Do you think that all young adults should go to college?

@ladyluna (7004)
United States
March 2, 2009 12:30pm CST
Hello All, First, I'll define college or university as the post-secondary education obtained at 2-year, and 4-year colleges and universities. Do you think that every young adult should attend college or university? If so, why? If you don't think that every young adult should attend college, why not? How should parents decide whether to send their child to college, or not? What factors are important to consider? What about on-line course study? Thanks, I really look forward to your thoughts on this issue.
8 people like this
61 responses
• United States
2 Mar 09
For some people College is usefull, for others it isn't. For those who it isn't usefull for, all college does is dealy their entry into the productive class. Unfortunately as public high schools decline, a high school diploma means less, and by extention a college degree means less, so failing our of High school or not going to college is a bigger scar on the resume than it used to be.
3 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
2 Mar 09
Hello Troublegum, It's nice to visit with you again. Hmmm, the "bigger scar" point is very intruiguing. Thanks for putting your thinking cap on!
1 person likes this
@heehaw78 (566)
• Malaysia
6 Mar 09
i do agree with Troublegum, and that's a good point.
@Destiny007 (5805)
• United States
2 Mar 09
I never went to college, although there are times I wish that I had. I did however, have ongoing work related training every year to keep up with changes in the law and other aspects of my work. As to you questions... I think nit really depends what a person wants to do and what work they plan on doing. I see no reason for someone to go to college just to say that they did. With the expenses involved, and the job market the way that it is, there should be a specific goal involved. Learning business administration, or law , or a medical field, or something similar, then college is required. Digging ditches, flipping burgers, factory work, or living off welfare... I would say college is not really necessary for those. I say that if you need additional education, then get the education that you need. I you don't need it, then why waste money and time on something that you will never use?
3 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
2 Mar 09
Hello Destiny, Clearly, you are not alone. Attendance in Tech & Trade and on-line schools, as well as community colleges is growing exponentially even as traditional brick-n-mortar school attendance is on the decline. Perhaps they've priced themselves out of a future???
@peavey (16936)
• United States
2 Mar 09
No, I do not. First, not every young adult wants to go to college and it would be a waste of time for them. Also, what good is a "higher eductation" if the person is not interested in a career that requires it? Thirdly, our colleges are extremely liberal in thinking, with more liberal... excuse me "progressive" teachers than not. Not all young adults are able to withstand that type of onslaught and still be able to think for themselves. Parents should not decide... it should be up to the child.
2 people like this
@peavey (16936)
• United States
2 Mar 09
Yes, I believe it should always be the student's choice. What good does it do to send a child to college if he/she doesn't want to go? A year or two out in the workforce has changed many minds as well as matured them so that an education will do some good. If a child doesn't want to go to college, maybe he/she shouldn't. Parents should give the child enough respect to allow them that choice.
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
3 Mar 09
Hello Peavey, Thanks for the follow up. If I may, what happens if the young adult wants to go, and gets accepted but isn't really 'college material'? Perhaps not disciplined enough, self-directed enough, etc... Or what if the young adult intends to pursue a discipline that offers no employment opportunities after graduation?
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
2 Mar 09
Hello Peavey, You make some very intriguing and poigant points here. Though, if I may, might I seek follow up to your last comment? Should it always be up the the student to decide?
@irisheyes (4370)
• United States
2 Mar 09
I don't think that ALL young adults should go to college but I do think that all young adults who are capable of meeting the entrance requirements and being accepted at a college or university should have the oportunity if they desire to enter that college or university regardless of cost. For my generation it was a given. Unfortunately, that is now far from the case. An interesting note: The University of Pennsylvania provides free tuition, board and books to any student accepted at Penn whose parents make under a set amount (I think it is $60,000 per year.) and scholarships are generous for students who need help but do not qualify for full coverage. They have the most generous tuition coverage in the Ivy League. Of course the student has to gain admittance to Penn on their own merit. Schools of Penn's caliber don't usually even give sports scholarships and won't compromise their standards to admit needy students. I think that more schools should follow the lead of the University of Pennsylvania.
