Why Many Are Not Sure About Going to College
Every year, new high school graduates are pressured to enroll in college, leave the nest, and decide on the career that they’ll pursue the rest of their lives. Indeed, 86% of high school students feel pressure to enroll in a bachelor degree program. Whether it comes from parents, family, friends, or society, many young adults are urged to attend college regardless of their own plans. In reality, most aren’t sure about going to college. They think about what they want their lives to look like in future and are not sure if higher education is important for them. And honestly, it’s not the right path for everyone.
For decades, college has been the most obvious next step for high school graduates everywhere. Many are expected to enroll before finishing their high school careers. Yet while there are many benefits to earning a degree, most people aren’t ready to plan out their future before they are legally adults.
Practically zero high schoolers have reached their full potential or have found their special interest. Truly, even those who think they have their lives figured out end up changing their minds and their majors halfway through their college degree. Up to three-quarters of all college students switch up their studies at least once. Many change their major several times or wind up in a completely unrelated career. And we shouldn’t be surprised by those numbers.
The push to enroll in college right out of the gate asks young adults – who aren’t sure of their own likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses – to decide their entire future. It’s not realistic to pin this responsibility on someone with minimal life experiences. Thus, it makes sense that many are not sure about going to college.
What to Do if You’re Not Sure About Going to College
Young adults today have many options. They’re not stuck between going to college or working in a low paying job the rest of their lives. Truly, someone with a GED or high school diploma can make a good living and find work in any number of fields. Some employers are even dropping their longstanding degree prerequisites.
However, this statement does not stand true for every field or every role. Your dream job may still hold onto requirements, often for good reason. Some positions are highly specialized and require someone with strong knowledge and experience in the role. Obviously, medical and legal careers will always require some sort of training and degree as employers and clients need to know they can trust the person helping them.
But, if you’re not sure about going to college, you shouldn’t fret. Keep reading to learn more about what you can do instead.
1. Explore Your Options
If you are not sure about going to college, you should start looking at careers that you can get without a degree. There are more out there than you expect, and you can make a good living off of your skills and knowledge.
And as companies ease degree requirements, the pay gap has lessened some. However, you may find that most of the higher paying jobs out there require that applicants have gone through some formal training. This statement is not always true, as there are always exceptions, but most mandate that you have a certification or degree.
While it can be frustrating, there is good reason for the requirement, as we stated prior. As you search, consider your interests, strengths, and weaknesses. Would you do well as entrepreneur? How about a virtual assistant? As long as you have the skills, you can excel in many fields.
2. Pursue Alternative Education
When people think of higher education, they often think of four-year degrees. However, there are several paths you can take and many levels of education. If none of the available job options appeal to you, but you are not sure about going to college, you may consider alternative options. You may try a two-year degree instead of a four-year or look into vocational schooling.
Notably, many tout trade schools as a cheaper alternative to college. While these institutions are great and give students the tools to find high paying careers, attendance is not cheap. You can often earn an associate degree from a community college for the same or less than the yearly cost of trade school. Thus, if you’re not interested in trades, but are worried about money, you shouldn’t abandon your goals to save pennies on the dollar.
Indeed, both community colleges and trade schools will run you between $5,000 and $15,000 annually, depending on the school, your program, and your housing situation. You may graduate between six months and two years. And financial aid, like the PELL grant can be used for both types of institutions, as long as they are accredited.
Also, you’re not limited to an associate degree. You can pursue other professional certifications in place of a formal degree. For example, you may consider different healthcare paths, such as the various technician positions, or a criminal justice certificate.
3. Earn Your Associate Degree First
On the topic of associate degrees, if you’re interested in doing a bachelor degree, but not right now, you can get some of your education out of the way now. As we mentioned, associate degrees can be earned through community college for a much lower price than a bachelors degree. Some students may not pay a dollar out of pocket thanks to financial aid, scholarships, and grants.
There are many benefits to getting your associates. First, you won’t lose out on any scholarships you receive for your high school grades. These offers don’t last forever. In fact, many students lose merit-based funding if they take even a gap year. Use these funds while they’re available to save money on your degree.
Second, you can get your core courses out of the way while they’re fresh in your head from high school. These are your math, science, and English requirements. When you’re ready for your bachelors, you can jump headfirst into the specialized classes and not have to worry about relearning algebra. Also, you won’t lose these credits as you do when transferring colleges.
Finally, more job options will open up to you earlier than if you move forward with just your high school diploma. You can use your associate degree to enter into the nursing field, a specialized technician job, or a career as a paralegal.
Thus, if you’re not sure about going to college for four years, you can still get your feet wet and prepare for your future now. Truly, it’ll be a lot easier to pick up your educational career later.
4. Consider Online Options
Notably, some students are not sure about to college for other reasons. Maybe they’re not ready to leave home, have responsibilities of their own, or are just not about dorm life. Additionally, prospective students with health issues or disabilities may worry about the accessibility and safety of a traditional campus.
Students with the goal of getting out of their shells and on-campus should pursue their dreams. But those who are being held back by anxiety, fears, or a general dislike of traditional schooling might consider online college.
Online universities and college programs have become more commonplace in today’s age. Notably, following the covid-19 shutdown, many schools went online and still offer those programs today. Students young and old enroll in these classes for a variety of reasons, whether due to accessibility or preference. While some stigma remains, a majority of employers respect a degree from an online institution, as long as the college is accredited.
You may be able to find your ideal program at an online school or from a traditional school with virtual offerings. These options allow you to skip the commute, do work on your time, and study from the comfort of home. So, if your worry stems from more than just uncertainty, a virtual school may be a better fit for you.
5. Think About it Later
Finally, if you are not sure about going to college, then a gap year or a five-year plan might help you make your decision. Today, you may not be physically, financially, or mentally ready to take on a degree, but you it might make sense three years down the line.
Don’t be afraid to push back against any familial or societal pressure you’re feeling. If you’re not ready for college, then you shouldn’t go yet. Truly, pushing yourself too hard can result in burnout, low grades, poor completion rates, and bad morale. Higher education isn’t going anywhere. You don’t need to do it right now.
Instead, check out your other options. Maybe you want to explore the workforce, gain independence, travel the world, or simply avoid homework for a few years. College is a huge commitment. Make sure you’re ready to enroll beforehand.
Final Thoughts
Lakewood University is an accredited online school that offers a variety of degree and certificate programs. We have rolling enrollments and asynchronous courses. In other words, you don’t have to worry about missing a lecture or running late to class. If you plan on enrolling in college while working, Lakewood University offers the flexibility you need to earn your degree.
Don’t hesitate – reach out to our admissions department today to learn more!
