5 answers
Calista
Student
Saint Johns, Florida
2
Questions
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What does college even do for you?
what does college even do for you?
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5 answers
Laurie Pritchard, Ed. S., M.A.T.
Executive Trainer, Rocket Mortgage
59
Answers
Wilmington, North Carolina
Updated
Laurie’s Answer
I agree with the previous posts regarding the benefits of college. I would like to point out that for some students, attending community college and pursuing an associate's degree can be a great way to start. Costs at community colleges are typically lower than a university, and if you plan carefully many credits will transfer to university if you decide to continue. But college is not the only path to a great career. Many trades (electrician, HVAC, mechanic) require vocational training that in many cases take less time and cost less than college. And, these careers are financially lucrative. There are so many opportunities for pursuing higher education and a career. It is not a one-size fits all!
Brianna C., MS, SLP
Speech language pathology
148
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Brianna’s Answer
In my experience, attending college is great for building independence as you transition into the adult world and cultivating a strong work ethic. No one is making you do anything- you decide the classes, you decide how easy or difficult your schedule will be, you decide when/if to study, you decide how much/little effort to put in. College is also great for delving more into a subject(s) that interests you that weren't an option in high school. Pragmatically, attending college also helps improve your "marketability" to potential employers, and college grads on average have higher starting salaries and average earnings than those without a degree.
It's good to remember that education after high school can mean many things and that individual schools can come with their own pros and cons. To break it down you have: certifications, trade school, community/2 year-college, university/4-year college, and post-secondary education (graduate school, law school, medical school, etc.).
These all vary in price, acceptance rate, and time commitment. For example, a certification is often a one-time fee and can be completed anywhere between a few weeks and a few months. Many certification programs ask for a background in a certain field but otherwise "accept" everyone into the program. Community colleges and trade schools are also comparatively cheaper than a 4-year college, with some states even covering some-all of the cost with federal aid funding if you do not yet have a degree. They also have relatively lax acceptance rates compared to 4-year universities. As for those 4-year colleges, the cost an acceptance rate varies widely based on academic prestige, if it is a public or private university, whether you are applying to a school in your state or in a separate state, and what financial aid is available. Most 4-year universities offer grants, need based scholarships, and merit based scholarships in addition to accepting outside scholarships and FAFSA (federal student aid) funds. There are, of course, student loans, which I advise trying to avoid as much as possible, but if you can find a student loan that doesn't charge ridiculous interest, it is a viable option.
It's good to remember that education after high school can mean many things and that individual schools can come with their own pros and cons. To break it down you have: certifications, trade school, community/2 year-college, university/4-year college, and post-secondary education (graduate school, law school, medical school, etc.).
These all vary in price, acceptance rate, and time commitment. For example, a certification is often a one-time fee and can be completed anywhere between a few weeks and a few months. Many certification programs ask for a background in a certain field but otherwise "accept" everyone into the program. Community colleges and trade schools are also comparatively cheaper than a 4-year college, with some states even covering some-all of the cost with federal aid funding if you do not yet have a degree. They also have relatively lax acceptance rates compared to 4-year universities. As for those 4-year colleges, the cost an acceptance rate varies widely based on academic prestige, if it is a public or private university, whether you are applying to a school in your state or in a separate state, and what financial aid is available. Most 4-year universities offer grants, need based scholarships, and merit based scholarships in addition to accepting outside scholarships and FAFSA (federal student aid) funds. There are, of course, student loans, which I advise trying to avoid as much as possible, but if you can find a student loan that doesn't charge ridiculous interest, it is a viable option.
Nivedita Balaji
Test Analyst
18
Answers
Pune, Maharashtra, India
Updated
Nivedita’s Answer
College opens you to a variety of subjects, giving you a taste of each. If any subject interests you, you could explore and learn more about it. This would help you in your career path.
College won't be like school, teaching you everything from scratch. Here you need to be proactive and constantly look around to learn from others and upskill yourself.
Going to college is highly recommended, it enables to shape us and our future. You'll realise it once you experience:)
College won't be like school, teaching you everything from scratch. Here you need to be proactive and constantly look around to learn from others and upskill yourself.
