How tightly knit are they?
As we near the last stage of our high school education with barely a year left for graduation, we start thinking (and panicking) about our future. The entire process of figuring out ourselves, our goals in life and what to do in college can seem very intimidating. Students are spoilt with the sheer variety of courses and universities available to them. There are so many aspects to look at and consider - so much research needs to be done. Yet the biggest player in picking a college will always be the economics behind it.
When discussing higher education, we sometimes wonder if it is worth all the money. We aren’t just talking about tuition, but also the cost of rent, food, textbooks, travel, and other miscellaneous expenditures. The truth is that the total cost of attending a college can be justified if we work hard and make something out of the entire experience. It is a known fact that professionals with a college degree can secure better jobs and earn higher salaries to compensate for the high cost of attendance. But then why does student debt many years post-college exist?
When we start our research on universities, we must keep in mind our financial situation. Though we should not be discouraged by it, we must not disregard it. It may be hard for some parents to discuss family finances with their children but that is a much-needed conversation. We may be extremely talented, intellectual, and well-rounded - but if we are unable to afford it, we will just be left disappointed when we can’t attend that school.
In recent years the college admissions process has become more and more competitive. People are paying insane amounts of money to career counsellors for profile building and college preparation. It is as if the concept of getting into a college based on merit is non-existent. Helping students get into the best of colleges by preparing them according to the wants of colleges has become an industry itself.
But as the proverb goes, “where there is a will, there is a way”. If we are hardworking and persistent, we can get into our top colleges. These days almost all colleges offer financial aid, be it need-based or merit-based. All we need to do is look for the ones we are eligible for and have the most chances of getting into. Therefore, money can play a crucial role in determining our future if we are not mindful of it. If we use all the resources available to us, we can achieve our dreams.