What was college like? I'm very afraid.

[The Replicated Man]

Right so, this is my last semester of high school and I'll probably start college in the fall. Or take a year of community college before going to a full university.

I want to know how some you fared. Financially and socially. I'm kind of afraid it's going to take all of my money and that after the first year I'll have to head back home or something. My family is quite poor. I've heard some horro stories and id hate to be 200,000 dollars in debt to the US government of all entities. That would suck. Especially if I make any new friends or anything.

I'm hoping to go to a good school in Illinois, since it's cheaper in state. Yeah money is a big worry for me. But also, how was the social experience for those who've experienced it? I feel like this is a chance for me to start over. Do more with more people. Will anything or nothing change?

 

[Nicolelt]

Okay, I just graduated, so this is fresh in my mind and as a high school teacher I hear this question a lot.

First, before March 1st file a FASFA. This is free money you could qualify for. I didn't receive anything until my sister got into college because m parents made too much, but my friend who classifies himself as a poor hog farmer, got his college mostly paid for. I went to Purdue, and if I had to do it over, I would have went to a community college first and got my core classes out of the way for a fraction of the cost, but that's just me.

Socially, I will admit I am very shy, but your first day as a freshmen, guess what! Everyone else is too, so just introduce yourself to people. Also find people within your major, I still talk to my college friends daily, even though we are now scattered across the state.

Next, join clubs. Even community colleges have clubs. If you choose to go to a university, join 2 professional clubs (ones to do with your major) and two for fun, like a sport or game. We literally had a quittitch club (misspelled, you know the Harry Potter game).

After doing all that you meet people, make friends, and maybe future roomies. It's a lot easier making friends in college than this big kid world I just entered. Good luck!

 

[Sci-Fi]

That all depends on you. I went to a small private college, made some friends one of which was a guy who used to pick on me in high school. Hung out with the friends I made but after school was over that was about it. We lived in different areas, would sometimes run into each other and catch up. Totally wasted my education too but I did get my student load all paid back. Just make sure whatever you major in that you have fully investigated it and are 100% sure it is what you want to do.

 

[The Replicated Man]

Hmm. Guess I'll go to a community college for the first year. Thinking of being a marketing major.

 

[9006]

College for me was the best time of my life, you meet so many new people and do crazy things. I learned more -socially - in college than anything else. College in the UK is probably different than where you are, I never had to pay for any of my couses since it was government funded, I had extra money coming in from a part time job I had as a cook, some of my friends were also entitled to something called 'EMA' which is a small amount paid into your account for attendance each week, though I was 'too old' at 19 to be eligible for that.

But it's probably worth doing, if not from an educational point of view certainly for the social aspect, I kinda wish I could go back to that time.

 

[Groucho]

My basis of university is within the UK so this might not be grounds for similar in the US.

In terms of socialising, university was a help for me in that the people were nice, although there's no way to predict what sort of demograph you might get for your course, I know mine was largely introverts of a sort.

However I will warn you, in terms of finances and career, university can actually be an impedance (depends on the specific degree, seems management or financial ones are favoured). I often find most places won't hire you based on degree because they fear you will jump ship to pursue after the intended degree-career (and you'll have trouble explaining a gap of 3+ years if you opt to omit the degree).

The debt is also a problem and during a recession is obstentially difficult to pay off if people won't hire you. You might consider student forums for digging for reviews on a particular university or course or degree to see if there are any points of contention or complaints (basically you want to ignore the education system/universities hype and see behind the curtain). Something I didn't know to do and regret not doing it research into student reviews, opinions etc.

Just casually search for the terms associated with the university/course/degree and see if you can hit any forum postings that express any issues or discontent with either the subject or university.

I'm in two worlds on my university degree. I appreciate the fact it helped me with my social issues and granted independence (I stayed at halls of residence), but I regret the large debt it places on me, the fact the degree is stigmatised in employment (you will note the university might say '98% of people at university find employment after leaving' or some such - but you might notice they fail to tell you where and what kind of hours. Part-time Cleaning, McDonalds etc are types of employment... but maybe not the sort you're looking for.) - in that employers fear you will 'jump ship' (there's also an anti-intellectualism vibe, they don't want their workers too smart).

