Would it be better to go to a community college for the first two years then transfer to a university for the last two, or to just go for four full years to a university?

What university are we talking about? What is the cost? I think attending university with a peer group that intends to graduate for all four years is probably better from a learning and motivational perspective.  Your third year of university shouldn't be one of figuring out what your university is about and figuring things out. Given your current GPA, you are more likely to get quality scholarships now, not after attending community college. No matter where you go, undergraduate education is the start of your education during the 18 to 22 time period.  School takes up 20 hours a week.  Figure out how to use those other hours to learn about yourself, learn about your field, learn about others, and learn about the world. Maximum education Maximum scholarship money The overall smoothness of transition

In my state, Massachusetts, the state's flagship public university (UMass Amherst) has a pre-prepared program to work with the state's community colleges. One attends the CC with a goal of a major in mind.  You take the prerequisites at the CC, graduate with an AA degree and at least a 2.5 GPA and then immediately go to UMass Amherst for the final two years of your major: http://www.umass.edu/umccc/ Almost every state has a similar program. Check with your state's premier public college. Also, as a Junior in high school, sit down with your guidance counselor and then with a teacher that you trust, and have a long conversation with each of them about all of this.  All the best.

I think that the community college into two years of university is a viable path if you have a very good idea of what you want to do. Generally speaking community college is less academically rigorous, and you will need to focus on both taking and excelling in specific requirement-fulfilling courses. It can definitely be cheaper. However, many schools, especially top ranked ones, offer large amounts of financial aid, both need based and merit based. My college experience is not representative of many others' and neither is my financial situation but I know many less financially fortunate people who have gotten incredible offers from schools. This is of course school specific but I'd advise you to consider at least a few 4 year universities. Besides aid from the school there are also external resources like loans and scholarships. I strongly urge you to seek out scholarships. Many many people are just too lazy, senioritis and all, to apply. It's been said by many people but it's incredibly true. As for what major you should go into: I saw that you were worried not knowing what direction to take, being a junior. Many people are in your shoes and will continue to be even past college. The fact that you are worrying about it puts you ahead already. With that said, it is best if you find what you love to do instead of being influenced by others. You should take my thoughts on majors with a grain of salt. For you it is difficult to say as biology and writing are pretty distinct domains, unless you're interested in scientific journalism. Higher level biology and careers in biology -  bioengineer, researcher, doctor, etc. - also invariably involve chemistry and a certain level of math background. Advanced economics definitely involves math, although other business areas like marketing do not. And even though it's hard to accept, sometimes what you are passionate for is a bad career choice. Keep in mind practical considerations when choosing your major. It's a tough call and one only you will be able to make. I will note that experimenting in different areas and taking classes in a wide variety of interests is a lot easier at a 4 year. I hope some of what I said is helpful. Happy new year and best of luck!

As a transfer from community college, my answer may be biased in many ways. The first step is to know your options inside out--since finances is your primary concern meet with a counselor to discuss your eligibility for financial aid and scholarships. Secondary to finances are factors that are important to you that no one else can determine--location, opportunities, programs, etc. Assuming your decision is based solely on finances, I think community college is generally a more cost-effective option considering the rising cost in tuition of universities. Be prepared for impacted courses at community college--your time frame there may be 3 years instead of 2. Be flexible and stay committed to your transfer plan if you go to community college, don't get too comfortable especially if you find a job, I know friends who stay at community college for 4+ years. Good luck to you!

I have a very good friend who did this.  Big mistake!  He ended up being a Full Professor at Harvard and now he works all the time. True story.  This is what community colleges were designed for.  Get an associates degree or bring up your grades and transfer.  Now, maybe save some money along the way?

Find out what your general education requirements are at your university, then take them at your community college instead. This has a few advantages (keep in mind that these are generalizations - your community college experience may vary): Tuition at community college is much cheaper! Save money on your gen-ed. Community college is less rigorous, which means you'll more likely get good grades. This will improve your overall GPA, and may even put you in a position to get an academic scholarship when you transfer to university. Gen-ed courses are often offered more frequently at community colleges, which may enable you to complete these courses in fewer semesters, saving you both time and money.

As mentioned in some of the answers above, joining a community college for the first two years and then getting a transfer to a university for the last two is a much better approach for two reasons: a) You significantly reduce the tuition fees, which means you have lesser baggage to carry. b) You have more time to focus and hone your skills. University is a high-action game, and it's easy to get swayed away with the crowd. When you're in a community college, you get to work on your own, which could be a huge plus, as you get enough time to understand key concepts and work at your own pace. Now, you've mentioned that you want to enrol in a good community college. Well, the Top Five are as follows: 1) http://best-community-colleges.com/elgin-community-college 2) http://best-community-colleges.com/louisiana-technical-college-alexandria 3) http://best-community-colleges.com/northern-virginia-community-college http://best-community-colleges.com/

You want to look into dual enrollment -- that's absolutely the cheapest way to get college credit.  You can spend up to two years getting both high school and college credit simultaneously by doing your junior and senior years of high school at a CC.  Different states and communities support this in different ways, so you'll have to investigate your local rules. People who do this really effectively can graduate high school and get an AA at the same time, having paid nothing (except possibly for books) or very little.  Then it's on to a four year university as a junior transfer (if you like), or as a freshman who gets junior standing fairly quickly.  Seriously! So look into it.  It's the best deal around and very effective, it you have the support of your high school and CC.  Home schoolers sometimes go this route.

So if you go to a community college you'll save a bunch of money and you'll be taking the same classes you would at a university. If you're going to a community college, focus on getting out of there in 2 years. You want to work really hard and get a solid GPA, that way you can transfer to a good university. Here are some resources you can use that can assist you. http://www.statfuse.com, http://www.parchment.com/,http://www.collegeprowler.com/, http://www.cappex.com