For everyone who wants to get that degree faster for whatever reason I thought I'd make an affordable guide (As affordable as American college can get lol).
So first things first I would say to graduate highschool on time ahaha.
Highschool things you can do:
I didn't really do any of this but take AP classes and try to score a 4 Also if ur community college allows you to take classes there while in highschool, USE THAT!!!! The load will be so much easier and ur future self with thank you!!!!
Second I would say to go to community college:
I know people want to try the college lifestyle and what not, but I would say for a bachelor's hit up community college first and don't sorry about an expensive degree. The most important part of college is the degree not the parties imo.
Then rather than immediately picking a major, go in for general studies and pick courses that will work for all majors.
When to transfer to a 4 year?
So I would say if your last semester at community college won't be full time don't waste it, it's time to transfer.
Small tips:
Make sure to take the max amount of classes that you can do. I always did 5 and one semester I even did 6, it wasn't that hard and I had a job. (Would never do this during the semesters I have math classes tho)
To make things easier try to take the accelerated summer and winter courses. You will still have a break but it will just be shorter. Also I noticed classes were easier during these semesters (I barely studied during summer semesters).
Make sure to take pre requisition classes asap so you don't waste any semesters.
Also try to get in classes that fit into more than one of your graduation requirements. So if you have a history and an international requirement then pick world history to knock two of them out.
Lastly, MILK THE FAFSA MILK THAT SHIT. look we all know the college system ain't shit but for some of us we need it for our careers, so what can we do? We can take advantage of the system ofc
Milk that shit hard, esp if ur poor. File early make it clear that u are poor. Also I was informed that step parents do not need to be included in highschool (I would double check that but hey now u look poorer).
Some things to keep in mind:
Contrary to popular beliefs most people do not finish a bachelor's degree within 4 years. The reason for that is that their advisors are wack and they don't know how to check requirements for themselves. So make sure you are on top of it and following the graduation requirements for your major. Make a checklist!
Also I said to go during winter and summer but I am still able to graduate by 21 after having taken 3 semesters off, so plan ahead!!!
When picking a 4 year college again here is the thing in our time depending on ur major ofc u will most likely need a masters degree eventually. So don't go to a 40K per year college and instead pick a cheaper option.
The only difference between the education of a more expensive college and a cheaper one is connections as in internships and nicer dorms and sports. However, if you reach out yourself to these internships you still have a chance.
Think about the profit. College is a business so the myth that u need a more expensive college, and that u need the college "experience" is just to sell. As long as it is accredited you are good.
Ofc some of us need to live on campus because of toxic family members and I understand that, but if you are able to stay home don't waste ur money
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Milk that shit hard, esp if ur poor. File early make it clear that u are poor. Also I was informed that step parents do not need to be included in highschool (I would double check that but hey now u look poorer).
Some things to keep in mind:
Contrary to popular beliefs most people do not finish a bachelor's degree within 4 years. The reason for that is that their advisors are wack and they don't know how to check requirements for themselves. So make sure you are on top of it and following the graduation requirements for your major. Make a checklist!
Also I said to go during winter and summer but I am still able to graduate by 21 after having taken 3 semesters off, so plan ahead!!!
When picking a 4 year college again here is the thing in our time depending on ur major ofc u will most likely need a masters degree eventually. So don't go to a 40K per year college and instead pick a cheaper option.
The only difference between the education of a more expensive college and a cheaper one is connections as in internships and nicer dorms and sports. However, if you reach out yourself to these internships you still have a chance.
Think about the profit. College is a business so the myth that u need a more expensive college, and that u need the college "experience" is just to sell. As long as it is accredited you are good.
Ofc some of us need to live on campus because of toxic family members and I understand that, but if you are able to stay home don't waste ur money
I hope this guide helps any of you!