But @Marian, it’s not either/or. You’ve mentioned your own disappointing educational experience many times, and I’m sorry it didn’t go well for you. But because DE is so popular in my area, I know MANY people who did exactly as you desrcibe but still had satisfying experiences with their 2 final years at a 4-year university, perfectly acceptable social lives, and felt they were challenged. Many don’t party, so drinking isn’t a thing for them.Many find fellow students who are older than they are who share their ideals.
I’ll restate that my D is at college at 16 and has been more than welcomed, has found “her people” and no one seems to care that she is younger than they are by 2 or more years. None of her good friends party, smoke weed or do any of the other things older students might be interested in doing. They have yet to see a movie. She’s already a part of her community. And so is the girl who is a good friend who is starting as an 18 yo junior because of CC.
It’s all about the individual student, what they want out of their education, and where they might do DE and/or finish college. Oh, and for some it’s about money. Here you can get an AA for free if you do it during HS. That allows some parents of more limited means to allow their kids better options for their bachelor’s degree.