5 answers
Madisyn
Student
Clearfield, Utah
10
Questions
Asked
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How to figure out community college and everything needed to know?
I just graduated high school last week and was going to take some time off before heading to community college. I have decided to go for Community College in Spring 2026 but am really confused on how to do this.
When it comes to community college, I am going to go through them for General Studies so its more affordable before I transfer to an accredited college.
I don't really know how and when to apply, what my school year would be considered (is it 2025-2026 or is it 2026-2027?), what scholarships are best to apply to now or later, how to complete Fafsfa and when I should apply for that?
Another thing I'm worrying about is my projected field I wish to go into is Vet tech/animal care field but the community college does not have specific program for that at all. Can I just choose classes such as biology and chemistry and would that count to work for that? Like my degree is associates in Biology? I have no idea.
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5 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1942
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
STEP 1️⃣ Madisyn meet with the admissions or counseling offices of the 2-year colleges you're thinking of attending NOW.
STEP 2️⃣ Next meet with the transfer advisers at the admissions offices of the 4-year colleges you're considering. Transfer advisers at 4-year colleges are there to support the transition. They can assist you in many ways, such as answering pivotal questions and helping you determine which courses are most relevant to your plans. Take advantage of these resources, ask these questions:
• Does the 2-year community college your planning on attending have a special transfer relationship or articulation agreement, with the 4-year college your planning on transferring to?
• Will the credits you earn be accepted at the 4-year college your considering?
• What grades do you need to earn in the classes at the community college to get credit at the 4-year college?
• What's the minimum GPA you'll need to maintain to get into the 4-year college?
• When should apply to the 4-year college?
• NOTE: After spending time at your two-year college, you must apply to the four-year institution as a transfer student. This admissions process works differently for transfers than for new students. What happens after you apply for a transfer? Your four-year college will look at the courses you took and the grades you earned at your two-year college and decide how much credit to give you. Each class is worth a certain number of credits, often three, and students need to earn enough credits, usually 120, to graduate. If enough of your courses transfer, you can start at the 4-year college as a junior. If you don't get credit for some of your courses, you may need to retake them at the 4-year college. This scenario often occurs when classes considered core courses at the 2-year college only count as electives at the 4-year university. When you graduate from the 4-year college, only that college’s name will appear on your bachelor’s degree.
STEP 3️⃣ FEDERAL FAFSA DEADLINE
June 30, 2025. This is the deadline for completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025-2026 academic year. Some community colleges may have their own priority deadlines for financial aid, which may be earlier than June 30th. Make sure to check with the financial aid office of the community college you plan to attend to confirm their deadlines.
• NOTE: While not a strict requirement for all scholarships, completing the FAFSA early and accurately can significantly increase your chances of receiving financial aid for college, including a wider range of scholarships.
STEP 4️⃣ SCHOLARSHIPS
A scholarship will affect your FASA student aid because all your student aid added together can’t be more than your cost of attendance at your community college or 4-year college. So, you’ll need to let each school know if you’ve been awarded a scholarship so that the financial aid office can subtract that amount from your cost of attendance. Then, any amount left can be covered by other financial aid for which you’re eligible.
• NOTE: There are many types of scholarships. Some scholarships for college are merit-based. You earn them by meeting or exceeding certain standards set by the scholarship-giver. Merit scholarships might be awarded based on academic achievement or on a combination of academics and a special talent, trait, or interest. Other scholarships are based on financial need. There are also scholarships geared toward particular groups of people; for instance, there are scholarships for women. And some are available because of where you or your parent(s) work, or because you come from a certain background (for instance, there are scholarships for military families).
Hope this was helpful Madisyn
STEP 2️⃣ Next meet with the transfer advisers at the admissions offices of the 4-year colleges you're considering. Transfer advisers at 4-year colleges are there to support the transition. They can assist you in many ways, such as answering pivotal questions and helping you determine which courses are most relevant to your plans. Take advantage of these resources, ask these questions:
• Does the 2-year community college your planning on attending have a special transfer relationship or articulation agreement, with the 4-year college your planning on transferring to?
• Will the credits you earn be accepted at the 4-year college your considering?
• What grades do you need to earn in the classes at the community college to get credit at the 4-year college?
• What's the minimum GPA you'll need to maintain to get into the 4-year college?
• When should apply to the 4-year college?
• NOTE: After spending time at your two-year college, you must apply to the four-year institution as a transfer student. This admissions process works differently for transfers than for new students. What happens after you apply for a transfer? Your four-year college will look at the courses you took and the grades you earned at your two-year college and decide how much credit to give you. Each class is worth a certain number of credits, often three, and students need to earn enough credits, usually 120, to graduate. If enough of your courses transfer, you can start at the 4-year college as a junior. If you don't get credit for some of your courses, you may need to retake them at the 4-year college. This scenario often occurs when classes considered core courses at the 2-year college only count as electives at the 4-year university. When you graduate from the 4-year college, only that college’s name will appear on your bachelor’s degree.
