2. BACKGROUND
Approximately 15,000 students transfer from community colleges to
UC schools each year.
The UC system consists of nearly 233,000 students. There are 112
community colleges in California with students who often choose to
transfer into the UC system after two years. (Dela Rosa, J.P. 2014)
http://college.usatoday.com/2014/05/23/from-community-college-to-the-uc-
system-california-students-reflect/
3. ROLES OF COMMUNITY
COLLEGES
A crucial role of the community college is to acquaint students to
the elevated academic expectations in the college environment.
Provides opportunities for academic and self-growth in a setting
that arguably has less distractions and pressures than starting
immediately in a four-year college or university.
4. SOME ADVANTAGES TO STARTING
AT A TWO-YEAR COLLEGE
Admission access is somewhat easier. Admission TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign
Language) scores and academic requirements are generally lower for admission to U.S.
community colleges than to four-year institutions.
Costs are lower. Tuition at community colleges can be as much as 20 percent to 80 percent less
than at four-year American universities and colleges.
Student enrollment in classes, or at the institution in general, is often smaller than at four-
year schools. Teachers and advisors are able to provide more one-on-one attention to students.
(Begin your bachelor’s degree at a community college: 2 + 2 agreements, 2016)
https://www.studyusa.com/en/a/1102/begin-your-bachelor-s-degree-at-a-community-college-2-2-agreements
6. LINCOLN LAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Completed an Associate of Arts degree with an
emphasis in Music in first experience in a college
environment. (James Ackman ca. 1833-55)
7. ADVANTAGES OF PERSONALLY
ATTENDING A COMMUNITY
COLLEGE
Small class sizes, e.g. the music theory sequence (a core barrier
sequence) was about 20 students versus the 50-60 students in the same
sequence of classes at Southern Illinois University.
Provided the opportunity for performing in more ensembles, and greater
personal attention from applied music faculty.
Allowed me to acclimate with both my major study area of music as well
as the college environment as a whole, while being able to live at home.
All credits earned at Lincoln Land Community College transferred to
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, where I completed my four-
year degree in Music Education.
8. SUMMARY
Community colleges allow students to acclimate to the collegiate
environment gradually and at their own pace.
Students receive more personal attention at community colleges
due to smaller class sizes.
Community colleges are less expensive than four-year colleges.
Credits earned at a community college transfer to in-state four
year universities.
9. REFERENCES
1. Dela Rosa, J.P. (May 23, 2014). From community college to the
UC system: California students reflect. Retrieved from
http://college.usatoday.com/2014/05/23/from-community-college-to-
the-uc-system-california-students-reflect/
2. Begin your bachelor’s degree at a community college: 2 + 2
agreements. Retrieved from
https://www.studyusa.com/en/a/1102/begin-your-bachelor-s-degree-
at-a-community-college-2-2-agreements
3. Image of Lincoln Land Community College: Used with
permission.
