Trade School Vs. Community College

My experience at SAC, you can start as a complete idiot (no offense) and come out with what I equate to a high school diploma. (I only say that because i'm comparing it to the schools I went to in europe.)

But a great place to start. Originally Posted by Precious_b

Yup... I went to one of the Alamo colleges straight out of HS.

^^^^Excellent advice from Nova^^^^

Malaya it sounds like you need to get with an academic advisor ASAP . Especially if you plan to enroll for Spring 2014. Originally Posted by Novatx

I agree.

Malaya it sounds like you need to get with an academic advisor ASAP . Especially if you plan to enroll for Spring 2014. Originally Posted by Novatx

^^^^Excellent advice from Nova^^^^ Originally Posted by Doglegg

Yup.

Start on your FAFSA too. You'll need it to determine your financial aid.

File the FAFSA as early in the year as possible. Some forms of aide run out and the earlier you file the more you might receive.

Some excellent insight already offered. I'll offer a differing perspective:

It seems to me you're going about this somewhat backwards. As I understand it, you have decided on your profession (cyber security) and are now trying to figure a path to get there, having narrowed the initial choice to Trade v. College.

Wouldn't it make better sense to identify who you might like to work for, or a couple of such companies, and then find out what their requirements are? If they accept trade school graduates at all? Which schools/programs are more highly thought of? What level of grades, accreditations, schools, etc. are necessary to ensure a decent chance to get hired?

Wouldn't it make sense to spend several hours of research before you undertake such a sizable investment in both dollars and time?

I have experience in this, from the hiring side. I saw many a sad face when told their "schooling" didn't even qualify them for an interview.

Education is a great thing. Dreams and aspirations are necessary and beautiful. Just be smart about it.

Very good point. That's why I checked for employers who hire those with the degree from my specifc schools. I also cross reference that with reviews from graduates and where they are currently employed.

And yes I've already done my fasfa.

Some excellent insight already offered. I'll offer a differing perspective:

It seems to me you're going about this somewhat backwards. As I understand it, you have decided on your profession (cyber security) and are now trying to figure a path to get there, having narrowed the initial choice to Trade v. College.

Wouldn't it make better sense to identify who you might like to work for, or a couple of such companies, and then find out what their requirements are? If they accept trade school graduates at all? Which schools/programs are more highly thought of? What level of grades, accreditations, schools, etc. are necessary to ensure a decent chance to get hired?

Wouldn't it make sense to spend several hours of research before you undertake such a sizable investment in both dollars and time?

I have experience in this, from the hiring side. I saw many a sad face when told their "schooling" didn't even qualify them for an interview.

Education is a great thing. Dreams and aspirations are necessary and beautiful. Just be smart about it. Originally Posted by JohnnyYanks

Trade School preferably an RN Nursing or one of the 2 Top Techincal Schools.
You will be work on 1 to 1 1/2 Yrs. Making a better than average living.

Just my 2 Cents

Everyone is providing sound advice, you just have to figure out what's best for you in the short, and long term.

Once you've done that, it time to roll up your sleeves and get to work!

I'll paraphrase one of my favorite quotes, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

A "Community College" is State sponsored. A "Trade School" is run for PROFIT and is there just to get one's student loan money. Statistics SHOW that a graduate of a COLLEGE w/a DEGREE will be hired over the trade school grad. AND will receive a higher starting salary.

A "Community College" is State sponsored. A "Trade School" is run for PROFIT and is there just to get one's student loan money. Statistics SHOW that a graduate of a COLLEGE w/a DEGREE will be hired over the trade school grad. AND will receive a higher starting salary. Originally Posted by Txsunman

100% Agree. Those ITT Tech and Hallmark are a bunch of BS. Go to a real school, not SAC, and you'll have no problems. And if you end up taking loans, make sure what you're studying has a potential paycheck enough to cover it. Shit has changed and just ''having a degree'' isn't good enough anymore. My buddy got a degree in psychology from Texas Tech, had 50K in loans, could find a real job for a long time, and finally ended up in a job making 30K a year. That's not the situation you want to be in. Pick up a copy of the book Rich Dad Poor Dad.