2 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
2 Mar 09
Hello Irisheyes, OK, so as you see it, acceptance should be merit based? But, what about the decision to attend or not to attend? Who should make that decision, and what criteria should be used in the making of the decision? For example: some colleges accept students with a 2.0 g.p.a. That's a "D". Should "D" graded students be heading off to college? And, if so, should they be required to maintain any specific GPA in college? If the parents are paying, should there be a contract between the parents & the students defining a minimum GPA? What if it is the taxpayer who is paying? Should there be a similar minimum GPA contract? You and all of your fellow Pennsylvanians are footing the bill for that free education, so what restrictions should be place upoon it? Oh, and I'm curious: Does PA offer a full ride to community college or trade school students as well?
• Canada
3 Mar 09
Someone with a D average is not going to make it through college. The college is just accepting the students with low marks for the money and fully expect them to fail. They get vast amounts of first year students and fail them all just for the money. The student would be better off taking some practical training at a technical college or getting a job.
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
3 Mar 09
Thanks for sharing that Mariposa! Unfortunately, I've known quite a few "D" grade students who made it all the way to graduation -- as long as the checks arrived in the Bursar's office on time!
@mssnow (9484)
• United States
2 Mar 09
I think a young adult should be given the choice to choose what they decide to do. I think they should be given the opportunity to go to college. But not to be forced to go if they have other options for careers. Like musicians. if they don't want to go to college to study music but they think the can do it on their own. Then support their decision . tell them that if they change their mind and want college then they can have that option as well.
2 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
2 Mar 09
Hello Mssnow, So, you think the decision belongs to the young adult -- so what role should the parents play in the decision making process? And, how does the parental role change if the parent is going to have to pay for it?
1 person likes this
@mssnow (9484)
• United States
2 Mar 09
Well of course the parents can have input but in the long run its the young person who has to live with their decision. They need to learn by their mistakes. Even if the parents pay for the child's college they should let their children decide what they want to do. I think parents could say some thing like "I will pay for your schooling so choose wisely because, I am only paying for your college once. If you really want to do this then go for it. other wise take a while to think about it" and then when you decide we can go from there. I don't think parent should choose what their children decide to do, It is what makes the child happy and if they have been raised as a good upstanding citizen who can be responsible they will know what they want. My middle son is going to college to be a meteorologist. of course if it was up to me he would have studied music because of his musical ability. But weather makes him happy and he is a deans list student so I canot complain. Give your child wings to fly and see where they go.
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
2 Mar 09
Thanks for the follow-up, Mssnow. I appreciate your perspective!
1 person likes this
• United States
6 Mar 09
Wow, this is a really popular topic. As for me, I don't think every young adult should go to college. It's like the extra credit question at the end of a test. The go getters will answer it, even if they already got a hundred on the test. so, really it's about initiative and willingness. Parents can guide children and offer to help, but that's about the limit of it. I went to college directly after High School. It was fully paid by my parents ($360 for 12 semester hours). I didn't (couldn't?) appreciate what a chance I was given. I saw it as just an extension of High School. I eventually dropped out. But, I did get in a career that gave excellent on the job training, my parents were thrilled, and everything worked, out. I did some more college later in life and performed much better. (straight A's , yay for me). I'd like to go to some more college, I love learning. Just at the right time. This is kinda scatterbrained, in college I would have used an outline, and references, and maybe a bar chart.
2 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
6 Mar 09
Hello Ima_C_Suvaya, Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this issue. And, thanks for the chuckle. Had you submitted that bar chart, no doubt you'd be in the running for "Best Response" (chuckle, chuckle). Though, the more pressing question is ... Are you one of those 'go-getters' who takes the time to answer the extra-credit questions?
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
7 Mar 09
Well my friend, you needn't concern yourself about your ping pong record or title should you and I ever find ourselves volleying the ping pong ball around -- 'cause I really stink at ping pong!
1 person likes this
• United States
7 Mar 09
I don't know if I would classify myself a "go getter", but I can't turn down the opportunity for extra credit. I am kinda competitive. Especially with ping pong.
2 people like this
• United States
2 Mar 09
Historically, most societies have only needed about 5% of the population to attend college. The hysteria to try and get everyone to attend college is just devaluing the college degree. No longer can a poor person or minority of talent lift themselves out of poverty practically guarnteed by graduating from college. There are just too many people (many of low intelligence) graduating from college these days for the having of a college degree to be anything special. Unfortunately, these days, attending college is placing hard working eager but naive students too far in debt without offering the implied promised advantage.
