It is the time of the year when high school seniors are getting ready for college applications and all their implications. Should I apply here or there? Is my SAT score good enough for the college I am applying to? What clubs do I need to join in order to have more extra-curricular activities? So much stress is related to this phase of life that it makes many people consider whether it is actually necessary to attend college in order to be successful in life. It makes people wonder whether college is the right path for them and their needs.
Due to society, many people believe that there is a set path that every person should follow in order to have a bright future (high school, undergraduate degree, graduate degree, masters, etc.). What many people don’t get is that not every person needs or wants the same things in life; for some, following this type of lifestyle is not within their reach because they are unable to afford it. One example of this would be Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple. He dropped out of Reed College in Oregon after one semester of attending the school, since he ran out of money. Many people can relate to this since colleges have become more expensive throughout the years. In the US, where many people like to go study due to their high quality of resources, the cost of attending a traditional four-year university has been rising more than twice as fast as inflation, and two-year community colleges a third faster. For this reason, education has been limited for many and obliging them to find an alternative that will provide them with the same opportunities as if they attended college.
Another reason why people usually don’t attend college is that it is just not the right fit for them. People all around the world would rather take a gap year in order to find their true passion before committing to something for the rest of their lives and regretting it. They usually travel around the world in order to gain different experiences and learn valuable lessons from other people’s cultures and beliefs that may help them in the future. Not only do people travel around the world, but they also start taking action on their own. Some people start their own businesses in order to start earning money and understanding how the industry works; others begin internships in different types of jobs in order to see whether they like it or not, and others who have felt overwhelmed by education itself, decide to take a break from it.
On the other hand, college can also be the right choice for many since having an idea of what the future looks like help many start their life. When a person has a degree, it is easier for them to acquire a job. This is because the degree itself helps the employer narrow their search for workers by just considering those with a “valuable education”. For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people over age 25 who have a bachelor’s degree earned an average of $1,248 per week in 2019. Unlike those who only completed high school, which earned $746 per week. Besides, the college experience itself helps people broaden their perspective and learn different subjects with others who find themselves in the same situation. It provides them with the chance of meeting educated professors and students that guide others in times of confusion.
Overall, attending college has its advantages and disadvantages. For some, it is a dream come true to have the ability to receive this type of education, while others see it as a waste of time and money. Every person has their own way of dealing with life and the majority of the time, there is no wrong way to experience it. If going to college doesn’t seem like the right path, then there is no reason to attend. There are many other options in life that provide one with the same opportunities, and they may enrich life so much more for those who think this type of education is unnecessary. On the other hand, for those who like to set a structured path for the future, then college may be the right choice and there is no harm to it. As long as a person is satisfied with what they are doing and they aren’t harming anyone, then no judgment should be seen from others.