<p>Aw come on guys - we know the article is not talking about my children or yours - I have a hard and fast 4 years and you are out rule.</p>
<p>But seriously, look at their peers - kids who never would have gone to college straight from high school 30 years ago are plunging into higher education - many are just not ready. They may be smart enough but they have other issues in their lives: non supportive parents, finances, a love for party etc. If you can’t see any of your kids friends in this article then you aren’t looking hard enough.</p>
<p>Many of these kids would do well to take a year off and work. My college freshman had the best job this past summer - working in the dietary dept of a very large hospital. She worked in the assembly line - her peer workers were mostly women supporting families and many were pregnant. She gained an appreciation of why she is attending college and life from “the other side”.
Personally, I wouldn’t have cared if she had done this for a year or two.
My nephew, who is very bright, never held a job in high school - his parents were divorced and he wanted to attend an expensive photography school. After high school he took a job in a factory for one year - it was and he will tell you the best thing he could have done. He is now finishing is BS at Tufts through the Museum of Fine Arts. His parents help him but don’t hold his hand - he is getting a fine intellectual experience and living the dream.</p>
<p>I went to a public university and most of my peers paid their way - if we couldn’t afford the dorm we didn’t take out private loans we crammed into apartments or houses. Most of us graduated on time - the draft was over and the incentive to stay in school avoiding it was over. We cringed over 8 am classes but classes were held on Fridays. Some schools have completely eliminated Friday classes - since attendance is so low.</p>
<p>By the way - attending college is business. For those who don’t have a college trust fund - economics should and must play a role.</p>