Good news: Options abound for those uncertain about the college decision. Recent shifts in learning preferences, technological advancements, and course delivery modalities have expanded the options you have!
Mentors provide a lot of advice on the “go” or “no-go” decision, but few place that advice in today’s context. For example, experts typically advise those in doubt to take a gap year, start your own business, or join the military.
Those may be viable alternatives for some, but they also certainly present their own set of challenges. If you are not sure, my advice is to look closely at these three things: Do you currently like school, do you like working with thoughts, do you like to have extended conversations? If you answered yes, those are good indicators that keeping the college door open at this time will prove to be an enjoyable near-term experience. The message here is that timing is everything.
If you were not able to answer those questions positively at this stage, that does not mean that college is not for you. Indeed, each of us grow and learn according to our own interests, short-term goals, and individual and family circumstances. There is no urgency to follow the ritual of going from high school to college the very next year!!! I know many 40-year-olds who have no idea what they want to do in life, so why should someone be able to check all the “next-step” boxes right now?
Moreover, the timing message is the same advice I provide to students who wind up in my classes and are failing in their coursework. Despite the best of intentions, things can and do go wrong – it is no one’s fault, it is just the circumstances.
In fact, most faculty can easily assess whether a student is ready for college in the first few exchanges they have with the student. Students who are “ready” are present in the classes, ready to absorb, and ready and eager to learn. They have bought their books, supplies, and have opened them up to preview what is inside. When these things are present, there is a very very good chance that the student will genuinely enjoy their college experience and get the most out of it. Remember, you get our of any effort what you put into it – so don’t waste your time or money if the timing is not right.
What can you do if the timing is not right? The section on alternatives [LINK] capitalizes on the shifts in technology and learning preferences of those born ‘internet native” can provide some insight into the viable alternatives you have. These are likely to be more engaging and fulfilling activities that will undoubtedly give you more of a return on your current investments in time and money. Indeed, we all have the rest of our lives ahead of us. In fact, formalized gap year programs such as those offered by Global Citizen Year are favored by top colleges and universities.
What can you do if the timing is right? The next section on 4000+options [LINK] can provide some strategic insight into choosing the best place to study, understanding that all schools are not created equal – and perhaps most importantly, why. By strategically choosing your study location, you will earn a better return on your own investments of time and money.