Lily Wuerth will be live on our Instagram page today at 3pm ET to talk about how she used extracurriculars to get into Georgia Tech. ASK HER ANYTHING!
GUEST STUDENT OF THE WEEK: Rohan is a freshman at Dartmouth (and loves it) having gotten in ED for the Class of 2023. He's here to debunk myths regarding admissions and student life at his school. ASK HIM ANYTHING!
Make sure to check out our May Checklists for HS Juniors and HS Seniors. Consult these quick resources to get you started on the process this month.
As we work to adjust to the current reality, make sure to check out these dedicated COVID-19 resources: our directory of virtual campus tours, our directory of extended deadlines, as well as the list of schools going test optional this fall.
Should I go to college!?!
Rayfusion7
54 replies32 threads Junior Member
I have a YouTube channel and I think it's sufficiently big- it's based on gaming. However my sat scores are not that good 1020. I think that I want to do youtube as a living. Is it really worth it for me to go to college. I say this because I really don't know what to major in.
11 replies This discussion has been closed.
Replies to: Should I go to college!?!
So if you don't feel ready right now -- that's fine -- wait a while.
That said, I am strongly in favor of the idea that not everyone should go to college, or needs to. You can continue on your path until it feels necessary to go.
One of mine did a year of college, then community college, and now is in an "adult learner" extension type program which she can leave for a semester and which allows her to take just one or two courses at a time. She loves to work and has good work experience behind her in customer service type jobs.
An associates degree at a community college can be a good compromise, as others have said, in the area you are currently interested in.
If you do community college there is often a direct admit program to a state university. Just be aware that for some schools, applying as a rising junior can affect scholarships.
Good luck. I really think you can continue with your YouTube. Take one course at community college in this area perhaps, and see how you like it. Start small, but it is also fine to wait. It really is.
If not, you might want to consider whether you (and your loved ones supporting you) are willing to accept whatever that lifestyle would be (not judging.) In this case, maybe college makes sense while waiting for your channel to mature. Perhaps there are business classes that would help you. There's no reason you can't pursue both.
That being said, if you decide to pursue it, treat it like a business. Write a business plan (there's probably a channel to show you how) and present it to several adults you respect. Listen to their criticisms. Decide If this is a hobby or a business. If it is a business, have a plan B - many businesses fail. Think about what you'll need if that time comes. That's where the degree is handy. Good luck!
But we also understand -- because we're older -- that life takes people in unexpected directions, and at some point in your life, you may want to have a college degree because you can't get a particular job without it.
Of course, it's possible to get a college degree when you're older, but often, it's more difficult because you may have commitments like a spouse, kids, and a mortgage. Thus, parents tend to encourage kids to go to college soon after finishing high school if not right away.
However, people are individuals. It may be that college is not the ideal choice for you right now.
But I think it would be a great idea to look at what's offered at your community college. There may be career-oriented programs that would help you with the career you've already started, and community college is only a 2-year commitment, which pleases some people (maybe including you).
So consider a 2 year degree in game design. Or in finance. Or in just about anything. You can go part time if you want, so you still have lots of time to devote to You Tube. But, like most of the adults (who are admittedly biased evidenced simply by our participation on College Confidential)-- I suggest you get a degree in something.
Does your channel generate revenue?
Can you study and retake the SAT this October?
You could take some community college classes that sound interesting to you, part time. - it's typically relatively cheap that you could pay out of pocket without using your federal financial aid. Depending on your state, there may be a cc to university pathway that'd make things easier if you decide to continue with college.