How to Decide if College is Right for You

Paying for School is Part of Life

There aren't many people who can pay for their education out of pocket. Most people juggle grants, loans, and scholarships. It can be intimidating, particularly if you have never managed your finances on your own before. No one is an expert in their freshman year. There are staff to help guide you through the process, and there is almost always an option for covering costs. Working with the financial aid office can be eye-opening. There are many grant options available that most people qualify for. You do not need to repay grants, making them free money to pay for your education. You can take out private student loans to cover the remaining costs after any grants and scholarships are applied to your account. Private student loans are quick and easy to apply for, allow you to borrow the money you need, and you can qualify without the need for a cosigner.

Colleges Want You to Succeed

If you barely made it through high school, you may think college is the last place you need to go. There is a big difference between the two. While you will have much more independent work to complete in college, and much less hand-holding, don't let that stop you from attending. You will have access to learning resources you probably didn't in high school. Easy access to tutoring, office hours, and study groups removes many of the obstacles you may have faced before. You can adjust your course load so you are only taking a few courses a semester, and the syllabus allows you to create some structure for your studying.

You're Not Sure What You Want to Do

Some students dismiss the idea of attending college because they aren't sure what they want to do. It is easy to feel like you are wasting time and money if you don't have a specific goal. The truth is, attending college is a great way to decide what you want your future to look like. You will be exposed to many different people and ideas, have access to different classes and subjects, and have a chance to explore options you haven't considered. Don't let others who seem to have it all figured out intimidate you. Many of your peers who know exactly what they want to do will end up switching majors or not working in their field after graduation. Time and money spent on education are never wasted. Taking the first step is the hardest, but doing so opens up many options for you for the rest of your life.