Transcript The Community College: A Viable Option

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 entrylevel 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 4yr. 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 4year institutions
Your child would like to pursue a careeroriented 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 Baccalaureate
Designed 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, [email protected], 703-878-5887 or your
high school guidance office for more information
Community College IS a Viable Option
Richmond Hill, M.Ed., Counselor
Northern Virginia Community College
Woodbridge Campus
[email protected]