You will also have to weigh up the possibility of failure (I scraped my degree in the last year but I passed the first two with flying colours), check rates of failure for your course (if the failure rate is too low then it might be a 'paperweight' degree - IE it's not worth it because everyone passes it, but if it's too high then there's good odds you might not make it through), university might disguise failure as 'retries' or 'retaking a course' or some other obscurantum. Retaking an entire year is added costs though.

Calculate worst-case, best-case scenario. Worst case, huge debt, no degree to show for it, best case, debt, high ranking degree, relevant job. Don't make the mistake I made of having your head in the clouds by assuming idyllic outcome (sorry to sound a party pooper but I'm hoping to offer a different perspective). Does the degree teach a skill that doesn't require a degree to use (like programming, music production, etc?) - you might be able to go self-employment and sell whatever you produce online.

If there's a particular career in mind, there may also be alternatives (even with a degree, you might become a foot monkey anyway and still have to climb the ladder. You could probably become a foot monkey without the degree and thus without the debt and thus start climbing earlier) to gaining entry.

I will say this, in my case, employers prefer previous employment experience (yes, I know, catch-22) and will drop you like a hot potato if you don't have it.

So, to conclude:
Social-wise university can be a great new start (you will leave anyone who might be mean or nasty to you behind) and no-one has any idea who you are so you can reform and establish new friendships or peer groups, independence of staying at university is great as you can learn your own patterns, own rules, cooking style (I actually lost weight because I could dictate my own diet) whatever you'd care to explore (I went travelling at midnight. Probably not advisable in America but in the UK that was fun to see the stars).

Career-wise, a degree might not be all it's cracked up to be, and the university will try to sell you hype (they profit from the course tuition fees, etc), even degrees that might seem good but don't help much, and (future) employers tend to have specific and strange tastes in what they want in an employee, including what sort of degrees they want.

I don't know how much research you've made on the various universities, courses etc, but approach and research it from the other end and see what your future employer wants.

Consider me to be the cynic. I'm still undecided if I regret or approve the experience. Seems like a trade-off with no real forward movement (I got in debt to improve my sense of self-esteem?).

 

[TheSkaFish]

First off, I'd say know yourself before you go to college. Know what you want to study, what you are really interested in and won't feel like a chore to you. Don't major in anything just for the paycheck, because a job you hate will drive you insane. It will make you feel like you wasted your life. Not only that, but no job really pays that much anyway - you can't get truly rich working for someone else. However, if you follow your interests and get good enough at a niche you can start a business around that. You can always switch majors but this is very costly both in terms of money and time. Gen-ed courses usually take two years, then the major courses themselves are an additional 2-3 years usually. And that's if you know what you want and don't switch or take any breaks.

Unfortunately, if you take too long to decide between college and high school, you may not get scholarships which can help decrease the exorbitant costs of higher education significantly.

From a financial standpoint, it makes sense to get all your gen-eds done at a community college because it will cost your far less and a lot of gen-ed courses are pretty much the same no matter where you go. Like I said, this usually takes about two years.

However, if you do go to a community college you miss out on two more years of socialization at a university, which I would say is easier to start as a freshman or sophomore than as a junior or senior. One thing I feel about my own college experience was that I squandered a chance to make new connections and explore new interests. I was kind of anti-social at the time and now feel like I missed out on a lot. I wish I had done more things like go to concerts or join activities like intramural dodgeball...man, I really miss that.

 

[SofiasMami]

You're going to be fine. Since you say your family is poor, apply for all the financial aid and scholarships you possibly can. Try to declare a major as soon as it's feasible so you're not swimming around in gen ed courses the first few years. And join clubs and groups that interest you, it's a great way to make new friends.
I started at a community college, then tranferred to a state school in upstate NY, then finished my master's degree at a small private university. It was a great experience!

