College Graduates and High Schoo

	College Graduates and High School Dropouts
	Most parents already have their children’s life planned out before they even reach the age of two - preschool, kindergarten, elementary, junior high, and then high school. This is a normal schedule for most children in America. However, 69 percent of the teenagers drop out as soon as they reach 18. They think that 16 years of education as enough to prepare them for the real world. However, it is definitely not. Going to college gives you more options on job selection, lifestyle and the choice of spouses.
	Jobs today are harder and harder to find because of the fast-increasing population. People with higher education are more likely to get a job than those who have lower education. About 80% of adults, 25 years and over with a bachelor’s or higher degree, participated in the labor force in the year of 2000 compared with 43% of persons who were high school dropouts. Having a college degree immediately puts you in front of many of the candidates applying for the same job you are. Lacking of the experiences you get through college can create a serious barrier in career advancement. After a few years of being bossed around by people in a higher position than you, you might start to wish that you had their job. However, many of these higher positions require a college degree, not having one will hurt your chances of getting those types of positions.
	The average high school dropouts are earning around 20,000 dollars a year. While college graduates are earning 45,000 dollars a year. This is a huge impact on the lifestyle you have. Having an extra money can be saved up for future plans, like getting a new car, or a bigger house. Most single people complain that they can not find a person with the same interest as they. Going to college widens that chance by almost half. The more you learn, the more hobbies can be develop, which can ultimately be used in conversations you have with your dates. Also, majority of the people meet the person they like during college time, because often he or she would have the same interest as you.
	Throughout your life, you may hear people say that they did not go through college because of financial problems. Well, this is already taken care for you. Most college are improving their financial aid with three basic types of financial aid: grants, work-study, and loans. Grants are based on your grade, athletic skill or other special abilities. Work-study is part-time work at the same time carries on study. You work on campus to pay for most of your college expanses. Loans are money you borrow from the college you attend. All three of them are very helpful; often people would combine them together. Financial aid can prevent your from paying even one cent until you graduate from college. Even after graduation, the interest for the loan is very low.
	If your are not planning on going on to college because you feel high school is too difficult for you and you do not think you can handle four more years without going crazy, well, it is true college is not another high school. You are busier and you got to get more control in your life. You got to choose what time and what day of the week your want to have your classes. Note taking will also be tougher than high school. You got to bring your laptop to class and use that to take notes. However, there are numerous clubs for you to join. Sororities and fraternities will keep you busy so you never feel bored. College allows you have the chance to explore your life to the fullest. It can change your future dramatically. So when the time comes for you to choose whether to continue on or stop, be sure you say, “Continue on!” loud and proud.

	Word Count: 660
	By 楊秀晴, 余汶渝, 陳穎潔, 陳毫