How long did it take to decide on going to college?

[howierules86]

Something that's been on my mind lately is the fact that it's been almost three years since I graduated high school, and I STILL haven't thought about if I'm going to college at all. Seriously, I still live with my parents, I have no driver's license, and to top it all off, I have no job! Does anyone think this is normal?

[Courtnee]

Something that's been on my mind lately is the fact that it's been almost three years since I graduated high school, and I STILL haven't thought about if I'm going to college at all. Seriously, I still live with my parents, I have no driver's license, and to top it all off, I have no job! Does anyone think this is normal?
Well, youre still young, but maybe it is time for you to make some life changing choices.

I already know where I'm going to college and what I'm majoring in. :D

[*Pleasant Tomorrow*]

I agree with what Courtnee said. You still have plenty of time, so go for it if you feel that's what you need to do. I already knew I was going to college throughout high school, it was never really a question in my mind. But for some people it's different or you need more time. And if you don't go to college, maybe get a job then. Just do what you need to do. :)

[Courtnee]

You don't HAVE to even go to a college. Do you realize that machanics make, like, $18 an hour and they go to a technical school, not a college? Bill Gates didn't finish college, I think, and look how stinkin rich he is.

[Hollow]

i started college just after high school. it's still my first year and i'm probably going to quit after this year because i don't want to be here and i have no career interests and i'm not in a good state of mind for school anyway. i think i'll just go part time next year to finish some of the music courses. even if i did graduate at the two-year place i'm attending, it wouldn't lead to a career or anything. basically i'm just wasting my time here.

if you aren't sure about whether you want to go to college, then you probably shouldn't enroll right away, but i would personally recommend at least getting a job in the meantime.

[dawsongirl]

It was decided for me, but I probably would have gone anyway. It was once I went to college that I wanted out. But anyway, you should probably either look at school options (2-year community college, or correspondence school or a technical program), or get some kind of job. It'll be good for experience and building a resume. I definetly wouldn't be looking at 4-year schools just yet.

[Number 9 Dream]

It took me a year after graduating high school (I graduated in the year 2000) to decide that I wanted to go to college. The reason for my delay was because I didn't have a car (or my license!) and the fact that I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do with my life at that time. I was sort of just fumbling around, hoping someone would hold my hand and guide me through the process. When I realized that this whole thing would be up to *me* to figure out, I started to gather up some motivation to start.

I got a job at a local grocery store, took driving lessons, got my license, and finally saved up enough money to make payments on the car my Mom was "giving" to me. My best friend was a big support system for me--she convinced me to go to community college with her and we worked out rides to get to school before I finally got my car in gear (I took the bus home a lot during my first semester too).

It took about a year or so to finally get the ball rolling for me, but that doesn't mean you can't take longer. Honestly, college isn't for everyone. I knew that I wanted to continue with my education out of high school, but not everyone has to do that. Hell, it took me about 5 years to get my TWO YEAR associates degree, lol. I took my sweet ass time. Maybe you're just confused and unsure of how to start, but that's okay :) It was like that for me at first too, but once I got into the groove of things I really loved it.

Now I'm in a four year school and am even happier :) Good luck to you!

[Ireneparalegal]

3 years???? Wow, that is nothing. Of course go back to college, BUT when you are ready to go and put your mind to it.

I went back to college at the age of 28. I graduated with honors and an award for perfect attendance. And this was while I was married with two daughters. ;)

[Myles]

I just turned 24 and I'll be getting my bachelor degree in biology this May. I currently am an EMT-basic and I do nursing assistant work on the side. I have an interview for a graduate school's Physician Assistant program next Saturday. It's been a long ride, but definitely worth it. I did go to college as soon as I left High School, but I was unsure as to what I wanted to do. I geared myself for a computer science major, but ended up changing my mind to medicine instead. I "wasted" 2 years of my life so to speak. However, I use the skills I picked up early on for my hobbies.

I think it's good that you're not rushing into things, but you should start considering what school you want to go to. Then you should talk with a counselor. Worth a shot, eh?

I love science and always had a passion for helping others. That is why Biology and medicine are right for me. Evaluate yourself --your hobbies, interests, things you like to do or would want to do. Good-luck! :)

[Brieannas21]

I went right after high school, the first year was hard. I think the first year is hard on everyone. I graduated in 02

College isn't for everyone, there are a lot of people who go to trade schools and have great careers afterwards.

[HuntingtonM15]

I did go to college as soon as I left High School, but I was unsure as to what I wanted to do. I geared myself for a computer science major, but ended up changing my mind to medicine instead. I "wasted" 2 years of my life so to speak.

Same here. I went into college not having a clue what I wanted to major in, and it took a bit longer than I would have liked. I am almost done with my 4th year, and I'll probably have a year and a half to go still. I can't really say I have any regrets, though. I'd rather it take a bit longer than have chosen something to major in that would have gotten me nowhere.

[dawsongirl]

I "wasted" 2 years of my life so to speak.

Eh, I wasted 3 or 4 (can't remember exactly when I decided on my final major). And then I got a degree that takes you nowhere. :crazy: But I do have that piece of paper. Some jobs don't care what your degree is in, they just want you to have one.

[junecleaver]

In my opinion, if you have the luxary of having supportive parents who are willing to pay for your college and continue supporting you like they have done throughout high school, then consider yourself very fortunate and start college. A lot of people are not as lucky as you and me to have parents willing to keep us in their home while we are wondering what to do with our lives, and even if you don't know what you want to do with your future, you should still go to college/any school and get your basic classes over with (your englishes, maths, any other things) and maybe take some classes that may interest you. Taking these classes can help you figure out what you like best. If psychology interests you, you may want to pick a beginners psychology class. You may find that you like it so much you may want to make it a career. Even if you never finish college, you will still have your college history to put on your resume, and it'll definitely help you when you look for a job.

[retrochick9]

Something that's been on my mind lately is the fact that it's been almost three years since I graduated high school, and I STILL haven't thought about if I'm going to college at all. Seriously, I still live with my parents, I have no driver's license, and to top it all off, I have no job! Does anyone think this is normal?

I would get a driver's license right away if I were you and then maybe you could drive to a job when your parents aren't using their cars or drive to school. I went to college off and on right out of high school for awhile and I wasn't ready for it and wanted no part of it. Instead I worked my way up to management in a supercenter and made decent money but retail is hard work. I went back to college at 32 and got my BS, I was more interested in school by then, lol. It's just different for everyone. If you think you are ready to go to school now, then you should go!!! Or, go part-time, or get an associates at a community college to start off, it's a lot cheaper. If you're not ready to go, definitely get a job (preferably somewhere where you can advance up the ranks) and take advantage of living at home and save money!!!

[Max Whittaker]

If you feel ready, go for it. If you don't feel ready, don't let anybody tell you that college is your only way to a successful life.

This book helped me a lot.

http://www.amazon.com/UnCollege-Alternative-Incredible-Careers-Adventures/dp/0060393084/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1206337222&sr=1-1

I enrolled in college last year but I wasn't ready or serious enough and had to drop out. A waste of money if you are not prepared to apply yourself.

One day I will go to college. But not today. I have too much going for me right now!