A Big Life Decision
College can seem like a one-size-fits-all expectation, but it’s often much more complex than that. Figuring out if college is a good fit for your goals, learning style, and life circumstances matters a lot more than deferring to expectations. With that in mind, here are 10 signs each determining whether college is or isn’t the right fit for you.
1. You’re a Doer
If getting stuck in and doing things makes ideas easier to learn than lectures and textbooks, then college can be a maddening experience. For many degree programs, the approach is to get the theory in first and then get to the practice. For those of you who learn better by 'doing,' then an apprenticeship or straight into the job can be a better option.
2. It’s Unaffordable
Student debt can take years to repay and can restrict your choices in the future. If going to college means taking out loans that greatly exceed your earning potential, the gamble may not be worth it.
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3. You Want to Earn Immediately
Four or more years without full-time income can feel like lost momentum. If financial independence is one of your top goals or wants, getting a job sooner may be more in line with your values.
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4. Lack of Self-Motivation
College reading, writing, and other work is often done at your own pace with long-term assignments and delayed feedback. It can be very easy to get behind or become disconnected with the material if you aren't internally interested and driven. If you have a hard time working on your own motivation, college may not be for you.
5. A Different Career
Some careers (think: trade jobs, sales, content writing, entrepreneurship) don't require a formal education. If you know your direction and your plan, college may only bring additional time and expense with little return.
6. Struggle with Structure
You prioritize flexibility over structure. College programs are set in their ways with required courses and time frames. If you like to keep a loose schedule and change course at a moment’s notice, you may enjoy the flexibility of other options.
7. You’ve Got Connections
You have a great network in the industry. Networking can trump credentials. If you have mentors, referrals, or opportunities waiting, a degree can be less important (if not unnecessary) and a waste of time.
8. School Doesn’t Work for You
You might find that a traditional academic environment doesn't work for you. Sitting through lectures and having to meet schedules and deadlines and taking standardized tests is not everyone's cup of tea. If you've always found school to be more tiring than fun, going to college might make you feel more frustrated than relieved.
9. You Don’t Feel Ready
You don’t like feeling pushed to “have it all together.” College students are often expected to pick a major right away. If you’re still exploring, this can lead to stress and expensive changes.
10. No Subject in Mind
You don’t value what you’d learn. If no major really interests you or supports your objectives, college might feel like busywork. With no purpose, even an elite degree can feel hollow.
On the other hand, here are 10 reasons you really should go to college.
1. Your Dream Career
You want a job where a degree is required. Medicine, engineering, law, and research, to name a few, are fields that require a formal education. College is the place you will get the credentials and training these careers require to succeed in.
2. Building a Network
You want to build a professional network early. Peers, alumni, and professors often become lifelong connections. These networks can open doors long after graduation.
3. Personal Growth
You’re willing to grow in more ways than academics. College often makes you question your beliefs, develop independence, and learn to communicate effectively. It’s not all professional growth, it’s personal development, too. Maybe you want to meet other young people, join some clubs, or just have that quintessential experience.
4. No Rush
You have time to follow your interests and no immediate need to earn money. College provides opportunity to try subjects before making a commitment. That can help clarify long-term goals.
5. Internal Opportunities
You want access to internships, internal careers, and research opportunities only available in college. Colleges serve as pipelines to employers. They can be as valuable as the degree itself.
6. Take Advantage
It's a tool that's there; you want all the advantages. If you’re not sure about your direction in life, then it’s a great way to explore options or garner a little security. Besides, it will provide you with social advantages, and people will receive you as smarter.
7. Learning Is Fun
You love learning for the sake of learning. If the pursuit of ideas, theories, and debate gets you all riled up, you may find college especially rewarding. You'll gain access to knowledge in an organized way that can be difficult to come by otherwise.
8. Long-Term Earnings
You value credentials and long-term earning potential. Degree holders tend to earn more over the course of their lifetimes. College isn't a guarantee of success, but it can open up financial opportunities, particularly over the long run when it comes to promotions.
9. You Need Structure
You have a structured environment and have been thriving in school. With advisors, professors, and well-defined milestones, many students succeed. If an outside structure keeps you going, college life will offer stability.
10. Collaborative Nature
You love working with others. Group projects, campus clubs, and classroom discussion all build teamwork. These "soft skills" are valuable in many careers and will lead to opportunities you wouldn't otherwise have.
