Community College or University??

[fttrsbeerwench]

I have not been enrolled in a "place of higher learning" since I was about 20 years old. I have taken some time to look at the websites for CSM and SMCM last night and it's got me thinking about going back to school. I have a few questions:

1. Who attended a university, and who went to community college?


2. How do you rate our local colleges, either based on personal experience or general impression of them?


3. If I were to choose to go back to school, I would go for a degree in some sort of environmental discipline...Water conservation, forestry, or wetlands conservaton. I hear SMCM is a great school for these fields. What do you think? I definatly want to do something with science and/or plants and animals. Even Geology is a bit of a hobby of mine.


4. Am I totally insane for thinking that a single mother of two, with minimal work experience and barely any money can do something like this, to better myself and my situation? Mostly myself, I think it would thoroughly make me happy to go back to school. I have never been content unless I was learning something. I have thought about this forever, but have always feared going for it. I have thought I am too old, or I couldn't manage school and home and kids and work all at once. Or that I could never get enough money to pay for it.


5. So, is it a good idea?? I really want some thoughtful responses. TIA

 

[lkt]

HI

Ive done both! I started with the community college.. at the age of 32! I would say start with the community college, its geared for returning students.. the teachers are outstanding!! they are excellent and are teaching becuz they enjoy teaching.. they also for the most part are experienced in their field..

you will also find that the majority of the students are older.. and they are there becuz they want to be so they are all serious about the classes.

Also everyone at the community college is very nice and very willing to talk with u and help you to find any and all programs to find the money to go back to schoool call them and make an appt. to talk with an advisor..

as far as st marys college... its a great school.. but not to well geared for the returning student i attended after completing 2 aa degrees at the community college for @ 3 semesters and was far more impressed with the community college.. but maybe thats becuz i was in my late 30's ...

at the community college they have programs that allow you to continue a four yr program thru the university of md ...

but st marys ( the 4 yr school) also has a returning womens program.. if your income is low I would also check into any prgrams that they have available..

Either way... GO FOR IT!!!


there are many.. programs out there for single parents to return to school.. Also check into jobs with the dept of natural resources.. many times they will send you to classes for your job.. umm like the natural resources police..

 

[Triggerfish]

you will also find that the majority of the students are older..

I agree with the majority of what you said but this part really isn't true. My first class I felt that I was 10 yrs late for the prom. I had one student that was older than me. She was mid 40s another a year younger than me....early 30s. Looks like the rest were right out of hight school. My 2nd class had more older students. I was reading the CSM student handbook and catalog and read that about 50% of the school is under 20yrs old. However if you take mostly night and weekend classes you'll probaby come across more older students.

CSM also has a returning women's program. The instructors I had there so far have been very flexible with their returning student. CSM has an environmental technology A.A.S. that can be directly transfered to the UMUC Environmental Management B.A.

Looks like you need a lot of the same information I need. I am trying to get a degree in Marine Ecology and I need to take environmental, biology, oceanography and geology classes.

 

[Kizzy]

I started at the Community College when I was 23, ended up getting an A.A. degree in Science and a Paralegal Certificate. When I was 30, I started at UMUC, double majored in Business and Computer Management and Information Technology (CMIT), now I have a B.A. Degree.

It is not insane to think you can do it with 2-children. I did. My husband is a Crime Science Technician in D.C. Between the shift work and the endless hours in court, he is not home very often, when he is home, he is so exhausted and just wants to relax. So I am as close to being a single parent as you can get, and I don’t even have the luxury of getting an occasional weekend off. I will tell you it isn’t easy, you need to manage your time efficiently, take vitamins and eat right. It can be done. You just have to have the desire to do this and once you have that, the rest of it will be you ability to take each day, one day at a time. I just knew that I was always going to be a scum-sucking subordinate, with no upward mobility, making next to nothing and being away from my kids day after day feeling like I wasn’t accomplishing anything greater if I didn’t get a degree. That was all the motivation I needed to muster thru the stressful times.


My only advice, if you are getting a degree to make better money, get it is something that will guarantee a better job when you graduate. I tossed in the Business major just incase there was a lack of positions available in the C.M.I.T. field. I am glad I did this now, since the jobs in the computer field have dropped drastically over the past few years. In July, I accepted a position that gave me a $6,000 raise in the door. By the end of my 3rd year in this position, I will make roughly $23,000 or more than I did if I would have stayed where I was, without the degree. Each day while your doing it, juggling work, kids, college seems like hell but the payoff makes all that hard work seem worth every painstaking minute of the effort.

Since I am married, any scholarships I may have been able to obtain where null and voided after my husband’s salary was factored in. Sad to think I could get a divorce, get child support and get a scholarship, because my salary, alone, was low. I felt punished because I was married. My employer reimbursed some of my educational expenses and the remainder was paid for by student loans. At least the interest is very low and tax deductible. Plus they give you up to 30-years to pay for it.

Also, get as many credits as you can at the community college as you can, the tuition is much, much, MUCH cheaper than that of a university.

