission can be based solely on college performance instead of high school transcripts, which can help the student who had a rough start in high school. Some students also agree to attend a junior college with guaranteed placement at a four-year university upon completion of the program.
For many, this type of college is a great place to start learning about different career options. Students can come from more diverse backgrounds and the average age of students can be much higher than at a traditional university. Many people start new careers mid-life by studying here.
A junior college may also offer courses for some high school students who need to take additional classes to qualify for more competitive universities. Students can take more advanced courses in languages or science, for example, to help them become more attractive candidates for Ivy League schools.
In addition, many colleges offer summer programs for younger students, or community enrichment programs available to those 18 and older. Sometimes the school has a working relationship with a senior center in order to offer courses or lectures of interest to seniors.
Most instructors at this level have a master’s degree or equivalent experience in their field. In highly competitive job markets, a college may even require applicants for a doctoral degree. The emphasis is on instruction rather than publication, which is unlike many four-year schools. This often creates a more intimate learning environment for students who have direct access to professors, rather than attending seminars led by teaching assistants.
This model of instruction can be particularly beneficial for students who still need help and guidance from teachers. Smaller classrooms can also be more helpful and less disorienting than the large lecture-style courses offered at many top universities. Many students also attend this type of school because it is more cost-effective to do so, especially for those who are unsure about the course. Junior college gives you the opportunity to explore different areas before committing to a single subject.
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