I'm 20, will be 21 in Nov. Graduated from high school in 03 with like a 3.75 out of 5 GPA, and I got a 25 on my ACT. I've been working full time and living on my own since I graduated, and I probably forgot just about everything I learned in high school (at least math and such). My uncle in Florida just offered to let me stay with him and my aunt, and they would help me with the college situation. I would just stay here and go to college, but with having to pay rent every month, I don't think it's gonna be a possibility. As far as what I would want to go for, I'm not really sure. There are several things that I could possibly see myself doing like: Lawyer, Pharmacist, or possibly an IT type of job. Would I be wasting my time going to school? Er...that sounds very stupid, thinking about it. If anything, the time that I've spent since graduation has been a waste. I don't feel like I'm really getting anywhere, or anything out of, working a 9-5 everyday just to make ends meat. I don't even have any money saved. Please feel free to give me some input, and help my decision-making process along. Thanks.
The longer you're out of school the harder it is to go back. Not all college is pointless and you will learn alot if you want (though maybe not on the subjects you expect). I'd suggest going if you want to expand your knowledge a little. Don't even worry if you don't know what you want to do, take classes on stuff that you're interested in. I'm a junior and I've changed my major like 5 times, it's not a big deal. All in all I've studied a very broad range of subjects, and have a better foundation for whatever else I do because of it.
It's definitely worth going and giving it a shot. What's the worst that could happen? - You could have forgotten all of the math you learned in high school... So take a placement exam before enrolling in any math courses. Most places require that you be able to pass college algebra, but that's all you need if you don't go into a math-intensive major (which I'm guessing pharmacy would be). - You could decide you hate the school you wind up going to in Fla... So do your best to struggle thru with the best grade you can get, then either transfer somewhere else or take another year or two off to save up. - You could have a hard time dealing with living with your uncle -- maybe not enuf freedom, maybe just personality clash, whatever... So you either suffer through as you would if you hated the school, then move, or you look into financial aid so you can get a roommate or two (cheaper than living on your own, of course) and move out of the uncle's place. So what are you worried about? It's a big change in location & climate, but it's worth trying, if for no reason but for the new experience.
The longer you wait the more you may regret it when you get older. You may want to work part time and go to school, especially with the opportunity your uncle is giving you. Just take prerequisites you would need anyway if you're still not sure what you want to do. If you are behind in the math, there may be some good books in the libraries on remembering concepts. Or you could start with a remedial course if you have the patience. Also, take advantage of federal aid if you can. The government has been getting very generous over the last few years.
Going to school is only worth it if you're really passionate about a particular field / subject, or you're wanting the money that a degree should get you. It doesn't sound like you're that passionate about any one area, so I'll assume it's the money. Check the level of education that you'll have to have in the specific field you're entering to make the dollar figure you're looking at. It was a big suprise for me when I graduated with my first degree only to make a buck an hour more than my friend at KFC. My personal opinion...It's not worth it. I have three undergrad degrees and a graduate degree and I've learned more on my own than I ever did inn school. I work for myself, (when I want to work) and make enough to live on without the stress of a bullshit 9-5. I discovered after school that I didn't go for the right reasons and when I did get that first high paying job, it was empty and unsatisfying. I left within 6 months. anyway, I hope it works out for you!
do what you feel is right. if you feel you will benefit, go for it. maybe you dont' have to go to a 4 year college/univerisity. a community college might be a good choice so that you can figure out what you want out of more schooling.