-Teresa

 

[Dr. Strangelove]

Only go to college if you know exactly what you want to learn. Do not equate education with potential income. Learn for the sake of learning, not for the sake of a future income you will likely not get.

I didn't go to college after high school. All but a handful of the people I know who did DO NOT have jobs in the field they studied. Most are working minimum wage jobs plus most have an ungodly amount of debt. In all honesty the market for college graduates is so saturated most degrees are worthless. Employers look for common sense and job experience over a degree that everybody and their mother has. However, back to me, I don't make a lot of money (A little over $30k a year) but I don't have student loan debt holding me down. The only debt I do have is my mortgage but that's on a place with about $40k in equity. Plus I've have 8 years of job experience that college students could never have because they spent all that time going to school.

Long story short, do the math for yourself. If you are passionate about a field of study and the urge to learn is greater than the financial burden then go for it. Otherwise, focus on job development.

 

[thegreyman]

Socially, I still found that there wasn't one soul with whom I was on the same wavelength. The closest thing to a friend I had was one guy with whom I played squash weekly, but that was the extent of our relationship.

Financially, there were no worries, because it was funded by the government and my parents gave me enough allowance for me to enjoy myself. I wasn't desparately unhappy, because at that stage, I didn't constantly pine for friendship like I do now (only time to time). Prior to going, I did romanticise the 'college lifestyle' through viewings of US college movies and the final couple of seasons of Boy Meets World and was generally disappointed that my experience didn't come remotely close to matching what I was hoping for. But still, I was less unhappy than I am now.

 

[Peaches]

as another European, I didn't have the burden of high fees, so I could just enjoy my time without stressing too much. It was pretty great, I didn't get too close with people on my courses but I had some pretty cool flatmates, met a ridiculous amount of people and had a number of crazy experiences, but that was a pretty fun university town, so you want also to consider the "friendliness" of the school where you are going, although I agree financial matters and scholarship opportunities come first. Also, remember: nobody knows you. It is indeed a moment to start afresh

 

[TheSkaFish]

Otherwise, focus on job development.

What are some more specific examples of job development? I'm sort of in this same predicament myself. I did go to college and I do have a bachelor's (business administration) but I don't like it and don't really want to go into that field, though I'd rather go into it than work at minimum wage jobs again though. I'm trying to believe that a better life is possible, but working for minimum wage makes me feel as if all life will be is just a series of getting messed over out of one's health, dreams, sanity, one's very life.

I don't like the degree I've got, but can't afford to go back to school. Thankfully I was able to finish my degree without debt, but I will certainly not be able to do that again. So what are some ways I can develop skills without returning to college? What are some good ways to switch fields?

 

[Solivagant]

Worst time of my life.

My college's crest features the symbol of the breaking wheel, an instrument of torture. I always thought that was a very appropriate representation of my college experience.

Sorry if I'm scaring you more. No one can really tell you whether your college experience will be worth the time, effort, or expense in the end. But best of luck to you.

 

[Dr. Strangelove]

Otherwise, focus on job development.

What are some more specific examples of job development? I'm sort of in this same predicament myself. I did go to college and I do have a bachelor's (business administration) but I don't like it and don't really want to go into that field, though I'd rather go into it than work at minimum wage jobs again though. I'm trying to believe that a better life is possible, but working for minimum wage makes me feel as if all life will be is just a series of getting messed over out of one's health, dreams, sanity, one's very life.

I don't like the degree I've got, but can't afford to go back to school. Thankfully I was able to finish my degree without debt, but I will certainly not be able to do that again. So what are some ways I can develop skills without returning to college? What are some good ways to switch fields?