STEP 3️⃣ FEDERAL FAFSA DEADLINE
June 30, 2025. This is the deadline for completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2025-2026 academic year. Some community colleges may have their own priority deadlines for financial aid, which may be earlier than June 30th. Make sure to check with the financial aid office of the community college you plan to attend to confirm their deadlines.
• NOTE: While not a strict requirement for all scholarships, completing the FAFSA early and accurately can significantly increase your chances of receiving financial aid for college, including a wider range of scholarships.
STEP 4️⃣ SCHOLARSHIPS
A scholarship will affect your FASA student aid because all your student aid added together can’t be more than your cost of attendance at your community college or 4-year college. So, you’ll need to let each school know if you’ve been awarded a scholarship so that the financial aid office can subtract that amount from your cost of attendance. Then, any amount left can be covered by other financial aid for which you’re eligible.
• NOTE: There are many types of scholarships. Some scholarships for college are merit-based. You earn them by meeting or exceeding certain standards set by the scholarship-giver. Merit scholarships might be awarded based on academic achievement or on a combination of academics and a special talent, trait, or interest. Other scholarships are based on financial need. There are also scholarships geared toward particular groups of people; for instance, there are scholarships for women. And some are available because of where you or your parent(s) work, or because you come from a certain background (for instance, there are scholarships for military families).
Hope this was helpful Madisyn
Thank You Katherine. There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.
Doc Frick
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Madisyn !
I think that some information I can share with you may be of help so that you will find it easier to make your academic and career plan.
It will be very important that you choose a college for your Associates Degree in Veterinary Tech in order to start your career as a Veterinary Technician after you graduate. It's a very specific career and you will need the exact degree in order to obtain work once you graduate. In your state of Utah, you need an Associates in Veterinary Tech in order to have a career in that specific field. I highly advise against getting the Associates Degree in General Studies or in a human science as it will not prepare you for the career you are looking forward to. Try to find a college that offers Veterinary Tech because you'll want to make the most of your time and financial commitment for something that will prepare you for Vet Tech. Since you've mentioned it - please know that community colleges are indeed accredited just like universities are.
Your first line of action is to do a search online for colleges in Utah that offer an Associates Degree in Veterinary Tech. This is the exact degree you will need, so choose a college that offers it. Every college has a website. Once you've chosen a college, read their website. They will have contact information as well as program information there. All the exact, detailed information about the program, college and financial aid should be dispensed by the exact college only. This information cannot be generalized as not all information is on the internet and the details and information changes sometimes, so call or e-mail the college once you find a college that offers your career major of Veterinary Tech.
Keep in mind that you will not need a Bachelors Degree to be a Veterinary Technician. It is a two year program at community colleges that you obtain your Associates Degree in. I would say that it would be good to get that Associates Degree, begin working and think about going for a Bachelors Degree later on. Also, never get any degree in General Studies as employers never require that degree and it won't prepare you for any specific career.
Reach out more to your high school guidance counselor even though you have already graduated. Make very strong connections with the college that has a Vet Tech major and speak with the staff directly. Although we here are keen advisors, all information about a specific college and their programs and financial aid need to be gathered directly from the exact college. You can also visit scholarship websites and read various scholarships which include their application start and end dates which change from time to time. Do not be shy about asking questions directly to the college. Also, try to be open minded about possibly having to go to a college for Vet Tech that may not be close by. This program cannot be done remotely online due to the hands on and technical things you will need to learn.
Well, the guidance I have given you here is pretty solid and should help you navigate the information that you'll need so you can save time and money, and also be able to obtain work as a Vet Tech once you obtain your Associates Degree in Veterinary Tech.
I wish you all the best moving forward !
I think that some information I can share with you may be of help so that you will find it easier to make your academic and career plan.
It will be very important that you choose a college for your Associates Degree in Veterinary Tech in order to start your career as a Veterinary Technician after you graduate. It's a very specific career and you will need the exact degree in order to obtain work once you graduate. In your state of Utah, you need an Associates in Veterinary Tech in order to have a career in that specific field. I highly advise against getting the Associates Degree in General Studies or in a human science as it will not prepare you for the career you are looking forward to. Try to find a college that offers Veterinary Tech because you'll want to make the most of your time and financial commitment for something that will prepare you for Vet Tech. Since you've mentioned it - please know that community colleges are indeed accredited just like universities are.
Your first line of action is to do a search online for colleges in Utah that offer an Associates Degree in Veterinary Tech. This is the exact degree you will need, so choose a college that offers it. Every college has a website. Once you've chosen a college, read their website. They will have contact information as well as program information there. All the exact, detailed information about the program, college and financial aid should be dispensed by the exact college only. This information cannot be generalized as not all information is on the internet and the details and information changes sometimes, so call or e-mail the college once you find a college that offers your career major of Veterinary Tech.
