In other words, you don't know how you're going to get your family to the US.

If you don't know what visa you're eligible for, you're most likely not going to be emigrating to the US.

I concur, that's a great suggestion.

While what you said is true, I've always thought people really miss out who don't spend their full four years at a traditional university. The college experience reaches beyond earning the credits - I loved playing in the marching band, my sorority, and other clubs I was involved in. If I had started as a junior my experience would have been entirely different, and IMO, not nearly as fulfilling.

You can do a lot of that at local colleges though...and you can get shit faced just as easily at a local college than in a proper uni dorm....

Just my opinion, having experienced being a student at a traditional four year college. I'm also not convinced that all community colleges are of the same standard, though I certainly see the cost benefits.

It's a comfortable midway point for someone of that age. If you throw them into high school, they might not easily fit in at that age and with the culture gap. A university is unlikely to take them until they've proved themselves. You've got to remember that you're a 'Mericun born and bred.

Certainly true in my case. In fact, in my case the credits were pretty much irrelevent....

Plus, guidance counselors can be a great help in negotiating the college apps and transcripts, and all the other hoops one must jump through.

Aye, for an American, used to living here, it's probably a better option to do, but as a Brit moving over and on the cusp, community might be pretty good, as your kind of in the middle ground from school and college other wise, plus hopefully it'll get you out of international fees...

And the community colleges around where I am are pretty good, well the art and design type ones at least.