Depends on your job experience. If you have no/minimal job experience you're going to have to start at the bottom in a minimum to just above minimum wage position. The trick is to look into companies that offer good job advancement. I recommend looking at glassdoor.com and reading reviews on companies. When you get a job focus on learning as many skills for as many different positions within that company as possible. For example my first job was at a hardware store as a cashier at $8.00 an hour. Quickly (within a year) I learned how to mix paint, cut keys, cut transponder keys, operate forklift, drive the delivery truck, place orders, manage inventory, re-screen window screens, cash handling (change orders and bank deposits) Within two years I was a assistant manager making close to $13 an hour. I used the managerial skills I learned to jump to another company that paid me close to $2.00 more an hour. I've made those jumps a few times now. Sometimes the pay went up, other times it went down but it allowed me to have a better work/life balance. Ultimately you have to make a lot of sacrifices (ie doing more work than what you get paid for) to advance but when you're in you're in and you eventually have to make fewer and fewer sacrifices.

However, you have to let go of the minimum wage work will "makes me feel as if all life will be is just a series of getting messed over out of one's health, dreams, sanity, one's very life." attitude. You have to look at these things as an opportunity and not a barrier. Frankly since most people have this attitude it is very easy to surpass them.

Think of something you like and try to work in a place that fits that. If you like gardening try finding work at a nursery. If you like animals work at a pet store. etc. I don't know if this answers your question at all but let me know what you think lol

 

[TheSkaFish]

Otherwise, focus on job development.

What are some more specific examples of job development? I'm sort of in this same predicament myself. I did go to college and I do have a bachelor's (business administration) but I don't like it and don't really want to go into that field, though I'd rather go into it than work at minimum wage jobs again though. I'm trying to believe that a better life is possible, but working for minimum wage makes me feel as if all life will be is just a series of getting messed over out of one's health, dreams, sanity, one's very life.

I don't like the degree I've got, but can't afford to go back to school. Thankfully I was able to finish my degree without debt, but I will certainly not be able to do that again. So what are some ways I can develop skills without returning to college? What are some good ways to switch fields?

Depends on your job experience. If you have no/minimal job experience you're going to have to start at the bottom in a minimum to just above minimum wage position. The trick is to look into companies that offer good job advancement. I recommend looking at glassdoor.com and reading reviews on companies. When you get a job focus on learning as many skills for as many different positions within that company as possible. For example my first job was at a hardware store as a cashier at $8.00 an hour. Quickly (within a year) I learned how to mix paint, cut keys, cut transponder keys, operate forklift, drive the delivery truck, place orders, manage inventory, re-screen window screens, cash handling (change orders and bank deposits) Within two years I was a assistant manager making close to $13 an hour. I used the managerial skills I learned to jump to another company that paid me close to $2.00 more an hour. I've made those jumps a few times now. Sometimes the pay went up, other times it went down but it allowed me to have a better work/life balance. Ultimately you have to make a lot of sacrifices (ie doing more work than what you get paid for) to advance but when you're in you're in and you eventually have to make fewer and fewer sacrifices.

However, you have to let go of the minimum wage work will "makes me feel as if all life will be is just a series of getting messed over out of one's health, dreams, sanity, one's very life." attitude. You have to look at these things as an opportunity and not a barrier. Frankly since most people have this attitude it is very easy to surpass them.

Think of something you like and try to work in a place that fits that. If you like gardening try finding work at a nursery. If you like animals work at a pet store. etc. I don't know if this answers your question at all but let me know what you think lol

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. However, I think I will have to find other ways to make my way in the world. For me, college wasn't Animal House. It was a lot of driving, a lot of sitting in class and taking notes, and a lot of papers and projects. I worked and I really earned that degree. I feel that while college degrees might be common, they still do hold some meaning. It shows I finished something I started, something that cannot be completed overnight and without much trouble. I also feel I am more organized, and can prioritize and comprehend tasks more than minimum wage suggests. I'm 27 years old and I feel I have more competence and common sense than someone fresh out of high school. I admit that I don't know much and am not better than much, but I am 100% confident that I have just got to be able to make more than minimum wage.

Thank you for the suggestions but I KNOW there has just got to be another way.

