Y ESTERDAY IS HISTORY

In this economy, college is treated as the path to success. It’s not only the next step in education, but— for many people— in life. While it’s not for everyone, and it’s certainly not the only option, college is a surefire way to get a stable job. Which is why it’s no surprise that many of us have gone through life picturing college as a when, not an if. With just a bachelor’s degree, your chances of getting a job in that field increase exponentially. There are over 3900 postsecondary schools in the United States. This leaves many high school students with a big question: Which college to choose?

A lot of students think they have it answered. It’s the college they’ve always wanted to go to; it’s their favorite team, or a parent went there. They might have decided on it before they were even in high school. It’s their dream school.

People’s dream schools vary greatly. Some choose theirs because of location, others prestige and others legacy. There are infinite reasons for these choices, but they always share one thing: ambition.

Let me reiterate. There are over 3,900 colleges in the U.S., yet if you were to ask 200 people what their dream school was, you’d likely get the same 10-20 schools on repeat.

There are obvious benefits to a college like Harvard. Benefits that somewhere like KU doesn’t have. Some colleges offer a big campus/ big population experience, while others offer one that is smaller, more connected and more local. Different colleges excel in different fields. They might have a top of the line engineering program, but a lower tier medical program. All of these factors are by no means unimportant, and should all be taken into account. But for the most part, a degree is a degree.

Most adults have some sort of daily job. It goes without saying that, while they spend a lot of time working, they still have a life outside of it. I think that often gets forgotten in the realm of high school. For example: a student that is taking four AP classes and is involved in extracurriculars— both of which are vital to college admissions and scholarships— it can be very difficult to maintain social relationships, indulge in hobbies, and maintain good habits (sleeping, eating, etc.).

I find it can become overwhelming trying to maintain grades, to maintain health and to maintain relationships, while still trying to just enjoy the moment. It often feels like an impossible balance.

So where’s the line? What school-life balance is healthy for high school students? Is there one right answer?

To me ‘dream schools’ are just an exemplification of the pressure to ‘make it;’ the societal (and economical) imposition for success as fast as possible. Do not pass go, do not collect 200 dollars. And when you’re solely focused on future success, you have no time for present experience.

School is a huge part of our lives, and it should be. However, it is just that— a part; one part of many. We live in a time where it’s hard not to get caught up in all the things society expects you to do, expects you to be and expects you to become. So I think it’s vital to our happiness and success, both now and in the future, to embrace the present.

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28% in 2003 only of students said they’d get into their ‘dream school’ but be unable to afford the tuition. of students of students say their biggest concern when applying is the level of debt required to pay the degree. said debt was their biggest concern.

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