William T. Conley
Dean of Enrollment and Academic Services
Johns Hopkins University
I have been in admission work for more than three decades and I still ask the same first question when I interview students: Why do you want to go to college? Students are often stunned by this question, perhaps expecting me to ask why I should admit them to my college. Going to college because that’s what everyone expects you to do is not a good reason. If you are ready to tackle a more intense academic challenge, live with a more diverse set of people, and aspire to careers that require a college education, then you should go to college. Of course, it is not necessary to go to college right after high school if you are not ready, but you should plan a “gap” year that provides experiences—work, community service, or travel—that make you a more self-aware, mature person.
Karen P. Condeni
Vice President and Dean
Ohio Northern University
It is not uncommon to get anxious and apprehensive about being "college bound." Many others not only second-guess their college choice but also whether they are truly ready to take this significant step in their life. It does mean leaving one's current comfort zone. New experiences and new expectations can be a little daunting. Start by assessing why college seems to be important today. Why is this step valued in society? Could this be your next opportunity to develop as an individual, secure a future career, and provide for a better future?
Review the facts; you'll see the power of future earnings and the independence very closely connected to furthering your education. Remember that your friends and family will grow and change and you too will need to set goals. Now is the time to give the college search a try—you never know if you'll find a good, comfortable fit. See the process it as the beginning of self-actualization, not an end. Talk with others who have made the transition successfully. More regrets tend to come from those who opted out than from those who gave further education the good ole "college try." The challenge can be exciting!
Cyndy McDonald
Founder
Higher Educational Consultants Association (HECA)
Sometimes it is good to take a year or so off before going to college, to learn more about yourself and the world around you. This is often known as taking a “gap” year. Once you finish your gap year, you will be more ready to embark on a college education. Don’t let the gap year turn into a time you just sit around and accomplish nothing for a year. That will not benefit you in the future as you are making choices.
Robert G. Springall
Former Dean of Admissions
Bucknell University
If you’re not sure if college is the right path for you, consider why you would want to go in the first place. Your answer could be, “I want to be a doctor, and medical schools require a college degree for entrance.” Or if you like English and writing, you can tell people, “I’m going to college to be the next Steven Spielberg.” (He was an English major, and it hasn’t hurt his career.) These are okay answers, but they’re incomplete at best. A better answer requires reflecting on what you want from a college experience.
This includes thinking about potential majors. If you already have a substantial interest in a particular field, start by looking for colleges that offer it. Also figure out what kind of education you’ll need to succeed in that field, whether it’s an associate degree, a bachelor’s, postsecondary certificate, or graduate or professional school.
If you’re still not sure of your answer to this question, your school counselor, parents, teachers, and coaches are all good resources. Ask anyone who went to college about their experiences and recommendations. Your school counseling office may also have guides and tools to help you match your strengths and interests to related careers. Remember too that there’s more to college than career training. College is a place to grow and learn skills to help you make a living and a great life. Broad fields of study such as languages, science and mathematics, the arts, and social sciences can be very useful in understanding people, culture, organizations, and ways of thinking, and they provide a foundation for practically any career.
Joan Isaac Mohr
Former Vice President and Dean of Admissions
Quinnipiac University
It can be a great idea to take a year off between high school and college if you feel that you're not ready. You may want to travel, perhaps do some volunteer work, get a paying job to help save for college, or even think more about what you want to go to college to study. You may want to talk to a military recruiter if you want to explore options of going into the service and making use of their coverage of your college study in the future. Going to college should be a decision that you make, not just the "automatic" next step.
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