Should Students Choose A Two Year or Four Year School?

by Madeline Gavin

College isn't for everyone, but there are many decisions to consider when applying. Professor Patricia Allen attended Cape Cod Community College and Wellesley University. Due to her experience, I asked for her advice on the pros and cons of both a two year and four year school. Here are her responses:

Pros for 4Cs:

• At 4Cs, the faculty are focused on teaching instead of research, so they are very available to meet with and mentor students.
• 4Cs has an open-door policy, where nearly every office and faculty member welcomes drop ins. For example, outside of regular office hours, students can drop in to see faculty. At most four year colleges faculty are stingier with their time.
• At 4Cs, first and second year students can take leadership roles in clubs and organizations. This is usually reserved for upperclassmen at four year schools.
• Tutoring and support services are free and plentiful here. You can wait weeks for advising at a four year school, and some charge for academic support.
• 4Cs is the best financial bargain around. You get two years of high quality education for minimal tuition.

Cons of 4Cs:

• It's tough to commute to college, especially when students live far away.
• Community college students tend to work more, which makes it harder to be prepared for class. That's a nice way of saying community college students aren’t always as prepared for class discussions, etc.
• For me, the biggest drawback to 4Cs is that it doesn't offer bachelor's degrees, which means you have no choice but to transfer if you want a four year degree.
• Community college funding isn't as strong as that at four year schools, so there are fewer clubs, events, and of course, sports.
• You don't usually progress through your degree or graduate with one cohort or class.

Pros of Wellesley: 

• Wellesley and other four year colleges tend to be extremely diverse, with faculty and students from around the world who expand your views.
• It's incredibly convenient to live on campus—to run downstairs and have food ready for you and someone who cleans the dorm. It is a luxury!
• The curriculum is much broader—there are many more majors and diverse course offerings
• Students are academically focused, which can be enriching and a big help in challenging classes.
• There are college traditions that are fun and help keep you focused on achieving milestones.

Cons of Wellesley:

• It's challenging to transfer into a school as a third year, when so many people have already forged relationships.
• There is a lot MORE homework—not harder work—but more work.
• It is a big adjustment to learn a whole new campus, its resources, etc.
• Academically rigorous schools like Wellesley can make students feel pressured to perform academically
• Even though Wellesley has a diverse student population, it can feel a bit privileged.

 Professor Patricia Allen. (Patricia Allen)

Categories: Featured, Student Life