From Community College to the Ivy League

The faculty and staff at Middlesex College pride themselves on helping students achieve their academic goals and dreams.  For some students, the dream may be to transfer to a prestigious institution of higher education, including colleges and universities known as Ivy League schools, like Columbia University.

After obtaining his associate degree in business administration with a 4.0 grade-point average from Middlesex College in 2024, Kyle Morgan transferred to Columbia to study financial economics. In this transition, Morgan realized that the pursuit of this academic endeavor thrilled him.

“What inspired me most was knowing that such an environment would demand my best effort and reward perseverance—exactly the kind of experience I was seeking,” Morgan said.

For other students, attending an Ivy League school may seem unrealistic because of income level or background, as it did for Nima Sedghi.

“At the start, I always felt like—an Ivy League School? I just came to this country. I don’t think I’m smart enough or good enough for it, ” said Sedghi, the Middlesex College Class of 2024 salutatorian and Chambers Award recipient, as well as one of only 60 community college graduates to be awarded a Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship. “But I took my shot, and here I am.”

Roughly 42% of Middlesex College students are the first in their family to attend college. For Yokasti Mateo, a first-generation college student and single parent from the Dominican Republic, seeing a classmate with a similar story admitted to Columbia motivated her to be that example for her daughter.

“I wanted to challenge myself to the highest level of education I could be involved with to be a role model for my daughter,” said Mateo. “Also, I was inspired when I saw another student with a similar background to mine who was admitted a year before my admission.”

Mateo obtained her associate degree in psychology from Middlesex College in 2024 and was awarded the Columbia University Phi Theta Kappa scholarship, which covers all tuition. Her goal is to become a neuropsychologist.

Mateo was motivated by Zakiyia Forbes, the Middlesex College Class of 2023 valedictorian who earned her associate degree in modern language. Forbes, in turn, was encouraged by her professors and academic advisor at Middlesex to aspire for more.

“I’m so thankful for that because it wasn’t in my plans before they suggested it,” said Forbes, who is now majoring in urban studies with a specialization in political science at Columbia. “Now, I can’t imagine anywhere more perfect for completing my undergraduate degree and taking my next steps.”

Life at Middlesex College

Middlesex College provides students the tools to build a firm groundwork for academic success. Although affordable cost is often one of the biggest reasons students choose to begin their college journey at a community college, a community college education has plenty of advantages that make higher education accessible to all. Academic advising, career planning, workforce development, and other support services are available to every student who enrolls at Middlesex College to allow students to excel academically, grow professionally, and confidently navigate college.

“Middlesex [College] was a natural choice—not only because I had friends and family members who thrived there, but also because it offered me a supportive environment to rebuild my academic foundation,” said Morgan.

The average student-to-faculty ratio at Middlesex College is 20:1, which offers students smaller class sizes and a more personalized experience. This tight-knit community fosters a culture of support among students, faculty, and staff to see one another succeed.

For Sedghi, who was born in Iran and moved to the U.S. in 2021, Middlesex College offered affordability and a welcoming campus.

“Besides [the financial benefits], I wanted to have a good campus experience, and considering Middlesex is a community college, it actually has a large campus. And the resources it has were more than the other options I had,” said Sedghi, who earned an associate degree in chemistry and is studying biological sciences at Columbia. “I also saw a lot of the alumni from Middlesex are doing great. So that was the last factor.”

Many opt for Middlesex College because it eases the transition into higher education while acting as a springboard to a brighter future. The inclusive environment and cost-effective tuition provide students with the flexibility to navigate their strengths and weaknesses, and asses what their goals are for the future.

“[My goals] didn’t necessarily change, but they evolved as I gained a deeper understanding of the material and built meaningful connections with my peers,” Morgan said. “I became actively involved in clubs and community impact projects—opportunities I hadn’t anticipated when I first enrolled. However, I quickly discovered how much I enjoyed collaborating with other students, an experience that added unexpected depth to my academic journey.”

Finding Confidence in a Larger Space

Middlesex College aims to prepare students for the transition wherever their path takes them, including helping students feel confident in their ability to assert themselves in larger spaces like a university setting.

“I honestly wouldn’t be at Columbia if it weren’t for the guidance of my professors at Middlesex, the friendships I built with my peers, and the coursework that prepared me to understand what would be expected of me as a student at Columbia,” said Morgan.  

Even for those who feel fully prepared, the jump from community college to university can be a jarring experience. But with a bigger pool also comes more significant opportunities.

Still, facing challenges along the way and experiencing growing pains are normal—but they can still feel intimidating at times. Though he prepared to the best of his ability, Morgan found navigating Columbia’s vast resources and learning how to use them overwhelming.

“The biggest challenge has been acclimating to a new atmosphere and community—a common experience for many incoming transfer students and freshmen,” Morgan said.

Forbes struggled with working full-time, commuting, and being a parent. However, she was surprised to find out how accommodating the environment at Columbia has been.

“Columbia, for me, has been a lot like Middlesex College regarding support,” said Forbes. “I’ve been fortunate enough to find another set of phenomenal professors, friends, and an academic advisor who champions my goals and ensures I have their full backing to lean into through the challenges of being a non-traditional student.”

She was also relieved to find that many of her classmates, like her, suffer from imposter syndrome.

“I’ve met so many people doing life-changing work, which is not necessarily surprising in this environment, but it is certainly inspiring,” Forbes said. “But what did surprise me, and as strange as it may sound, has brought me an unexpected sense of comfort and relief, is finding out imposter syndrome exists in these circles and is shared by many of us. I thank my Academic Advisor, Dr. Sarah Remedios, for sharing the following: imposters don’t feel imposter syndrome. It has really helped me settle in, and I know that I belong here.”

Words of Wisdom

Taking the leap from Middlesex College to an Ivy League institution is no small feat, but growing numbers of Middlesex College alumni are proving it is possible.

For those looking to forge a similar path, Sedghi encourages current students to believe in themselves and understand that this journey is less about aptitude and more about dedication.

“From what I see every day in this school, the thing that separates Columbia students from others [is] the commitment and sacrifice the students are willing to make,” Sedghi said. “I’m sure other Ivy Leagues are like this as well. It’s not that they’re geniuses. Nobody is born a genius. It’s just the commitment and sacrifice toward the goal you have.”

Morgan urges Middlesex College students to challenge themselves and get involved in student clubs and campus social life to balance working hard with enjoying life as a student.

“Take honors classes, enroll in advanced math courses, and choose classes that push you outside of your comfort zone,” advises Morgan. “These moments of challenge and perseverance will help you develop the mindset and resilience needed to thrive at any competitive university. It’s also what admissions committees look for—academic diversity and a demonstrated willingness to push boundaries.”

Forbes wants students who are considering applying an elite university to know that, though challenging, committing to your ambitions while allowing yourself grace will take you a long way.

“Stay focused, take every class with intention, have a plan, and follow through. Build a network, and most importantly, be kind to yourself,” Forbes said. “Nothing worth having comes easy. There will be challenges, but you can succeed—you are succeeding.”