Are students ready for life after high school?
Throughout our childhood teachers, parents and friends ask us “what do you want to be, when you grow up?” Well now is the time to face that question head on.Students have to face the reality that soon they will graduate. They need to think ahead of what they want to pursue and what they want to do for the rest of their lives. They also have to figure out how they will pay for their future.
Students struggle with ways to get ready for college and utilizing their counselors in order to get prepared for what they want to do. According to YouthTruth “45% of students are ready for college and 55% are not positivity on their career readiness.” YouthTruth conducted a survey and asked seniors use their counselors for help. “½ of seniors used this service” This causes some red flags, seniors should use every bit of informant they can, so they can get ready for college the following year.
I don’t want to commit to a college quite yet, since I’m still figuring out what it is that I want to do with my life
— Katie Soderstrom
Price
Another factor in deciding if they go to college is the price of tuition. For many students college is not an option because they cannot afford it. According to College Board “ The average cost of college for a four-year in-state college costs on average $26,590 And a moderate budget at a private college averaged $53,980.” This calls into question should colleges prioritize bringing the cost down to an affordable cost, so more students have the option to go to college? For example, The New York Times conducted a study where students were “Is tuition out of hand” and the majority answered yes. Jack Murray’s answered “A student’s ability to go to college should be based upon their academic success, not on their family’s financial status. Although merit scholarships can help students out quite a bit, some might be discouraged from even considering college based on its affordability.
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If students cannot afford to go to a University, they can go to Community College. Community college is a great way to get a degree with having as much student debt. Although most Community Colleges do not offer a masters degree, it can be a better alternative.
Majors
Additionally, the other anxiety filled decision is what to go to college for. Most students have an idea on what they want to study but do know if they could see themselves doing it long term or if they will be happy with that job. College students reported to change their major 3 different times, so students need to realize that they have options if they don’t like their first choice.
I was thinking of going to college for a teacher or a nurse maybe — Lydia Anderson
Alternative
Finally, if students chose not to go to college there are any options to think about. One option you have is to go into the military. Entering the military does not prevent getting a college degree it, but it defers entry and provides a significant financial benefits for a student during or after military services. As well as joining the military, another popular option instead of going to a traditional college is community college. Community college can get you a degree faster than a a university. Most community colleges do not offer a master’s degree but there is the option of going back to college once you have enough money and are ready.
In conclusion, most students have an idea on what they want to do after high school. They have plans for where they want to go to college and what they want to major in. But most students struggle with the financial burden that is college and finding different ways to soften the blow of student debt.
