The Community College: A Viable Option

Richmond Hill, M.Ed., Counselor

Northern Virginia Community College

Woodbridge Campus

Searching for the best path for your child?

•Many Options Available-Military service-4-Year College/University-Community College-Entry-level employment

The Community College exists for two main purposes

•Serve as a bridge from high school to college by providing courses for transfer toward a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.).

4 out of 10 college-bound, high-school graduates start their college education this way. (College Board, 2009)

The Community College exists for two main purposes

•Prepare students for employment by offering entry- level career training.

Why Attend a Community College?

•Cost effective•Not sure about going away to a 4-yr. college•Not sure what to study•Concerned about admission requirements•Want to undertake a career-oriented degree or certification program•Need a flexible schedule

Family funds are tight…

•Community Colleges cost significantly less than state or private colleges and universities

•Living at home for two years can be an effective way to save money to pay for the last two years of a 4-year college or university

Your child isn’t sure about going to a 4-yr. college or university right away?

•Taking classes at a community college will give your child an idea of what type of educational setting a 4 yr. college may offer

•There are many orientation and transition programs available at community colleges to bridge the HS to college transition

Not sure what kind of program to pursue…

•At a community college your child can explore many different subjects before making a commitment to a degree program.

•Community colleges offer extensive academic advising and counseling services to help assess abilities, interests, and educational options

Your child’s GPA isn’t so great…

•Community colleges are open to everyone •We offer developmental classes and tutoring to help strengthen basic skills

•Average class size is much smaller than 4-year institutions

Your child would like to pursue a career-oriented degree or certification program…

•Programs like these often not available at 4-year institutions

•Your child wants to take courses in a specialized area but does not want to spend the time necessary to earn a degree

•Certificate options also available

Interested in pursuing a career-oriented degree or certification program…

•Your child can earn an associate’s degree in about two years and a certificate in under one year.

-Associate of Arts or Science, A.A. or A.S.-Associate of Applied Arts or Science, A.A.A., A.A.S.

Your child works and needs a flexible schedule…

•Class schedules at 4-year institutions are geared toward traditional, full-time students taking courses during the day•Community college schedules consider the needs of full-time and part-time students with day, evening, and some weekend and online classes available

Student Services…

•Counseling •Academic Advising•Faculty Advising•Transition/Retention Activities•First Year College Courses•Student Clubs and Activities

Making the Right Decision

•Research programs in advance•Find out what transfer options are available•Make an appointment with a community college counselor

Why is NOVA a good idea?•Guaranteed admission agreements •Low tuition•Over 150 degree programs •Professors focused on teaching•Faculty are available to students•Free tutoring services•Transfers have been tracked to do as well as students who began at the 4 yr. college•Six campuses conveniently located in Northern Virginia

How do I get started at NVCC?•Apply for financial aid•Apply for admission online•Take English and Math placement tests•Attend New Student Orientation OR contact the student services center to meet with a counselor for academic advising•Enroll in classes online•Pay your tuition•Get your textbooks•Attend class

Pathways to BaccalaureateDesigned to increase access to higher education for students in Northern VA

Provides a supportive environment to ensure a smooth transition to college

NOVA & George Mason University have joined with the following public school systems to create this program: Alexandria City, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Manassas Park, Manassas City, and Prince William County (Gar-Field, Woodbridge, Freedom, Potomac and Stonewall Jackson)Pathway Counselor available in each school 1 day per week

Pathways to Baccalaureate•One-on-one meetings on academic and career and other college transition issues with a Pathway Counselor

•Workshops on college transition issues such as the application process, financial aid, and preparation for placement tests

•Early placement testing for NOVA’s English and Math Placement Tests in the high school

•Opportunity to participate in selected social and cultural events at NOVA and GMU

•Priority course selection and registration for 1st semester at NOVA

•Contact Ms. Susan Nieves-Campos, snievescampos@nvcc.edu, 703-878-5887 or your high school guidance office for more information

Community College IS a Viable Option

Richmond Hill, M.Ed., CounselorNorthern Virginia Community College

Woodbridge Campusrihill@nvcc.edu