Attending College- Important or Not? by Garrett

Attending College- Important or Not? by Garrett - April 2020 Scholarship Essay

I think attending college is a very important step all young adults should take. It provides a very solid foundation from which they can build their lives off of, and provides them with experiences that they otherwise may not get to have. College gives young men and women a higher education that affords them with many more opportunities in the work force than they would have if they chose not to attend college. On average, starting salaries are higher for college graduates and they have a much better job outlook straight out of college. College students also get to partake in many labs, internships, and have the opportunity to study abroad and learn about new cultures and ways of life. From an educational standpoint, college teaches people things they otherwise would never learn, and gives opportunities that most kids coming out of high school would never see. On top of that, it readily prepares graduates for the workforce, and gives valuable experiences that couldn't easily be gained.
Many opponents of attending college claim that jobs can just as easily be gained, and that college gives no real advantage in competing in the workforce. They also claim that the high cost of college is not worth what it gives, and that most kids are left with crippling financial debt. In my experience as a high-schooler, I have seen many people graduate and go on very different paths. Even some family members of mine have taken very different approaches to life and furthering their education. Everyone is entitled to their own decision, but from my judgement, the people who choose to attend college are on average just more prepared for the real world compared to those who don't attend college. Of course, there are exceptions, but it seems as though college is far more beneficial to a person's life than just diving straight into a career. Also, for people whom the expense of college is an issue, local colleges give discounted or even free attendance for being a local resident. Even in a fairly small county like the one I live in, the local college is free or very cheap for almost anyone that lives here or attends the local high school. So for people who are worried about the cost of college, there are options designed to make it easily affordable and accessible for all situations. There are also many scholarships out there that can be applied for that can help lessen the impact of the cost of college.
So with cost out of the way, I think college is a very important thing that all people should attend. It provides valuable knowledge and experiences that couldn't be gained as easily or as quickly without college. It also gives students the chance to experience whole new walks of life, explore the world, and give some people a whole new outlook on life. Overall college can be a very beneficial experience, and everyone should seriously consider attending if they want the best for their future.