 

[Kizzy]

Oh, another thing, you don't want to take a bunch of classes that will not transfer to a university, so know this early on when you enroll in a program. The A.A. degree in Science would have transferred anyway, in just about any program in a community college. A good majority of my Paralegal classes would not.

If I wanted to be a nurse tomorrow, I’d only spend about a year in college to get an R.N. degree. If I wanted to go back and major in accounting or finance, I would only need about 20 credits to do that. So the foundation is set, just incase I would ever find myself desiring or needing to put my self in another field for any reason.

 

[baswm]

I went both routes. I was 17 and living at UMCP for two years. The classes were HUGH. I had about 200 people in my Calculus class. We sat on bleachers and the professor lectured from the podium. Then we would break down into small groups of 45 and meet with a TA who generally did not speak english very well. Not a good experience.

I went to a tech school and decided to switch majors to EE and went to community college where the classes were much smaller, more one on one with the professor who was readly available to answer questions. Much better experience.

As someone else posted, make sure you contact the university that you want to transfer into as a junior to make sure your classes will transfer without any problem.

 

[Kizzy]

BTW, I totally agree, the community college experience was much better. I hated the big classes at Maryland and the walking block and blocks to get where a class is being held plus the parking issues. Good grief, horrible. I was more content to just take classes online. If you are disciplined and organized, online classes are the way to go.

 

[Chain729]

Are you totally insane? No. I've seen people in your position get their degrees. As others have said, CSM has a lot of older students- some of which are single parents.

Even-though I find the terms "CSM" and "competence" complete opposites, I would still say that's the better option to start with. Most of programs have classes that can pretty much all be taken at night, so you can juggle work. Unfortunately, my major wasn't one of them, so I had to take this year off.

Also, as a single mother that doesn't make much, you qualify for A LOT of financial aid- and the classes at CSM probably don't cost as much as you think.

 

[BuddyLee]

1. Who attended a university, and who went to community college?

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I've been going to CSM for a little over two years now. After next semester and one more class in the summer session I will have earned my A.A. in general studies. I highly recommend CSM to anyone. I had thought long and hard about transferring right out of high school to St. Mary's College of Maryland but I am glad I did not. I have learned much and have a greater appreciation to learn more, I've almost attained my A.A. and have every single credit paid for to date (no future bills) and I should have little to no problem at all transferring to the college of my choice, St. Mary's College of Maryland. Also If you take so many credits you no longer need to take the SAT or ACT exams, yet another big plus.<o></o>

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2. How do you rate our local colleges, either based on personal experience or general impression of them?

CSM is ok IMO. Some of the teachers there are a bit high schoolish in theme but most are about the idea of higher learning. I have yet to take a class at St. Mary's College of Maryland so I cannot help you there. As far as appearance of the campus goes it is very picturesque in environment. The campus is merely five minutes from home. They also hold every major that I would even think about majoring in.<o></o>

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3. If I were to choose to go back to school, I would go for a degree in some sort of environmental discipline...Water conservation, forestry, or wetlands conservaton. I hear SMCM is a great school for these fields. What do you think? I definitely want to do something with science and/or plants and animals. Even Geology is a bit of a hobby of mine.

CSM has many of the classes to start you off IMO. You could delve a little deeper than an A.A. in that type of degree but I could be wrong because I also recollect them having B.A. degrees available. SMCM has a great science program but I was not interested in that.<o></o>

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4. Am I totally insane for thinking that a single mother of two, with minimal work experience and barely any money can do something like this, to better myself and my situation? Mostly myself, I think it would thoroughly make me happy to go back to school. I have never been content unless I was learning something. I have thought about this forever, but have always feared going for it. I have thought I am too old, or I couldn't manage school and home and kids and work all at once. Or that I could never get enough money to pay for it.

ok honey chile' listen up. I say start off at CSM because it's a little easier and more inexpensive and you still get the same credits. However, as Kizzy mentioned be sure your credits will transfer if you do intend to transfer. I don't have to worry about that because I am transferring my A.A. degree as a whole. You'll probably feel more comfortable and with people your own age and background at CSM as well. <o></o>

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5. So, is it a good idea?? I really want some thoughtful responses. TIA

Yessum!<o></o>

 

[Candle Lover]

CSM also offers a program for women returning to school. I have found CSM to be an excellent choice. Some other advantages of a community college are that more classes are offered at night, Web classes, and telecourses, and tuition is lower.

You may also want to look at the Higher Education Center. They have several different colleges that offer degree programs. This would be another resource to check out.

Best of luck!

 

[kom526]

I am currently attending CSM also and I am majoring in Enviromental Studies. I have yet to start my degree classes, but I do know that the credits will transfer to UMUC. The majority (I think) of the classes for Enviromental Engineering from UMUC can be done online and they have an office at the Higher Education Center.

 

[Kizzy]

CSM also offers a program for women returning to school. I have found CSM to be an excellent choice. Some other advantages of a community college are that more classes are offered at night, Web classes, and telecourses, and tuition is lower.

You may also want to look at the Higher Education Center. They have several different colleges that offer degree programs. This would be another resource to check out.

Best of luck!

Lady Clariol use to give scholarships, of course you have to not be married to get it.

