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How to Decide if College is Right for You

is-college-right-for-you-apuBy Ryan Laspina
Senior Specialist, Red Flags and External Reviews at APUS

Obtaining a college education is a dream for many, but unfortunately not everyone believes they are in the right position to chase that dream. Everyone should at least consider the benefits of going to college. If you are on the fence about going to college, follow some of the tips below to help you make the decision that’s best for you.

Map out realistic goals for your future.

Many professions in today’s world require some type of higher education. If your dream is to be a doctor, teacher, or so on, you will need to attend college (and understand each profession can require more or less education). If you work in the family business and have goals of one day taking over all of the duties, college may not be for you. Remember, as long as you are a productive member of society, your professional and educational goals will never be wrong.

Do you have to borrow, or pay out of pocket?

This may be the hardest decision to make. College can be very expensive. However, there are options out there to help offset those costs. Looking into online schools, applying for scholarships and grants, and cutting out excessive personal spending are some good ways to aid those with less money to get a college education.

Is now the right time?

College is a major commitment, so you have to determine if you will be able to commit much of your time and energy to your school work. Family commitments, job duties, and other life responsibilities can get in the way of your commitment to education. Just because “now” is not the right time to go to college does not mean that in the future you will not have the chance.

Look inward when making your decision.

Take some time for serious introspection and determine the pros and cons of attending college against not attending college. Ask yourself, “Why would college be right/wrong for me?” It is not a decision that should be taken lightly, so try to make a well-informed decision rather than deciding against it.

As we all know, everyone in this country is different. College may be right for one person but not right for the next person. Deciding if and where to attend college is one of the biggest decisions you will make in your life, and thus should not be taken lightly. With help from the above tips, you will be able to make a well-informed decision that could very well impact the rest of your life.

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