Are all kids College material?

I don't like saying "no", but I think it's just the fact, some people are just not cut out for college -- the work it takes -- and the type of classwork and homework that is required. On the other hand, there is a lot to be said for other continued education beyond high school, such as vocational or technical training. A college education is not the only means to having a successful life. I have seen college students graduate with their degree in hand -- and still not be able to find employment. I've seen students graduate from schools of technical or vocational training and be able to find employment right away -- at some very well paying jobs. I don't mean to discourage anyone considering college, but it's just not for everyone. I personally did not attend a four year college. Looking back, I wish I had looked into it further back when I was just out of high school. I have been considering taking some classes online. I have worked hard, and aside from attending college, I have done everything in my power to be gainfully employed. I go into this detail so that I can say, especially to young people, make it a priority to continue to educate yourself as much as is possible -- whatever form it may be - college or otherwise.

All babies without genetic complications have the potential to become college material.

No. Some kids as well as society at large would be better served if more kids would go into the trades. I know plumbers who make six figures and college grads making minimum wage. Our society has placed a stigma on blue collar work that is unwarranted and inconsistent with my personal belief that there is honor in hard work.

College can give specialized training in a field of work, but not everyone needs that, nor is everyone built for that type of education. Many could go to a trade school and learn what they need. Many will take over a family business or start their own where college isn't necessary. Some simply have no desire to obtain specialized education or training, and some need time to mature in the real world so that as an adult (as opposed to an immature 19 year old), they can apply what they learn.

NO ..
Some are far better talented in work for which they show a definite talent indeed ..
These skills can be enhanced by apprenticeships, tech schools ..
a bit of time learning from masters of their crafts ..

Nope.........I'm not a college grad, I worked all my life, and now fully retired.......

Some students are more suited to a technical college, an apprenticeship, or some other form of education. One young man I know already knows he wants to take up his father's trade.

However, we are told that you 'must' have a college education to amount to anything. We still need those who can fix pipes, fix wiring, and build houses.

BTW, there ARE those who have done quite nicely without the degree. Look at Rush Limbaugh (who left college after two semesters) and Sean Hannity (dropped out of two schools to work).

agree and

Nope, some lack the intellect to do so. Others haven't got the self-discipline. If they want to piss away their own money, that's fine. But, I have a problem with it when it's taxpayer money.

No.

And they will probably earn more money. Hannity and Limbaugh did. That is not meant to be mean. They did it.

Not only are not all kids college material but the cost of college has become so prohibitive that we have to examine it's role in the future. At the time of Christ you became an apprentice carpenter, like Joseph, learned the trade, and did that till you died. 1 career. Even for Savior, Jesus, 1 job, but much better, golden reverse parachue retirement plan. After WWII and the dawn of computers most people have had 2 careers and we have had both parents working. As the economy globalizes with manufacturing going to emerging economies the kids of today are likely to have 3-4 different careers and colleges are going to have to adjust to that. The leader in this appears to be the University of Phoenix. The college structure will change to fit the economy.

Some kids don't have the discipline or study skills. IMO, it is sad that they won't have the opportunity to explore the world histories, different cultures, philosophies, and other mind enhancing experiences which come from higher education.

No, I don't think they are.

some are

I know I sure wasn't

being a kid, and being around kids all the time, i should know.

Kids now a days are told you will never have a wonderful good paying job if you dont go to collage,,,,well I have had 2 Great paying jobs and it is because of my work ethics and also military and guess what I dont have any student loans to pay back by working a minimum wage job because the degree I went with doesnt have a value in the job market,

the black ones are because they get a free ride.

That's part of the problem in this country. Not all kids are meant to go to college and we still insist on funneling them all down the same path. We need plumbers, electricians, arborists, construction workers, sheet metal workers, mechanics. All good paying skilled jobs and yet they aren't pushed as much as college is.

agree

Noway. I know a lot of people who dropped out half way through their first year. There is a girl currently in one of my classes who has been flunking since last September,but continues to come and waste her time and money.(In case you were wondering,we go to a community college where we can skip a semester.)

Maybe technical college, maybe community college certificate course, maybe a four year liberal arts college, all kids can use some further education. We should never stop learning. And don't bite my hiney, I realize that not all learning takes place in schools.

agree

Evidently not, If you borrow money and then don't think you should pay it back, Well I wouldn't want them running my business.

agree

And that's *absolutely* okay. :)

agree

No, and those kids should maybe look into trade schools. They should not be forced to do something they aren't committed to.

agree

But I think that some sort of post high school training is probably appropriate for most - there are lots of jobs available through vocational schools.