Informational Text and Writing - Question 17 Select TWO statements that accurately describe main ideas from the text. che A The two-year college is a more affordable option. ink B The four-year college helps a student gain independence. e st The four-year college hosts more athletic events. will 5 D The four-year college is often associated with debt after graduation E The two-year college connects students with career professionals. F The two-year college has a diverse, international population. . he 9 Two or Four? Up until this point in your life, many of the decisions regarding your education have been made by people other than you. Your parents, teachers, school administrators, and even the state board of education have decided where you will go to school, which classes you will take, what time you will start, and which bus will transport you there. As a person on the brink of the next step in the education process, however, you soon will have the chance to make some decisions for yourself based on your own preferences and interests. One of the most important of these decisions will be the choice of where to go to college, and naturally you will ask yourself, "Which is best: a two-year college or a four-year college?" The answer to this question is: yes! Let's take a look at what each of these institutions has to offer, so that you will be well-equipped to make the best decision for yourself. First, it is important to clarify the difference between a two-year college and a four-year college. A two-year college, often referred to as a community college or a junior college, generally offers an associate degree, which enables a person to obtain a job in a particular trade or vocation. Two-year colleges, though, can also be a place where a person earns the requisite credit that can be transferred to a four-year college. Four-year colleges offer the next level of credentials: a bachelor's degree, which is associated with a career in anything from business, to science, to teaching, and fine arts. To enter a four-year college, an applicant must take a standardized test such as the SAT or ACT. These tests are not required 2 3 4 for a two-year college. One of the major benefits of a two-year college is the cost associated with studying there. Students generally pay half the tuition that they would have to pay at a four-year college. Additionally, two-year colleges are abundant in local communities, and most students can live at home while pursuing their studies. This means students do not have to pay for the room and boarding costs that are connected to study at a four-year colleges. Two-year colleges offer a variety of programs, and participants in these programs generally become equipped to work in industries such as computer technology, registered nursing, and law enforcement after two years of study. Four-year colleges have their own set of benefits as well. Students pay more in tuition, fees, room, and board, but also gain a wealth of experiences drawn from living independently for the first time. Students who study in a four-year college will be able to take part in a wider curriculum and a larger workload. Additionally, the four-year college student often has greater access to networking tools, which he or she can use to pursue a career or further education. Whether you decirle to complete your studies at a two-year college or a four-year college, you will find interesting, intelligent people with a passion for learning, bettering themselves, and participating in new experiences. You will have access to performances, athletic games, cultural events, and student-run clubs. Before rushing into a decision, though, it is important that you do your homework. The research you complete now can have a large impact on the next years of your life and beyond. Search yourself for your true interests and then compare 5 cultural events, and student-run clubs. Before rushing into a decision, though, it is important that you do your homework. The research you complete now can have a large impact on the next years of your life and beyond. Search yourself for your true interests and then compare those to the options that you have. Enjoy your time of exploration and scrutiny, and enjoy making one of the most important decisions about your education Two-Year College Technical and Academic Associate Four-Year College Degrees Bachelor's Degree Average tuition, room $8.909 $22,092 and board rates 6 Books and materials for one year $1,200 $1,200 Student population Class size/dynamics Generally local students Diverse population; some from surrounding community international students 25-40 students per class Varies; some classes as taught by professors small as a dozen students: other classes as large as several hundred; classes taught by both professors and graduate teaching assistants Two-Year College Technical and Academic Associate Degrees $8.909 Four-Year College Bachelor's Degree $22,092 Average tuition, room and board rates Books and materials for one year $1,200 $1,200 Student population Generally local students from surrounding community Diverse population; some international students Class size/dynamics 25-40 students per class taught by professors Varies; some classes as small as a dozen students: other classes as large as several hundred: classes taught by both professors and graduate teaching assistants $45,327 Average starting salary immediately after obtaining degree $20,000 - $35,000 Academic Associate's Degree $28,000 - $50,000 Technical Degree $1,727,000 $2,268,000 Median lifetime earnings after obtaining degree