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Anthony
Student
Oak Brook, Illinois
1
Question
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What helped you choose the right college?
I want to stay close to home or even commute. Although, one of the colleges doesn’t accept some of my ACP credits so that is making it hard to choose.
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Veeraj Patel
Software Engineer
7
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Veeraj’s Answer
Hey Anthony,
That ACP credit situation is actually a bigger deal than people realize actually. It alone could save you a whole semester or more. If one school takes your ACP credits and the other doesn't, that could mean thousands of extra dollars and extra time spent retaking stuff you already learned. That's frustrating and expensive. So definitely factor that in heavily.
Since you want to stay close to home or commute, think about these things too:
How's the commute ? A 20 minute drive sounds fine now but doing it every day especially in bad weather or during exam weeks can wear you down. Be realistic about it.
Will you still be able to have a campus life as a commuter? Some schools are really commuter friendly with flexible schedules and events. Others are built more around the dorm experience and commuters can feel left out.
Compare the total cost. Living at home saves a ton on room and board. But if the school that doesn't take your credits is the commuter option then do the math — you might end up spending more in extra semesters than you save on housing.
I would make list of pros and cons for each school. Put real dollar amounts next to things like lost credits, tuition per semester, and commuting costs. Sometimes seeing it on paper makes the answer pretty clear.
Those ACP credits represent real work you already put in. Going somewhere that honors that effort is a pretty solid reason to lean in that direction.
Hope this helps you making decision. Good Luck!
That ACP credit situation is actually a bigger deal than people realize actually. It alone could save you a whole semester or more. If one school takes your ACP credits and the other doesn't, that could mean thousands of extra dollars and extra time spent retaking stuff you already learned. That's frustrating and expensive. So definitely factor that in heavily.
Since you want to stay close to home or commute, think about these things too:
How's the commute ? A 20 minute drive sounds fine now but doing it every day especially in bad weather or during exam weeks can wear you down. Be realistic about it.
Will you still be able to have a campus life as a commuter? Some schools are really commuter friendly with flexible schedules and events. Others are built more around the dorm experience and commuters can feel left out.
Compare the total cost. Living at home saves a ton on room and board. But if the school that doesn't take your credits is the commuter option then do the math — you might end up spending more in extra semesters than you save on housing.
I would make list of pros and cons for each school. Put real dollar amounts next to things like lost credits, tuition per semester, and commuting costs. Sometimes seeing it on paper makes the answer pretty clear.
Those ACP credits represent real work you already put in. Going somewhere that honors that effort is a pretty solid reason to lean in that direction.
Hope this helps you making decision. Good Luck!