2 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
2 Mar 09
Hello Red, Your may not be a comforting point, though it is certainly relevant. How many holders of Masters degrees are waiting tables? I live in a transitory, tourism area -- we've got more MAs and MSs serving fajitas then Carter has little liver pills! And, don't even get me started on the costs and the overbearing debt! Grrrr!
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
3 Mar 09
Good question, Mariposaman!!!
• Canada
3 Mar 09
Does Carters still make little liver pills anymore I wonder?
1 person likes this
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
3 Mar 09
college seems to be the only way that a child can be successful these days. my hubby has been looking for a job in his chosen field for about a year and it seems that people these days are only interested in college degrees.
2 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
6 Mar 09
Hello Cher913, Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this issue. I'll keep my fingers crossed that your husband finds his dream job very soon. I understand what you mean, though I'm not at all convinced that the great 'rap' that a college education receives is truly deserved -- and I have advanced degrees. I actually think that certificate programs are a stupendous tool for career growth. They're inexpensive, targeted, and can usually be completed within a matter of one to six months, depending on the program. Perhaps that is something that would be of assistance to your husband?
• United States
3 Mar 09
Hi Ladyluna, Parents sent their child to college co'z they want their child to have a good education and most specially they knows they can have a better job after college. In my opinion, young adult should be attend college so that they can have a better life in future that they can proud themselves. There is a good advantages for some people who can't go to school specially for a young mother's but there is disadvantages for the young adult who go online courses co'z some there is a lot temptations like when they felt bored they do chatting or playing games online. Good Luck to you!
2 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
6 Mar 09
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this issue, Journey314207. Good luck to you, as well.
@nanajanet (4436)
• United States
3 Mar 09
Absolutely not. I have seen parents push their kids into college, when they made it clear that they were not interested, and seen the bad results from it, in many ways. It should be ONLY the choice of the person. I chose not to attend college, even though I had good grades, because I had no desire to do so. I like to learn things when I need to learn them, at my own pace and I learn better that way. Some people thrive in college, others struggle, many fail. It should never be mandatory, ever.
2 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
3 Mar 09
Great points, Nanajanet! Thanks for sharing your personal experience in this regard. I'll add that I wholeheartedly agree that some people are well suited for college, and others are not.
@hotsummer (13837)
• Philippines
3 Mar 09
i think that college is not for all people. cause i have been to college before but i was not able to finish it and realized when i get older it is not what i really i would like to be into. cause i have other things or plans or dreams in my life. anyways, though it is really helpful to have better life but not always though. there are so some or many people who are successful in life without being into college. and i think that high education is enough for people to be prepared for whatever they want to do in life.
2 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
3 Mar 09
Hello Hotsummer, It's nice to visit with you again. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this issue. And, you're absolutely right! If we look at the whole of history, many more people have succeeded without a degree than with one! I also deeply respect your reference to clarity about one's own goals & dreams. The clearer we are, the greater the likelihood that we will achieve our goals. Great points!!! To dig deeper, if I may: if the secondary education isn't sufficient to prepare a young adult to pursue their dreams, should college be expected to try to make up for the shorcomings of the secondary educational platform?
@hotsummer (13837)
• Philippines
3 Mar 09
most definitely, if that is the only way for a person to reach his dreams or goals, i think many of us would surely going to do that. cause we should not let any thing to stop us from reaching our dreams. i think that perseverance and determination. so if a person could not afford to go to college or does not have the support of other people, i think that if that dream is really important to one person i know that he would make a way to find his way to college like being a working student. and so it is not a question. but if the person will not be lucky to find work or support himself then he can still find another way i think to reach his dreams. cause there are some few exceptions in every case. even though other people thinks that they can or need to finish college to reach their goals but still they still able to reach their dreams in another way when they failed to afford college education. and i will say that life will give us opportunities to reach our dreams if we are just open to the possibility for it. what i am saying is that we should not really limit ourselves. if one door closes there are still some opportunity that will be open for us to have another opportunity to reach our dream. that way may not be an easy way or may be in fact a harder way than going to college . but it may be the faster way to reach our goals in life. i don't believe that college education will teach us the most important things we have to learn. sometimes or many times that experiences that there are more important things we can learn outside college.
