When I first arrived as an international student, saving both time and money was my top priority. That’s why I started at a community college before transferring to a university. With some careful planning, I managed to complete my degree in just three years.
Why I Chose Community College First
Most community colleges in Washington State use the quarter system, which allows students to fit in more classes per year compared to semester-based schools. This meant I could earn credits faster and stay on track to finish early. International tuition is enormous, so every quarter I shaved off my studies saved me thousands of dollars.
Also it aligned my schedule that I wanted to start in April because Japanese high school graduation is in March.
Another benefit? Community colleges are often more flexible with English requirements. Even if your test scores aren’t high enough for direct admission to a university, you can still start at a community college, improve your English while earning credits, and then transfer. It’s like taking a step up. And you can experience 2 different schools and meet more people that way!
Tips That Helped Me Stay on Track
Talk to advisors often – I regularly checked in with academic advisors to make sure the classes I was taking would transfer smoothly.
Double-check transferable credits – Not every class transfers, so I kept a close eye on which ones counted toward my major.
Plan ahead for transfer schools – Even while at community college, I researched which universities accepted the most credits and aligned with my degree goals.
Stick to a schedule – I ended up completing 5 quarters at community college and 6 quarters at university, which was shorter than the usual timeline.
In-State Transfers
One lesson I learned: in-state transfers are much smoother. Moving between quarter and semester systems can be confusing and sometimes wastes credits. Staying in the same state meant clearer requirements, better schedule alignment, and no big move across the country. Best of all, I didn’t have to say goodbye to my friends.
Conclusion
Looking back, starting at a community college and transferring to a university was the smartest choice I made. Careful planning, regular check-ins with advisors, and staying in the same state helped me graduate in three years instead of four. If you’re an international student or simply want to finish school faster while saving money. This path is definitely worth considering.