 

[Dr. Strangelove]

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. However, I think I will have to find other ways to make my way in the world. For me, college wasn't Animal House. It was a lot of driving, a lot of sitting in class and taking notes, and a lot of papers and projects. I worked and I really earned that degree. I feel that while college degrees might be common, they still do hold some meaning. It shows I finished something I started, something that cannot be completed overnight and without much trouble. I also feel I am more organized, and can prioritize and comprehend tasks more than minimum wage suggests. I'm 27 years old and I feel I have more competence and common sense than someone fresh out of high school. I admit that I don't know much and am not better than much, but I am 100% confident that I have just got to be able to make more than minimum wage.

Thank you for the suggestions but I KNOW there has just got to be another way.

I understand what you are saying but know that to a lot of employers a degree isn't all that important. Of course this all depends on the job you're applying for but most don't view a degree as something that "...shows I finished something I started, something that cannot be completed overnight and without much trouble." as that reflects very little on whether you can do the job or not. This is especially true if you are applying for a job not related to your degree. You might say it shows commitment and perseverance (which is does) but depending on the job I would see it as fluff.

I've personally not hired a few people with college degrees (a couple with degrees in business ironically enough) simply because they had no relevant job experience. Contrary to popular belief a degree is not a golden ticket that allows you to bypass all the grunt work and gives you a position to the top. While I admire and appreciate the work you put into getting your degree it tells me very little about whether or not you can do the job. (I repeat myself, I know, but it is an important point)

On a similar note, I don't know if in high school, when you were learning to do resumes, the teachers would always tell you to add your words for minute as a skill? Now, don't get me wrong, I understand that if you have no experience, and by extension no skills, then it would make sense to put down on a resume anything you can do. Only, that's not the way to do it as your WPM mean nothing to an employer unless you happened to be applying for a position where you are typing. An employer doesn't care how fast you can type if it is not relevant to the position in question. An employer doesn't see it as a skill you worked hard to achieve, they see it as fluff. This logic, by extension, applies to degrees. Sure the applicant may have gone to school for four years, and yes that is a struggle, but do they have the skills to do the job in question? A generic degree doesn't tell me if you do, your experience does.

I also feel I am more organized, and can prioritize and comprehend tasks more than minimum wage suggests. I'm 27 years old and I feel I have more competence and common sense than someone fresh out of high school.

This is better. This is what employers want to hear but how do you prove it with no experience other than college? Let's say you and another applicant both said this and had the same exact qualifications but the other has two years of position relevant job experience. Who would I hire? His claims would be much more quantifiable. This logic applies for a $20k a year job or a $100k a year job.

I understand wanting to aspire to more than minimum wage but the only way I see you doing that is sticking to your field of study and finding an entry level position in business. You've already said you don't want to do that and the most honest advice I can give you is don't do it. You don't want to be stuck doing something you don't want to do. That's more soul sucking than making minimum but having a job you enjoy. I speak from experience. Anyway, sorry if I sounded like an ******* in this post, just trying to be real with you.

 

[pandas123]

You said your family is poor right? Why don't you go to a community college first, THEN transfer to a 4 year university. It would make things so much easier and cheaper. Also there is nothing to be afraid of, honestly for me, college is much easier than high school. You don't have to deal with immature people being ********, etc. You mentioned starting over? Just try to be friendly to everyone and smile, you could also meet new people by joining clubs or sports! That's probably the easiest way. Take it easy though man, college is easy.

 

[TheSkaFish]

@Dr. Strangelove, no, it's cool. You're like you said, trying to be real. I think I might consider working in business after all because I hate minimum wage that much more...even if I didn't hate it, it's not going to help me start life. Maybe I'll go on the business end of something I am interested in, and then try to switch positions when I am already inside the organization.

 

[Dr. Strangelove]

@Dr. Strangelove, no, it's cool. You're like you said, trying to be real. I think I might consider working in business after all because I hate minimum wage that much more...even if I didn't hate it, it's not going to help me start life. Maybe I'll go on the business end of something I am interested in, and then try to switch positions when I am already inside the organization.

Well best of luck to you whatever you decide