Nelcy Chaidez

Block:6

12/6/18

Mr.Solis
College Comparative Essay

As I was growing up, my family were excited for me to attend college one day. I finally

understood why college is important. I want a better future for myself, so I won’t struggle

financially. As a first generation, I want to push myself so that one day, my future children will

want what's best for them as well. For my senior defense, we were required to create a college

plan and ploy what colleges we want to attend and do research on them, financially and tuition

wise. I took the opportunity and did my research on my top two college choices which are Cal

State Poly Tech and East Los Angeles College.

Cal Poly’s total annual tuition fees is $9,432. Books and supplies cost $1,884, room and

board is $5,094. Personal purchases and loan fees adds up to $1,539. Transportation prices up to

$1,254. I made the decision to live my parents so when adding all expenses, the cost of

attendance is $19,203. My second option was elac because of how close it is to my home. The

tuition and fees is $1,827, as for books and supplies, it amounts to $2,781. Room and board cost

$6,996 and transportation and personal is $5,832. Adding all the expenses, the cost of attendance

to elac is $17,436. When I compare these two, I find elac more appealing to me because how

much it’s less expensive.

The demographics of elac and Cal Poly show similar ethnic rates. At cal poly, the

diversity of Hispanics is above, as well at elac. The graduation rate at cal poly shows students
 2

that attend four years have a higher chance of completing all four years. Also, the demographics

show that between males and females, there are more males than females. For elac, the

graduation rate is 11.2 percent. Leading to diversity, the diversity on campus is even. As a latina,

these demographics are important to me because I want to make sure I am comfortable in my

school as my second home.

I will be living with my mom during my first year of college because of how expensive

room and board is. This will save me a lot from having to pay rent and utilities. For my

transportation, I will be taking the metro bus since I live near elac. This will help me save money

because I won’t have to waste it on insurance and gas. I also do not know how to drive so the

metro has always been my option. As for cal poly, the distance from home to pomona is 29 miles

and if im riding the bus, it’ll take me two hours to get there taking 3 buses as well as spending

money eating out, dining in.

Working on this college plan really helped me on what choice to make. Which fit best in

my budget and what I am more comfortable with. I learned more about my top choice and why I

should attend there. I learned to be organized and how to manage my money. As a student, I feel

more prepared and persistent. I know what I need to be successful in college and in the future. I

am able to focus on my objectives, goals and vision.