One of the biggest differences when preparing for college in the U.S. compared to Korea is the admission process.

In Korea, it is common to enter a four-year university right from the start, but in the U.S., that is not necessary. In fact, many students choose to study for two years at a community college before transferring to a four-year university like UC or CSU. This is a very common pathway in the U.S. as it allows students to save significantly on tuition while still earning a degree from a good university.

The closest community college to Rowland Heights is Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) located in Walnut. It is conveniently about a 10-15 minute drive away and is recognized for its size and transfer success in Southern California. With over 50,000 students, it is a large community college offering a variety of majors and programs.

Many Korean parents are most concerned about tuition costs. For California residents, the tuition at Mt. SAC is about $46 per unit. Typically, if a student takes 12 units in a semester, the tuition is around $550, and the annual tuition is about $1,100. Even when adding costs for textbooks and student fees, the financial burden is much less compared to a four-year university. Meeting California residency requirements can significantly reduce financial stress, which is a major advantage.

Mt. SAC is well-known for its transfer success. The school has a Transfer Center that systematically supports students with UC and CSU transfer counseling, major planning, and application preparation. In fact, many students transfer each year to UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC Irvine, Cal Poly Pomona, and the California State University system. As long as students manage their grades well, they can achieve good results without having to enter an expensive four-year university from the start.

There are also many programs that are particularly helpful for immigrant families. The ESL (English as a Second Language) program is consistently popular among students and adults who are not yet comfortable with English. It helps them improve their English skills before starting regular courses, making it easier to adapt to the U.S. education system. Additionally, various vocational training programs connected to employment, such as nursing, medical assisting, IT, business, automotive technology, and welding, are offered.

There is a significant number of Korean students as well. Through the Korean Student Association and various club activities, they can make friends and adapt to school life, and tutoring and academic counseling services are well established. Many students find that the environment is less burdensome and easier to adapt to compared to a four-year university, especially for those attending an American school for the first time.

Some in the Korean community still view community college as a "second choice." However, in the U.S., it is seen as a very practical and efficient option. Many students save significantly on tuition during the first two years and then transfer to UC or CSU with good grades to earn the same degree. In American society, which values results over credentials, this pathway is not unusual at all.

Ultimately, living in Rowland Heights and utilizing Mt. SAC can be an excellent choice for both children's education and adult retraining. It allows families to save on educational costs while preparing for greater opportunities, making it a key educational asset that immigrant families should be aware of in the area.