1 person likes this
@TheCatLady (4691)
• Israel
3 Mar 09
Not all kids are college material. To do well in college one needs to have a single focus on studying. It's not for everyone. Some people do much better taking a training course in something, or learning a trade on the job. At 17 I wasn't mature enough for college. I wanted to have fun more than I wanted to study. So I dropped out, worked a few yeas and then went back to school when I was ready to sit and study 10 hours a day. Paid off. Where I flunked out the first year, I got straight A's when I returned.
2 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
6 Mar 09
Hello Catlady, Thanks for sharing your personal experience in this regard. I wholeheartedly agree. In fact, as an undergrad, I know only a handful of other undergrads who were willing to commit themselves to serious study. Congrat's on all those "A"s when you were ready to put your nose to the grindstone!!!
@K46620 (1986)
• United States
3 Mar 09
Absolutely NOT! If everyone went to college, then everyone would get a college degree. If everyone had a college degree, then their college degree would not be worth much because they would never stand out to employers, since every other applicant had a degree. That would also make it harder for those without college to get employment.
2 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
3 Mar 09
A resounding welcome to you too, K46620. I hope that you thoroughly enjoy your time on MyLot. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here. Yours is a point that should be given all due consideration. The laws of Supply & Demand definitely apply here.
@K46620 (1986)
• United States
3 Mar 09
Thanks for the welcome, MyLot is pretty cool!
1 person likes this
@katsalot1 (1618)
2 Mar 09
No, I don't think every young adult should go to college. I do think everyone should have the opportunity to go to college though, if they wish to. Some people just aren't cut out for college life, and after being forced to go to school for so many years, I think a lot of people do much better if they have a break from schooling. Also, I have noticed that a lot of people who are happy later on in life didn't actually decide on their career until they were in their late twenties, after they had a bit more life experience.
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
2 Mar 09
Great points, Katsalot1!
1 person likes this
@heehaw78 (566)
• Malaysia
6 Mar 09
wow katsalot1 you do point out a good reason for those who does not want to go to college in their teens that soon.
@ionsquare (530)
• Singapore
3 Mar 09
Hi, In today's competitive society, attending college or university is almost compulsory in most people's eye. However, its important to take care of the interest of one's child also. Even if one does not attend university, he or she may be a successful businessman. However, there are not many Bill Gates in this world. Nevertheless, if someone does not attend university, he or she can consider about other courses such as a course that lead you to be a pilot. The most important thing to do is to consider all relevant factors so that you live without regrets in life. Nevertheless, one can also go back to school after working for some time. Speaking about online courses, it seems to be convenient to study at one's own pace and freedom at the comfort of home but some countries do not recognize online degrees.
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
3 Mar 09
Hello Ionsquare, Another new face ... welcome! I hope that you thoroughly enjoy yourself on MyLot. You make some excellent points. I'm not sure that pilots would be much too happy about your assessment -- though I'm sure that if we have any in this discussion, they will be able to glean you point without taking offense. Does your nation acknowledge (accept transfer credits, recognize degree requirements for work, ect...) online curriculum? And, is online education an option in your country?
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
3 Mar 09
Yes, I see your point -- thanks for the clarification, Ionsquare.
• Singapore
3 Mar 09
Hi Ladyluna, I don't think pilots will be offended as for the point that I am trying to make is that pilot course is one of the professional course around other than obtaining a degree by attending university. Similar to accountancy, there are several professional accountancy or finance course around that one can take whereby one can be a member of a professional body that are recognized internationally. I think maybe online course would also enable one to find job but employers would put full- time student as their first choice before considering those with online degrees.
1 person likes this
@zhangfzoe (432)
• China
3 Mar 09
Young people are not force to go to college. They can choose their life according to their dream. If the dllege education is not his choice, he can find another way to fulfill his dreams. As an saying, all roads lead to Rome. College education is a good education but it is not very necessary.
2 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
3 Mar 09
Hello Zhangfzoe, I agree that anectdotally speaking, all roads do lead to Rome, and each person's journey is highly individualized. Great point! Thanks for sharing your perspective.
@pmspratik (202)
• Nepal
3 Mar 09
Well many adults today decides that their children should go to college thinking that they will have an excellent career. But education only wont help you to be successful in your career but you got to have interest in the field you are studying. Its optional to go to universities and there are other ways to develop your career. There are courses offered besides colleges. Like there are computer courses offered by MAYA or air hostess and steward training programs. But those who attend college sure will have knowledge. There are people who have studies Masters and yet they are staying home doing nothing. And there are people who haven't even attended college yet but are earning a fortune.
