At only the age of 18, teens have the immense pressure of choosing where to continue their education. One of the biggest questions that follow them is where do they start? There are many options for students on what to do after high school, but the most popular is a community college or a four year university. To those who may be on the rocks of what to do in Lake County, community college may be the best option for them.

“The main difference between a four year and a community is that at a community college you are at home, but you are taking college level classes, which is also the same level of education you would get at a four year school,” said college counselor Jamie McKenna.

Though community college may have its differences, there are still many advantages for going. According to studybreaks.com about 20 to 50 percent of college students go in as either undecided or undeclared.

“At CLC you have those two years to take your general education classes and then from there, my job would be to help you find that one class you really enjoyed, so once you transfer you know what you want to do,” said CLC recruiter Nora Guzman.

Many might feel pressure to declare a major right away and know what they want to do for their career. But the reality may be that students can find another interest. Study breaks did a study that 75 percent of college students will change their major at least once. However, for students who may know what they want to do, the Guaranteed Transfer program eases the transfer process. CLC has partnered with other schools that will guarantee admission into their school straight from CLC.

“If a student comes in and knows that their dream school is Marquette, what we would do is set up their courses over their time at CLC so once they get to Marquette, they can immediately start their concentrated major classes,” Guzman said.

The pressure on teens has caused stress to begin their adult life when they may not know how to, but there are resources available to guide them through it all.

“My main piece of advice for a student who may not know is to perhaps go to CLC so they can save about a quarter of the amount to get their education and figure out a plan then transfer,” McKenna said.

If students are unsure about what to do, they should strongly consider attending community college. It has the advantages of lower cost, same education, and a closer community.