An associates isnt the same as a bachelors. Besides there are programs that many large universities dont offer that community colleges do. Also many CC have professors who actually work in the field people are interested. I went to an university for 4.5 years, graduated with my bachelors but have taken a few(more than 3, less than 6) classes at a local CC while I worked over the summer. Every teacher I had was either retired from the field I am interested in or currently working in the field. There were some at the university but I found there were more at the CC, who have the same credentials.
Besides not everyone is naturally gifted at school, so why punish those who arent. CC are a good way to earn credits very cheaply and gives thoses a second chance to excel. Also they are a good way to earn other degree that go along with your field for people who arent interested in going for there masters due to money or time. Not everyone want to be paying off financial aid for the next decade, besides what if you take time off from school, you still have to pay back your loans or interest will kill you.
WHy do you wanna join a frat? They wont help you get into medical school, unless you join a specialty one and those ones arent the fun ones. The board at your medical school review will prob look it as a negative unless you have a 4.0, which is very difficult to get. My cousin had a 3.97 and her BF had a 4.0 (in physics) at U of M which is one of the top end state schools in the country. You dont have to much time for that kind of stuff, ie partying and pledging. Since then she has gotten 3 masters from the university of Chicago in English(one of the best graduate schools in the country) while working and teaching 2-3 days a wk. She currently is working on her DR (12 credits) while working 40+ hrs per wk and teaching 2 classes. If your serious about becoming a doctor, you better volunteer at a hospital in your free time when your not studying. My mom and brother work at one of the best private hospitals(Crittenton) in MI and they see the potential Dr. there and hear what it takes to be one, Its rough shit.
Not to be mean to you dude, but alot of my friends have went or go to CC and school is the toughest things for them. With out CC, they would be construction workers or worse. I respect them alot for continuing there education even though it is difficult for them.