I think a lot of people would agree with you, but I'd like to throw this out to the crowd -
I took a class in stats and one in calculus at a CC in prep for doing a doctoral program in business (I'm not a quantitative person and needed to improve these skills). I was shocked at the lack of attention to schoolwork, the cheating, and the lack of intellectual curiosity that I found. Compared to undergrads at my Alma Mater, Michigan, these folks, both youngsters and working people, were just not ready for higher education. Had my child attended for 2 years before college, I wonder if he would have truly been prepared, would have good study habits (most students at the CC did their homework right before class), and been intellectually engaged.
I'm all for the CC system, don't get me wrong, but there is a difference between getting an education and taking courses; I felt like the CC students were taking courses, 'If I have 45 hours I'll have a degree,' as opposed to, 'If I take this major, I'll really have an understanding of X.'
I think I would opt for sending the child to a 4 year school from the begining, but choose a good, lower-priced, state or local school, in order to have the full college experience from the begining.
Other people may have different experiences. I would like to hear them. This was mine, and even tho I'm a supporter of CCs and have some additional knowledge of them as my mother taught at one for years, my choice would be to send my child to an affordable 4 yr school.
It makes me sick. Last fall, I had a student who blew her $400 book budget on "the cutest Coach bag EVER!" and neglected to buy any of her course books. Predictably, she flopped spectacularly -- but by complaining to Admin and having her daddy throw a fit, four profs (including myself) had their final grades overturned and amended.
Other people may have different experiences. I would like to hear them. This was mine, and even tho I’m a supporter of CCs and have some additional knowledge of them as my mother taught at one for years, my choice would be to send my child to an affordable 4 yr school.
I saw some of what you speak of, students who just were filling a seat, or blowing off class or not taking class seriously at all.
Then I met the people who were really motivated to learn and understand and actually grasp what was being taught, granted they were maybe 20% or so of the students but they were quite sharp and highly achievement oriented.
And it should be pointed out that the same apathy can be found at a BA college or university, only it costs more to do it there....caveat emptor.