 

[HollowSoul]

i'm a student of life...
"and barely passing"

 

[Ken King]

If your goal is to get a bachelors degree you can probably skip the community college route by getting credit for your life experiences which usually equates to two years completed by many major universities (including UM). A site to evaluate your experiences is http://www.arrc.org

You are never too old to continue your educational goals. I was 43 before I had enough credits to get my degree. It might take a while when you are working or parenting but it is certainly worth the time and effort.

 

[ProgMetalFanMan]

I went to CSM when it was CCCC, and was VERY pleased with what I got out of it.

Being a full time employee, they provided me with the opportunity to get my degree started while working to support myself.

I ended up transferring 61 credits to Capitol College for their BSEE program, and am only 6 classes away from graduating. Another great school, Capitol College really looks out for its students and has some great professors.

I expect to graduate in May of 2006 with the BSEE. Since I have been working full time, the experience as a designer/technician should help.

Some of my favorite professors are at the St Mary's Campus. Bob Gates, head of the Electronics courses when I was there is awesome. Steven Hundert is a great math teacher for Calc 1 and above. Jane Ichniowski and Mrs. Smith were also fantastic math teachers for the 1080, 1120 and 1130 courses.

Something I found interesting: full time students who are just starting out talk to me, and look to me to give them advice about the work force. You guys don't know how worried many students are about making it out there in the real world! For the longest time, I felt kinda insecure and inferior because I never had the money to go full time, but had to work. I envied the students who had that option.

Never in a million years would I have imagined that they would come to ME and ask for advice! And to many other full time workers too. They look at us as people wo talk to about how to make the transition, and what to expect in the real world.

I bet you guys never knew this but its true. You can offer someone younger then yourself some good tips and advice on how to get through it easier and more effectively.

 

[marianne]

1. Who attended a university, and who went to community college?

I did both, attending community college the first year and universities afterwards. Going to community college was a nice way to "get my feet wet" and all the credits transferred. Taking on-line classes seems like a good way to do it. But you have to be really committed - I wasn't able to get through any.

2. How do you rate our local colleges, either based on personal experience or general impression of them?

Based on a couple Continuing Ed classes, College of Southern Maryland is a very good community college.

3. If I were to choose to go back to school, I would go for a degree in some sort of environmental discipline...

I would first look to see what the job outlooks are for the different environmental disciplines at http://www.bls.gov/bls/occupation.htm.

4. Am I totally insane for thinking that a single mother of two can do something like this, to better myself and my situation?

Not at all. You should be able to get grants/scholarships in your situation to cover much of the costs. You're never too old - my mother-in-law was in her 50's when she went to school for a Bachelors degree. And she likes it so much she's now matriculating for her Masters. My parents worked many jobs and went to school. They only had high school degrees when they got married and had five children. By the time the youngest finished college, my mother had an Associates degree and my father had an Associates, Bachelors, Masters, and PhD. The single thing I am most proud of is how hard my parents worked and the value they placed on education. While it will be difficult, you will be setting a remarkable example for your children. Don't give up!

5. So, is it a good idea?? I really want some thoughtful responses.

Great idea if you have a support system for your children (caregivers/family/friends nearby).

 

[Josimmon]

Funny, I am having the same thoughts and have been searching the colleges around here to go back to school myself. Since I moved here a few months ago, I have not found a decent job. On one hand I think I should go back to school and get a degree to make good money but on the other hand I want to get back into the crisis counselor field. I have some psychology credits and work experience that would help me get a degree in that field but the money is not good and this area does not have too many crisis centers. So I am not sure I could get a job after I get the degree. I am getting too old to still not know what I want to be when I grow up.

 

[Tenknots]

I think CSM is your best bet. My daughter is a sophomore at SMCM majoring in biology. There is no WAY I could do anything near what she does and work even part time. Bio majors take Organic chemistry, genetics and calculus - at the same time, and for at least 2 semesters in a row. It takes someone without ties to be able to study that hard (and SMCM is an honors college).

As someone else mentioned, get a degree in something you really love and can make a living at if you're going to spend the $$.

Don't be discouraged - it can be done, but it might take a little while.

 

[janey83]

1. Who attended a university, and who went to community college?

I kind of did both, I'm still a student at a university but I've taken summer classes at community college.

2. How do you rate our local colleges, either based on personal experience or general impression of them?

In my opinion, college is college -- but I'm biased, I thought CSM was much more relaxed than my usual college work; sometimes I think about what it would have been like if I had gone to CSM initially (like my parents wanted) instead of just going straight into college....in the end, I'm glad I took the route I did because it works for me....if I have other obligations (ie family, work) then I would have gone to CSM.....SMCM is very demanding (I have several friends who have gone there) and may not be the easiest transition back into higher education.

3. If I were to choose to go back to school, I would go for a degree in some sort of environmental discipline...

well, this is the area for it

4. Am I totally insane for thinking that a single mother of two can do something like this, to better myself and my situation?

I say do it -- it'll be a good investment in the long run, and your children may be inspired to think "wow, I want to go to college too!"

5. So, is it a good idea?? I really want some thoughtful responses.

Go for it.