In 1970, about half of all American students who graduated from high school went to community college or university. Today, nearly three out of four American high school graduates go to college or university. Students have the option of attending a two-year community college(also known as a junior college) before applying to a four-year university. Admission to community college is easier, tuition is lower, and class sizes are often smaller than those in a university. Community college students can earn an Associate's degree and transfer course credits to a university. As to admission to a university, although admission policies vary from one university to the next, most determine admission based on several criteria, including a student's high school course of study, high school GPA, SAT or ACT exam scores, written essay, and possibly a personal interview. Universities often require students to write an essay as part of the application process. The length and content of the essay is determined by each admission office.