As a high schooler, it can be hard to think past the short term, but going to college will help you think more about the long term and what you want to do with your life.
Thinking about going to college can be scary. After leaving high school, it can feel as though you just finished twelve grades of schooling just to start another four years of higher education—not to mention the intimidation if you are going back to college later in life. All of it can be exhausting and daunting. Even though thinking about going to college or going back to college later in life can feel overwhelming, know that it is something to seriously consider.
Here are five reasons you should consider going to college:
1. To Get a Degree
One reason you should consider going to college is to get a degree. Getting a degree might sound basic, but it is important to have a degree in the field you want to pursue. Without having a degree, you will not be able to further your education by obtaining a Master’s degree or doctorate. If you obtain a four-year degree, you will be able to continue learning at a higher level; however, you will not be able to if you do not earn your bachelor's degree.
When you are choosing your degree program, know that you will have the option to change your major and minors if you desire. At the time I started college, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I had picked a basic program, only to change my major and minors during my sophomore year. Therefore, know that you don’t have to know right away what degree program you want. You can change your degree program later if you find out that the program you enrolled in is not what you actually want to do.
2. To Get a Good Job
Getting a good job is a second reason to consider going to college. The main purpose of going to college is to learn what you need to know in order to get a good job. Ideally, you will get a job in your field after you graduate from college. You might have to do some internships or part-time jobs prior to getting your dream job but know that if you go to college and get a degree, you will be able to eventually get the job you want. Take your time in your degree program and learn all you can. Try to go the extra mile and sign up for an internship program you can do while you are in school.
Getting a good job won’t happen overnight, but you can put in the effort now. As an example, if you want to become a lawyer, you cannot become one without obtaining a Bachelor's degree and then going to law school. You have to put in the effort and complete the course requirements in order to one day be a lawyer. Without going to college, you will not be able to get many jobs you want because a basic requirement for most good-paying jobs is to have a four-year degree in the related field.
By passing on college, you might never be able to get the job you want. Without having a college degree, you won’t be able to apply for many of these job positions. You will be left to apply for jobs that are not going to pay the best or have the best working environments. Choose to consider going to college in order to get a good job and to get the job you want.
3. For Further Learning
A third reason you should consider going to college is for further learning. When you go to college, you will be able to learn much more about your desired field. Not only will you learn more about your desired field, but you will also learn more about responsibilities, time management, and interpersonal communication. All of these skills can be cultivated during your time in college. Even if you are attending college online, it can help you develop these skills as well as many more important skills that will help you in your professional and personal life.
College is all about higher learning; therefore, it is going to be difficult at times. College is not high school nor are the professors the same teachers you had in high school. Depending on what college you attend, your professors might be more personal and truly care about your education. I attended a Bible college and the professors were very caring and supportive of my education.
They treated everyone the same and wanted to see everyone succeed. Depending on where you go to college, this could make a major difference in your college experience. Try to do research ahead of time and see what previous students have said about the professors at the college. By doing this, you will be able to see which colleges have the best professors, and this, in turn, will help you on your journey to higher learning. Having care and support can really make a world of difference as you are working toward your degree.
4. To Make New Friends
Making new friends is a fourth reason you should consider going to college. Prior to college, I did not have many friends because I was homeschooled from the seventh grade to the twelfth grade. Once I started going to college and connecting with the other students there, I was able to make friends, many of whom are still my friends today. While you might not be able to make friends with everyone on the campus, you will be able to make several close friends who will be there for you.
Be a friend to all people and avoid falling into drama. There will be drama and problems at college but try to avoid being caught up in it. Make friends, but still focus on your studies. Secular colleges place a huge emphasis on parties and drinking but avoid attending those events because they are not going to help you in any way. Think about attending a Christian college or a college that you know won’t lead you into temptation and sin. It is okay if you want to go to a secular college because the degree program you want is only offered there, but also know your boundaries and stay away from anyone who would be a bad influence.
5. To Prepare for the Future
A fifth reason you should consider going to college is to prepare for the future. By going to college, you will be setting yourself up for success. Having a four-year degree will open the door to many opportunities and good places of employment. By having a four-year degree and a good job, you will be able to successfully prepare for the future. As a high schooler, it can be hard to think past the short term, but going to college will help you think more about the long term and what you want to do with your life.
Choose to consider going to a college, and you might find that it is the perfect thing to help you achieve your goals for the future. Nobody wants to struggle in life and going to college, can help you be ready to face the problems of living on your own, paying for bills, and establishing your future.
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