Anonymous wrote:Just go to JMU like everyone else!

+1

Anonymous wrote:Def. go to a 4 year - you may enjoy your time there more than you expect!

+1. I have absolutely nothing against CC, but as PPs have said, breaking into the social scene can be tough. It can also be tough in Classes, e.g. my DSS went to CC then transferred to 4 yr and within his major (science) the students had been together since freshman year, working closely in study groups, small lab sessions, etc. and that was hard to break into.

Besides, UVA isn't the be all to end all. Yes it's a great school, I'd be happy if my kids went there, but there are many others that are great too. With great experiences to be had.

Def. go to a 4 year - you may enjoy your time there more than you expect!

Definitely look at your other 4-year college options first. Could then try to transfer, if still wanted to, after freshman year. Trying to integrate into UVA's social scene as a third year from a community college would definitely be more challenging than trying to do it as a second year.

Go to the other school, not NVCC
Can transfer later, if he/she hates it

Anonymous wrote:

The other alternative ...

Sorry but you are an idiot for not having more options

Finances can be a significant consideration. Not everyone can afford OOS tuition, nor is eligible for huge financial aid packages.

A big part of this is why was DC rejected by UVA? Did DC get into any school on UVA's level?

I think the difference between UVA and NVCC is large enough that unless your DC got into a couple schools on UVA's level but you just can't afford them that you should start at somewhere like JMU or G Mason.

While there may not be a "guarantee" a couple semesters of work at a solid state school with a 3.5 GPA even if DC repeats a couple classes they took as APs in HS should be enough to allow a transfer to UVA.

If you didn't apply to that type of safety consider Virginia Commonwealth U which has rolling admissions.

Anonymous wrote:

The other alternative ...

Sorry but you are an idiot for not having more options

I think you need to go back to doing your homework. Tomorrow is a school day, honey.

The other alternative ...

Sorry but you are an idiot for not having more options

I think PPs are right. At first, it looked like a great idea. Then when I looked into it a little further and thought about it, I had more doubts. Statistically speaking, only 9% of kids who start at community college go on to finish a 4 yr degree in six years. And it sometimes costs more to start at a community college b/c when you get to the university, they tell you that X, Y and Z classes that you took in comm college don't apply to your 4 yr degree. Regarding the VA guaranteed admission program, you have to be very specific about the classes you take and you have to be SURE to get high grades. I don't remember the exact details, but I think one C and you are no longer eligible for guaranteed admission... you are then just competing as a transfer student.

I think the social piece is something too. If you kid is at NVCC, they aren't necessarily getting the same peer pressure to finish a degree in 4 years and go on to (grad school/etc.). The social connections aren't going to be as strong simply b/c people aren't in the same space as much as they would be in a normal college campus.

Again, if a kid knows that this is their goal and they have their mind made up that they are going to push through and get to UVA -- then I think it is a fabulous option. But, the question is how focussed that kid is and can they sustain it. Only you/(or the kid) can answer that.

Just go to JMU like everyone else!

It’s a great option for those who are both determined enough to make it work and socially savvy enough to be the new kid among juniors.

How determined is your child? If highly motivated then the cc route will work for them, if not then really why bother? Take the alternate

BTDT. Kid went to a "lesser" college, then transferred to UVA after 1 year. It was somewhat difficult socially, as most form enduring friendships during the first year. I am guessing after 2 years of CC it may be even harder... but depends on the kid.

What do you think the pros/cons of going the guaranteed admissions route to UVA are? The other alternative is an entirely different in-state school (not W&M).