Keep in mind that you will not need a Bachelors Degree to be a Veterinary Technician. It is a two year program at community colleges that you obtain your Associates Degree in. I would say that it would be good to get that Associates Degree, begin working and think about going for a Bachelors Degree later on. Also, never get any degree in General Studies as employers never require that degree and it won't prepare you for any specific career.
Reach out more to your high school guidance counselor even though you have already graduated. Make very strong connections with the college that has a Vet Tech major and speak with the staff directly. Although we here are keen advisors, all information about a specific college and their programs and financial aid need to be gathered directly from the exact college. You can also visit scholarship websites and read various scholarships which include their application start and end dates which change from time to time. Do not be shy about asking questions directly to the college. Also, try to be open minded about possibly having to go to a college for Vet Tech that may not be close by. This program cannot be done remotely online due to the hands on and technical things you will need to learn.
Well, the guidance I have given you here is pretty solid and should help you navigate the information that you'll need so you can save time and money, and also be able to obtain work as a Vet Tech once you obtain your Associates Degree in Veterinary Tech.
I wish you all the best moving forward !
What if I get a 2 year degree at community college for Biology?
Madisyn
You do not need that and it would not prepare you to be a Veterinary Technician. You need an Associates Degree IN VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY. Please read my advice again. Thank you !
Michelle M.
Rachel Higgins
Veterinary technician
2
Answers
Suquamish, Washington
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
If you want to pursue a career in veterinary technology, getting an Associate of Applied Science degree is a good step. If you prefer studying from home, look for accredited online programs. Traditional colleges like St. Petersburg College in Florida and Purdue in Indiana offer great online options too. Check the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) for a list of accredited colleges.
Choose a program that fits your learning style and that you can stick with. If you go for an online program, try to work part-time at a vet clinic. Even a role like a kennel attendant can teach you a lot, and being in a clinic can help with required externships. Some clinics might even offer tuition assistance, so ask about this during job interviews.
Keep in mind, this field doesn't pay as much as other medical fields. It might be wise to work in a clinic for a year before committing to school, or focus on core classes like English and math that can be transferred to other careers. This way, you can be sure this path is right for you.
After 20 years in the field, I believe it's the best job in the world, though the pay can be challenging. Good luck on your journey!
Choose a program that fits your learning style and that you can stick with. If you go for an online program, try to work part-time at a vet clinic. Even a role like a kennel attendant can teach you a lot, and being in a clinic can help with required externships. Some clinics might even offer tuition assistance, so ask about this during job interviews.
Keep in mind, this field doesn't pay as much as other medical fields. It might be wise to work in a clinic for a year before committing to school, or focus on core classes like English and math that can be transferred to other careers. This way, you can be sure this path is right for you.
After 20 years in the field, I believe it's the best job in the world, though the pay can be challenging. Good luck on your journey!
Shreya Toliya
Oracle HCM Cloud Consultant
30
Answers
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Updated
Shreya’s Answer
Hi!
Choose the Right Degree: Only pursue an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology—not General Studies or other sciences—since this is required for Vet Tech jobs in Utah.
Research Accredited Programs: Look for community colleges in Utah that offer accredited Vet Tech programs. Don’t worry—community colleges are respected and valid.
Contact Schools Directly: Visit college websites, read about their programs, and reach out to admissions for the latest details on courses and financial aid.
Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask colleges about program specifics, hands-on requirements, and scholarship options.
Stay Connected: Keep in touch with your high school counselor and build relationships with college program staff for ongoing support.
Be Flexible: Be open to attending a college that’s not local, since Vet Tech programs require in-person learning.
Plan for the Future: Once you have your Associate’s and start working, you can always consider further education later.
All the very best!
Choose the Right Degree: Only pursue an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology—not General Studies or other sciences—since this is required for Vet Tech jobs in Utah.
Research Accredited Programs: Look for community colleges in Utah that offer accredited Vet Tech programs. Don’t worry—community colleges are respected and valid.
Contact Schools Directly: Visit college websites, read about their programs, and reach out to admissions for the latest details on courses and financial aid.
Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask colleges about program specifics, hands-on requirements, and scholarship options.
Stay Connected: Keep in touch with your high school counselor and build relationships with college program staff for ongoing support.
Be Flexible: Be open to attending a college that’s not local, since Vet Tech programs require in-person learning.
Plan for the Future: Once you have your Associate’s and start working, you can always consider further education later.
All the very best!
Joseph Ford
223
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
It comes down to your college of choice. You can contact the school or check the websites for dates and other useful information. Also encourage you to apply by July 1 for the fall semester and November 1 for the spring semester to ensure you have enough time to complete all of the steps before the start of that semester. My daughter graduated from Delaware Community College saving $$ and able to transfer credits to Drexel University.