| Every high school junior and senior understands the | | | | Sometimes these skills might contribute to your |
| pressure well. It seems everyone is asking that | | | | future plans and education, but even if you worked in |
| all-important question -- "Where are you going to | | | | an unrelated field you will gain time management skills |
| college?" For some students the answer is easy. | | | | and a work ethic which will stand you in good stead |
| They know what they want to study and where | | | | in college. |
| they want to do it, but there are a number of | | | | College is expensive and tuition rises almost every |
| students that the search for a college is made all the | | | | year. If you take off a year to work and manage to |
| more difficult because they simply do not have a | | | | bank a good amount of what you earn then you will |
| clear plan for their future. How can you choose a | | | | have a nice way to offset those college expenses. If |
| college when you aren't sure of your major or future | | | | you play your cards right then your pre-college |
| career? There are four good reasons why it might | | | | employer will be happy to welcome you back during |
| be a good idea to postpone college. | | | | college breaks and summers. |
| Every year, first-year students in colleges around the | | | | Taking a year off and working in your community |
| country struggle and sometimes fail at their first | | | | might also be a great way to build up your college |
| foray into college. Often the cause of this failure is | | | | application. Perhaps you did not get into the college |
| not lack of preparation or lack of ability, but quite | | | | of your dreams the first-time around, then take |
| simply lack of focus. College campuses are filled with | | | | some time to boost your resume through work or |
| temptations for youngsters away from home for the | | | | volunteer effort. Or you could take a few classes at |
| first time, but many students manage to withstand | | | | a local college to demonstrate that you do have |
| these temptations without greatly damaging their | | | | what it takes for your dream school. |
| future prospects. The advantage these students | | | | Postponing college does not mean you will never go. |
| have is often as simple as a clear-cut goal for their | | | | You can take off one or two years and find it offers |
| future. If a student does not have a plan for their | | | | many more benefits to you as an individual. In fact, |
| future then it is easy to be distracted from | | | | you might choose to stay home and while you are |
| possibilities by present temptations. Waiting to start | | | | thinking and planning for the future you can still take |
| college until you have a definite goal can give you | | | | some general education classes so it is not a wasted |
| greater focus. | | | | year. Even if you do not take classes, postponing |
| Another benefit of waiting can also give you greater | | | | college can reap the benefits of greater focus, |
| confidence because you will have developed skills in | | | | increased confidence, more savings, and a stronger |
| the workplace before returning to the classroom. | | | | application. |