Are You Ready for College?

And before you send in those college applications, keep this in mind: it's not the norm in every culture for students to go to college right our of high school. Around the world, many young people choose other options first, like military service, work experience, community service, or travel. So if you find yourself applying for college simply because "it's the thing to do after high school," think again. Going to college right after high school may be the norm in your family and in your community, but it's not the norm everywhere -- and it may not be the best decision for you.

Furthermore, it's entirely possible that going to college might never be the right choice for you. Yes, higher education often gives young people a considerable advantage in the working world -- but not always. A solid technical or business school application can give you an advantage as well -- and if this environment seems like a better one for you than a traditional college campus, this might be your best option. And yes, plenty of people lead successful lives with a high school education and years of work experience.

Here are some serious questions to think about before you make the decision to attend college.

Financial Considerations

The price of a college or university education has become a serious burden for young people and their families. So has the massive amounts of student loans that students take, which can take decades to pay off.

The price of a college education should not deter you from going to college, and if you're having problems figuring out how to pay for it, talk to your high school guidance counselor to get information about financial aid.

However, in some cases, putting off college for a year or two while a student earns money full time can make sense financially. During this time, the student can take a few inexpensive classes at a community college. In addition, in the U.S., taking time off can make sense if by doing so, you meet the criteria for applying for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as an independent, which usually results in a better financial aid package.

If you're not sure if you're ready for college, the price of college can be an additional incentive to wait a year or two. College is too pricey of an investment to make half-heartedly.

Academic Considerations

You don't have to be a world-class scholar to benefit from a college education. However, you do need to be at least somewhat serious about academics. If not, you risk flunking out, and you certainly risk being miserable. Keep in mind that college academics are different than high school academics, and that even the best students find the transition difficult. Doing as little as you possibly can to get by in college will have unfortunate results.

If you're not sure if you want to commit yourself to the academic rigor of college, take a few community college classes first. The relatively small price you'll pay for these courses will be a worthwhile investment in your future, as it will provide valuable insight into whether you're ready for college.

Personal Considerations

The transition from high school to college is an emotional challenge for just about everybody, especially if you move away from home. Almost all students suffer from a degree of homesickness that goes away eventually, but for some students, the transition may be too much to handle.

If you are suffering from an emotional crisis before college begins -- like an eating disorder, an alcohol or drug problem, grief over the death of a loved one, or severe depression or anxiety -- it may be a good idea to put off school until you've spent some energy taking care of your crisis. This is a very personal decision, so talk to a mental health professional about whether postponing college would be the right decision for you.

Higher Education is a Choice

Keep this in mind: no matter what anybody tells you (including your parents), you don't have to go to college. If you're only going because that's what's expected of you, you may be setting yourself up for failure. Spend some time considering your options before sending in those applications. Yes, college may be the right choice for you-- but other choices might just suit you better.

Are You Ready for College?

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