If the jungle is commonly referred to as the survival of the fittest, is college the survival of the committed? College is not for everyone, and for many it is not always the best step right after high school. Making the decision to go to college should not be done so lightly. One must carefully consider just how going to college will impact his life, and ask himself many questions. Am I mentally ready? Can I afford it? Can I handle the social pressures? Am I academically prepared? Unfortunately, too often too many students find out the hard way that college is not for them or at least not at the present time; consequently, many end up dropping out. Essentially, many students drop out of college for one of the following reasons or a combination of the following: 1.) They are faced with the realization that they are not mentally ready. 2.) They realize they cannot afford to pay for the many expenses associated with college. 3.) They are unable to keep up good grades while hanging out with friends and/or partying. 4.) The classes are simply too hard, and they are not academically prepared.
Many students find out rather quickly that they are not mentally ready for college. This is especially true for those who live on campus. For the first time in their lives, they must be the responsible adult. No one is there to make sure they are up on time, attending classes regularly, completing assignments as required, or studying for tests as needed. For someone who is barely 18, being the responsible adult is not an easy task, and certainly one that they are not prepared for. College takes commitment and dedication; furthermore, one must be willing to fulfill that commitment and be willing to dedicate the time and effort necessary. Usually, after the first semester, and for many after the first year, a lot of students are faced with the realization that they are not mentally prepared for college. As a result, they drop out.
For many students, it is not whether or not they are mentally capable and prepared for college, but are they financially able to afford it. College can literally take its toll on one’s wallet; for example, there is the cost of books, the cost of living in a dorm, the cost of tuition, the cost of a meal plan, and so on. Some classes may even require additional items such as a particular type of binder or notebook, a scientific calculator, a compass, or other tools or specific clothing not covered by financial aid. For some, it can be rather expensive just driving to and from classes. For some, it can be rather expensive just driving home on the weekends or holiday breaks. While many students may receive some form of financial aid, often it is not enough to cover all expenses. Although some students may have a meal plan, sometimes it too is not enough. Trying to keep a supply of groceries on hand can also be rather expensive. As soon as the bills start coming in, and one’s gas hand is not the only thing sitting on “E”, many students realize that college is too costly for them. Again, as a result, they drop out.
In addition to being mentally unprepared or financially unable to afford it, many students find out the hard way that keeping up good grades can also be a challenging task. Many college students, especially those straight out of high school, are young and want to socialize with friends on a rather frequent basis. Whether it is just hanging out in the dorms or attending parties, many students are unable to manage their school time with their social time. Many young college students even