- #1
Derek Francis
- 17
- 15
I feel like there is an expectation from society for every 18 year old to go to college immediately after high school. In my opinion, this results in millions of people being pressured to enter into a program that they are not ready for.
Me, personally, I went into the wrong program at the wrong time, and I was not personally ready for college at the time. If I had to go back and do it again, I would have worked, traveled, interned and gained real life experience in 2-3 years before going to college with an improved sense of direction.
I don't want to impose anything on the majority of people, but I know plenty of people in a similar situation as me. I doubt I'm alone.
In my opinion:
Me, personally, I went into the wrong program at the wrong time, and I was not personally ready for college at the time. If I had to go back and do it again, I would have worked, traveled, interned and gained real life experience in 2-3 years before going to college with an improved sense of direction.
I don't want to impose anything on the majority of people, but I know plenty of people in a similar situation as me. I doubt I'm alone.
In my opinion:
- 18 year olds aren't mature yet (the frontal lobe doesn't even fully develop until age ~22)
- People should go to college with a clear head and a sense of direction - not at a predetermined time.
- Lots of people go to "find themselves", constantly change their majors and waste time.
- High schools fail to prepare most students to select a college program which fits with their personal needs.
- Many don't appreciate college until they see how rough full-time entry-level work is.
- Lots of people go because of external pressure (and as a result, they lack personal ownership of their own experience)
- It's all too easy to go to avoid real world responsibility. I'd say at least half of the students in my state university were cocooning.
- Not every single person is suited for academia. Some would be better suited for a trade.
- College is a major financial decision and it should be deeply thought about (so there aren't regrets)