Columbia09

So a big subject in today's world is people coming out of college and not being able to find a job, or at least a job that pays well. Not only can they not find a job but the majority of college students come out with 100s of thousands of dollars in debt which adds to the problem. I see a very unfair world where you could get all A's, be on the deans list, and get a bunch of honor awards and etc and still have nothing in the end. So my questions are, what are your plans after college? Are you majoring in something that will land you a good job? If you're a bio major like me and you're not accepted in med school, what will you do with that degree? If you're taking out loans, how will you pay them back? How long do you think it will be before its all payed off? If your first plan doesn't workout, what are your plan Bs? Also in recent poles, it states that there are a lot of blue color jobs and workers and out there that pay more and do better than college graduates. Do you think this is fair that someone who didn't go to college is making more than you? Just a curiosity. I think that its important to take these questions into consideration when you're in college or about to enter. I hear about college grads working as waiters and waitresses, and I also hear horror stories about college grads living out on the streets as homeless people. What is your reaction to all of this?

XelbMS

First off, it's quite sad that people end up 100s of thousands of dollars in debt from UNDERGRAD. They're doing something wrong, money-wise. Seriously.

To answer your questions:

1) My plans? Medical School.

2) I don't care to look up the job prospects for people graduating with a degree in Biochemistry...mainly because I'm going to Medical School. Though I imagine the outlook is not too great.

That said, I picked my major because I am genuinely interested in learning about the biochemical processes that dictate the physiology of the human body. Better than majoring in something easy and being miserable for four (or three) years.

3) You can't assume the bio majors that may post in this thread are automatically interested in medical school. That said, I can't really answer this question since I pretty much have an acceptance already (BS/MD program).

4) Currently not taking out loans for Undergrad.

5) See #4

6) My plan A is also my plan B is also my plan C is also....



My reaction to this? It motivates me. It motivates me to do well enough so that I reach any goal that I set for myself. It motivates me so that I won't end up as a waitress, on the street, etc. And, so far, it's been working nicely.

fishymom

First off, you are way overestimating the average college student's debt upon graduation. For 2011 grads, the average debt was $22,900, the highest ever. As you can see, that is no where near your estimation of "100s of thousands of dollars"! Secondly, who promised you a fair world? Life is not fair, get used to it. People will get admission spots, internships, jobs, promotions, boyfriends/girlfriends, etc. that you feel you deserve. It is just the way it is. The best way to secure a future job is to gain relevant work experience while you attain the education that you need to perform that job, whether that job be a doctor, a lawyer or an Indian Chief. As far as loans, you need to be very judicious in the amount of debt you incur, particularly for undergrad. As far as a non college grad making more money than a college grad, good for them! They obviously found something that works for their particular situation.

While I do think it is important to be cognizant of the issues you bring up, it is a mistake to dwell on them. The best that you can do for yourself is do well in school, get relevant work experience and do your very best to minimize your debt. When the time comes to apply for jobs, cast a wide net. Plan for the worst and hope for the best. Good luck to you!

Chandi

I have no debt from undergrad and I find it strange that you assume most people have 100s of thousands in debt. Most people I know have 20k or so, at most.
I'm going to grad school for a PhD and as I've been accepted my only uncertainty right now is in which school I will attend.

Columbia09

I know that not all people come out with that much. This was more of a general question about debt. But it is true that some people come out with that much. Also think about the people who go to ivy league schools and schools like NYU who get no scholarships and no aid. Or not even them just the private schools that cost close to 50, 000 a year.