Is College Right For You?

     Choosing a future for yourself can be incredibly daunting. How do you know how things will work out before they happen? Leaving secondary school and choosing your next steps is one of the first major decisions of your newly-obtained adulthood, so it can be overwhelming. But checking out all of your options and trusting your gut will always get you where you need to go.

What do I want to do?

     One of the most important questions you can ask, no matter your age, is “is college right for me?” The whole experience is romanticized by teachers, parents and even peers. However, not every life path requires a traditional degree. As an actor and creative, I knew on-the-job experience and relationships were more important than a BFA. So why did I decide to go? Honestly, I wasn’t ready to be without school yet. I’m a certified nerd. Others may feel they need more education before going into the workforce. Every conclusion is valid so shoot for the stars no matter where you end up!

If you are truly unsure what you want to do at this point in your life, I recommend 80,000 Hours to help guide you towards careers that benefit people and the planet!

Researching Schools 

     Whether you decide to actually go or not, researching schools can be a good idea to  get a feel for your preferences and have a full understanding of all the options before making a decision. In my opinion, these are the things I would research: 

Location 

Do you want to live in the area this school is in? Being in a big city isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and neither is living in an isolated landscape. It's also fine if you don’t really care; the choice is up to you.

Housing 

Will there be on-campus housing? If not, how accessible are apartments in the area?

Food 

This is especially important for those with food allergies or dietary restraints! My school couldn’t (or didn’t) accommodate my Celiac Disease very well so I spent tons of money on food for myself on top of paying for a meal plan. 

Academics 

No matter the program, schools are going to keep getting more specific in their training as time progresses. You may be able to get away with being “undecided” on your career path in the first few years of college or university, but this is definitely not an option in trade schools because they are so focused from the beginning. Do some honest soul-searching to see what you want for your life at this moment!

Cost

EVERYTHING costs money. College can become incredibly expensive when you factor in tuition, housing, food, books, and personal costs. Keep an eye on the total price for both colleges and certificate programs to make sure you’re comfortable with the end result! And remember, you don’t have to go to a fancy school to get a degree. What you put into your education is what you get out of it. Don’t acquire a mountain of debt just to graduate from a name brand school. 

If you feel overwhelmed by all of this information, here is an incredible Research Tracker from Reddit !

Researching alternative programs 

     College is pushed as the forefront path to success, but you have other options from certificate programs to trade schools. There are a not-insignificant amount of careers that won’t require a degree for you to start which could be helpful for those who don’t want to spend the time or money on college/university right when they turn 18 . These programs include things from Plumbing to Cosmetology to Welding to Real Estate. Do your research on these options as well as you may find yourself drawn towards a future you never saw for yourself before. 

How to decide?

     Do you think you would benefit from one of these programs more than another? Is a traditional college experience important to you or do you want to be able to work as quickly as possible? These are all questions that can help you hone in on your goals. For me, I wanted to live in a bigger city and spend as little money as possible which helped me make my ultimate decision, but college in-and-of itself was always discussed as a requirement in my home growing up so I shied away from other opportunities that might have worked out just as well! Unfortunately, for a lot of people, it doesn’t feel like you have a choice due to familial pressures or career goals, but try to take your own thoughts into consideration. This is, again, one of the first major ways you get to shape your own future so be sure you are happy with the direction you're aiming.