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
3 Mar 09
Hello Pmspratik, I agree that an education is far from the only requirement for success. Great point. Though, if I may further inquire: Why do suppose some people have what 'it' takes to succeed without a formal education?
@maezee (41988)
• United States
2 Mar 09
I wish every young adult would, but I honestly don't think college is for everyone. I feel like some people are perfectly content with working a blue-collar job and making a living that way. I also feel like when a young adult works for a certain (GOOD) company, and has been working for them for a long time, they might not even NEED post-secondary education to advance themselves in that company; it might just be experience that they need. So, the adult might decide to continue working for that company and gaining experience that way, rather than getting an education. I know plenty of people who have made their way into management positions without an ounce of post-secondary education. I honestly don't think it's up to the parents to decide if their child "should go to college". I think it's entirely up to the "child" (or young-adult, should I say), although I suppose it depends on the situation. For me, I decided to go to college without any help from my parents (who also don't pay for ANY of my tuition or supplies). While parents should encourage their child to pursue a degree, I think the final word should be with the child/young-adult, just because it's THEIR life, THEIR student loans, and THEIR future that they should be controlling. As for online-studying.. I think an on-campus experience is the more traditional way to go, and you really get more of the "college" experience (meeting new people, making friends, joining clubs, and just being on campus and in a new place in general). I feel like online schools are great for non-traditional students, but for someone right out of highschool, I would suggest going to an on-campus school, just because you get a more fulfilling experience there. But, an online degree is better than no degree at all, right? Interesting question. =)
2 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
2 Mar 09
Hello Maezee, Thank you for recognizing the value of blue-collar work. We'd all perish without blue-collar workers! To say nothing of the earnings potential for skilled blue-collar workers. Here, here to all of our much appreciated skilled workers!!! Though, if I may, I'd like to inquire about whether your perspective changes if the parents are going to pay for the education vs. the student reimbursing the taxpayer through student loans? And, to be clear -- loans & scholarships is how I funded my education as well -- so that's not a shot at anyone who has gotten student loans! Sorry, I digress -- back to the question: Does the parents role in the decision making process shift if they're paying, or is it still entirely up to the young adult? Taking that one step farther, should the voter have a say in college eligibility because they are providing the up-front costs to the student? Based on your final comments it would seem that you perhaps support the notion of HS graduation straight into Freshman year. Is that a fair conclusion of your perspective? If so, does your perspective shift in light of the fact that students who begin college after some time in the work force report a much more valued and successful academic experience?
@huanglian (100)
• China
3 Mar 09
Well,I do not kown many major princiles,I would like to talk about my experience?Maybe it can help you. I finish my senior eduation at 2006.I was admitted by a university.But I feel I was tired about going to shools.So I gave up it.Then I began my new life,bland new from before.I think the most important is want you want.You must kown what you want then you can make your choice. post for the first time.
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
3 Mar 09
Welcome Huanglian, You make such a terrific point. Do you think you will re-register to go back after taking some time off and working?
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
3 Mar 09
Thanks so much Huanglian. I do understand what you mean about missing something once it's gone. Though, I wonder if it is the social environment of the school that you miss, or the attainment of knowledge? If it is the latter then I have every confidence that even if you don't go back, you will still grow and learn from books and manuscripts. And, what a splendid thing it is that there is a world of knowledge available to every internet user in every corner of the planet?
• China
3 Mar 09
Hello ladyluna. Your question is great.Maybe after a few years i would go back to university. when I was in school,I hate it.But when I leave school,I miss it.These days I am learning to value what is gong past me. I will come to see you ofen,OK?
1 person likes this
• Canada
3 Mar 09
I truly think college is not for everyone. A lot of people just learn by experience, not within a class room. It is a good idea to get a bigger education since the economy is getting worse and getting a job is harder. Parents should push their kids to do what they feel is right. Always support and maybe throw a little advice in there to keep them on track. I've gone to college and it has helped me out a lot. Getting my career was fast and easy.
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
3 Mar 09
Hello SuzanneBoucher, And a warm welcome to you as well. Enjoy your MyLot experience! Thanks for sharing your perspective on this issue.