Going to college is highly recommended, it enables to shape us and our future. You'll realise it once you experience:)
Siddharth Krishnan
Senior Manager Transportation
44
Answers
Langley City, BC
Updated
Siddharth’s Answer
Based on what you would like to do in your career, college helps you set a base understanding of the field and provides your knowledge and experience in that field preparing you for the real life work experience through projects and assignments. College is also a very good life experience to be able to balance the educational work load and your internship/look for work as well. So yes college is necessary and help set a good foundation for your career.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3717
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey there, Calista!
Going to college is like embarking on an exciting journey that can greatly shape your personal, professional, and intellectual growth. Here's how:
1. Learning and Knowledge: College is like a treasure trove of knowledge, offering a structured setting to learn about various subjects. You'll have access to expert professors, top-notch resources, and state-of-the-art facilities to deepen your understanding.
2. Career Boost: A college degree can be your golden ticket to a broader spectrum of job opportunities. Many employers see a college degree as a must-have, and it can also lead to a higher income over your working life.
3. Personal Development: College is a fantastic time for self-discovery and personal growth. It's a chance to sharpen your critical thinking, become more independent, develop leadership skills, and make friendships that could last a lifetime.
4. Networking: College is a great place to build valuable connections with classmates, professors, alumni, and professionals from various fields. These connections can help you land internships, jobs, and mentorship opportunities.
5. Specialized Training: For certain professions like medicine, law, and engineering, college is the place to get the specialized training you need. It's where you acquire the specific knowledge and skills your future career demands.
6. Cultural Exposure: College campuses are melting pots of diverse cultures, ideas, and viewpoints. This exposure can expand your worldview and enhance your cultural understanding.
7. Research Opportunities: Many colleges are at the forefront of research in various fields. As a student, you can join in on these research projects, making contributions to advancements in your chosen field.
8. Personal Fulfillment: For many, the pursuit of higher education is a deeply satisfying journey. It's a chance to dive into subjects you're passionate about and satisfy your intellectual curiosity.
9. Lifelong Learning: College instills a love for learning that lasts well beyond graduation. The skills you pick up – like critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication – will serve you well throughout your life.
10. Social Skills Development: College is a fantastic place to develop your social skills, teamwork abilities, and emotional intelligence by interacting with a diverse group of people.
Top 3 Reference Sources Used:
- The Chronicle of Higher Education
- Harvard Business Review
- National Center for Education Statistics
And remember, Calista, it's okay to take a moment to pray whenever you need to!
Take care,
James.
Going to college is like embarking on an exciting journey that can greatly shape your personal, professional, and intellectual growth. Here's how:
1. Learning and Knowledge: College is like a treasure trove of knowledge, offering a structured setting to learn about various subjects. You'll have access to expert professors, top-notch resources, and state-of-the-art facilities to deepen your understanding.
2. Career Boost: A college degree can be your golden ticket to a broader spectrum of job opportunities. Many employers see a college degree as a must-have, and it can also lead to a higher income over your working life.
3. Personal Development: College is a fantastic time for self-discovery and personal growth. It's a chance to sharpen your critical thinking, become more independent, develop leadership skills, and make friendships that could last a lifetime.
4. Networking: College is a great place to build valuable connections with classmates, professors, alumni, and professionals from various fields. These connections can help you land internships, jobs, and mentorship opportunities.
5. Specialized Training: For certain professions like medicine, law, and engineering, college is the place to get the specialized training you need. It's where you acquire the specific knowledge and skills your future career demands.
6. Cultural Exposure: College campuses are melting pots of diverse cultures, ideas, and viewpoints. This exposure can expand your worldview and enhance your cultural understanding.
7. Research Opportunities: Many colleges are at the forefront of research in various fields. As a student, you can join in on these research projects, making contributions to advancements in your chosen field.
8. Personal Fulfillment: For many, the pursuit of higher education is a deeply satisfying journey. It's a chance to dive into subjects you're passionate about and satisfy your intellectual curiosity.
9. Lifelong Learning: College instills a love for learning that lasts well beyond graduation. The skills you pick up – like critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication – will serve you well throughout your life.
10. Social Skills Development: College is a fantastic place to develop your social skills, teamwork abilities, and emotional intelligence by interacting with a diverse group of people.
Top 3 Reference Sources Used:
- The Chronicle of Higher Education
- Harvard Business Review
- National Center for Education Statistics
And remember, Calista, it's okay to take a moment to pray whenever you need to!
Take care,
James.