DR. WALLACE: If I attend a community college for two years, will my credits transfer to a four-year school, so I can graduate from college in four years? Do all colleges honor community college courses? — Nameless, Garden Grove, Calif.

NAMELESS: Community colleges offer courses that transfer to any college or university in the country, including Harvard, Stanford and Knox. When you attend a community college, it is imperative that you explain your academic goals to your counselor to make sure every course you take is transferable to a four-year school.

Community colleges provide an excellent opportunity to receive a quality education for those students who are a bit short of funds or prefer to stay close to home, at least for the first two years.

MY BEST FRIEND AND I NEED ADVICE

DR. WALLACE: I'm a 13-year-old boy and my best friend is Ryan. His father and his father's girlfriend were good friends with my parents. For some reason, they quit seeing each other and I doubt they ever will again. Ryan used to spend a lot of time in my house and I spent time at his house. Now things are going to be different. What should we do? — Steve, Plattsburgh, N.Y.

STEVE: Face the potential problem head-on. Invite Ryan to your house, and tell your parents you both are sorry they are no longer friends with Ryan's father and girlfriend, but the two of you are still best friends and plan to stay that way. Ask if Ryan is still welcome in your home — I'm positive the answer will be yes. Then repeat the procedure at Ryan's house.

DOES REGULAR SCHOOL MAKE YOU ILL?

DR. WALLACE: I'm a 17-year-old girl and live with my parents, who I love very much. Last year I was very ill. I went to the hospital many times, and because of my illness, I missed my entire 11th grade year. I tried to attend school this year, but I got sick again. My parents encouraged me to quit school and to pursue a GED. I really didn't want to, but I did.

I'm now enrolled in GED classes and I hate it. The work is super easy and I'm attending classes with a bunch of adults. I dearly miss my high school and all my friends. I hate my life the way it is and feel very depressed. What should I do? — Nameless, Newport Beach, Calif.

NAMELESS: Have your parents make an appointment for all three of you to meet with the appropriate school district administrator, who can discuss what options are available for you to obtain a regular high-school diploma.

Some students become ill because they can't adjust to the rigors of academic competition. Is this possible in your case? Before meeting with the school district official, have a clearance from your doctor stating that you are able to compete without incurring physical complications.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. E-mail him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.