Is college for everyone?

No, college isn't a must. However, let us talk about it. What are you interested in? What is the career you are interested in?

You do have a very good point. I have always maintained that college is not for everyone and sometimes we set our kids up for failure by pushing college. I know it is the symbol of middle class success and advancement but as you rightly say there are other ways to succeed. One can delay college and get some working experience first which is not a bad choice. I have been a firm believer in students taking a gap year to experience the world a little bit before starting college. Some kids are still quite immature even after graduating high school. Going out in the world whether by traveling or working can be a good wake up call. Then if they find they do want to go to college after all then good for them. Also, there is nothing wrong in going to a two year college or community college then transferring to a four year institution afterwards. The benefit in that in my eyes is you have a degree which you can use to find a job and work for a little while which can help you to save up for college later on and you have professional training in a field of your choice. The first two years of a four year college is the same as at a two year and not to mention you save some money. On the other hand, if a young person is serious about studies and willing to work hard and not waste time and money, and really want to go to college right away after high school, i would not discourage them. Some kids prefer to go to college straight away because, life happens and if they wait they may get caught up and find it harder and harder to go back to school or end up not going at all because of work and family commitments. So there is argument for both sides but I do not think college is the be all and end all for everyone. It all depends on your goals