<p>In my county, the automechanics program at the local community college is essentially free because the automotive dealers pay for it. The graduates walk out of there and straight into good jobs. After a few years working for a dealer, many start their own workshops. This can be an excellent choice of profession.</p>
<p>Tell your parents that you want a gap year to explore this particular trade. College can wait.</p>
<p>I know a kid who made a great career working on high-end cars. He loves his life. </p>
<p>Some tech school programs have long waiting lists. You need to quickly do your research, assuming you already have some background to know what you are getting into. Look at the required courses as well. Every course of study seems to have some courses you would rather avoid. I assume you would not miss the academics if you chose a more hands on career at this stage in life. That is, you would enjoy being with mechanics instead of going through more of the same academics as in HS.</p>
<p>If switching to a tech school for fall won’t work consider what you will do with your time. Earning some money would be a great idea- fills your days and pays for your future classes. I noticed the bit about loans. If you are not looking forward to a college experience it would be best to not do it. However, you can never repeat the going to college as a new freshmen with a peer group later on. College is not HS. Think about what it is about going to college that most bothers you. Is it feeling comfortable with doing well- struggling? Is it not liking any of the classes you would take? Is it leaving home? If it is just not wanting to do what is expected of you- do not deny yourself the experience. College is what YOU make of it, not what others expect. </p>
<p>If a gap year while waiting for an opening in a mechanics program be sure you actively do something. Remember your life will change no matter what you choose to do. HS friends will also change- your social life will not be what it was when everyone leaves for college or starts their technical/trade work.</p>
<p>With my words and those of many other posters you have many ideas to consider. You have many options and paths to choose from. Any of them can yield a satisfying life. </p>
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<p>Here is my advice. Go to trade school and learn how to be a mechanic. But excel. Be the best. Maintain the passion. Save up to buy your own shop! Remember that it’s not about the cars, but about the customers. </p>
<p>I have the utmost respect for my independent mechanics who you can tell thoroughly enjoy their profession. They have saved me tens of thousands of dollars over my life so far, and I have rewarded them handsomely. I like my mechanics to be expensive but worth it! I’ve had the same Japanese car mechanic for over 20 years. </p>
<p>They also seem to live a great life and always seems to have a project car that they are working on just for fun. </p>
<p>Concerning the academics vs hands on learning–at my son’s new school, his program requires at least college-level algebra/trig, physics, English composition, and at least one elective.They also have study abroad and required internships.</p>
<p>I agree with bearpanther that an accredited college will require gen ed courses in order to get an associate degree. There may also be options to get a certificate which are shorter programs and do not require the gen ed courses. One other thing that is different about my son’s technical college compared to most colleges/universities is that they are very focused on work ethics. They have very strict attendance policies and uniform requirements.</p>
<p>I used to know a guy who taught auto mechanics at a trade school. He said that most of the students were slackers who he would never let near his own car. A good number of the students were in his class as a condition of their parole but were always too stoned to have any attention span. </p>
<p>If the OP can distinguish himself, then I think he would stand out above the average clown. Great auto mechanics are not as common as auto mechanics in general. </p>
<p>You might enjoy Mathew Crawford’s Shopcraft as Soulcraft. Crawford leaves a white collar, soulless job in journal abstracting to repair motorcycles.</p>