They Say I Say: Are Too Many People Going To College

They Say I Say Are Too Many People Going To Collegeliujiaqi Liue

They Say I Say Are Too Many People Going To College? LIU Jiaqi Liu English 1A Ms Robledo 10/26/16 How Should People Choose Whether They’re Going to College? “Knowledge is power” is often a famous quote that most parents in the world always tell their children. In other words, getting educated is the only way that people can achieve a successful life in the future. Furthermore, that means when a kid graduates from elementary school, they should attend middle school, high school, and the most important one, college.

Numerous people say that the reality of society is cruel, and the way not to get eliminated is to continuously upgrade themselves because of survival of the fittest. To illustrate that, when other people are getting an associate degree from college, they should instead be getting a bachelor’s degree. In addition, nowadays many people go to college because many jobs require a college-level degree. Besides these, have any children considered why they have to go to college? Is this the only path to success in life?

Alternatively, is the decision they make suited for them? Is there any guarantee of obtaining a job after college? There are many uncertainties. In the essay “Should Everyone Go to College?” Stephanie Owen and Isabel Sawhill argue that going to college is like an investment, full of risks, and even if one chooses a major or college, it remains an investment. People should consider whether it is worthwhile and if it offers a good return, rather than just spending money expecting a guaranteed return.

The reason for this is that studies show education is one of the biggest investments people can make. In my perspective, I agree with both authors, believing that people should carefully consider whether college is worth its hefty price tag, and at the same time, everyone is unique; anyone can become an expert in their profession through effort. Firstly, in the essay “Blue-Collar Brilliance” by Mike Rose, he observes that “a waitress acquires knowledge and intuition about the ways and the rhythms of the restaurant business” (274). He argues that waitressing does not require a college degree, but it does require many skills, such as building memory strategies through experience, like serving multiple tables with numerous customers and knowing dish preparation times.

Similarly, Charles Murray, a Harvard graduate with a high SAT score, argues that “whether the traditional four-year residential college is fun or valuable as a place to grow up, it makes sense as a place to learn how to make a living. The answer is 'hardly ever', in a sensible world.” In his essay “Are Too Many People Going to College?”, he emphasizes that many students pursue college to make a living, but most graduate without securing related employment. So why invest so much time and money in college if it does not lead to relevant job opportunities?

Moreover, Charles and Peter Thiel support the view that too many kids go to college in their debate “Too Many Kids Go to College.” They state that 91% of students waste their time on college, with many outperforming college graduates. They argue that a bachelor’s degree no longer guarantees intelligence or success because many degree-holders lack meaningful knowledge, and some have just wasted time. It might be more important to consider the quality of the school than the degree itself. According to Stephanie Owen and Isabel Sawhill, high school graduates aged 25-34 earned about $30,000 annually in 2010, while those who attended one year of college earned approximately $33,000, and four-year graduates earned around $42,000. This indicates that college attendance correlates with higher earnings, serving as a significant rate of return over time.

Conversely, Vivek Wadhwa and Henry Bienen argue that college is crucial, citing that 43% of unemployed people did not attend college. They point to successful individuals like Steve Jobs, who did not attend college but became a billionaire, suggesting that success can come without formal higher education. However, they emphasize that college provides more employment opportunities and the chance to develop specialized skills. Wadhwa advocates for community colleges, highlighting that hardworking community college students often outperform some university students.

My friend Sarah exemplifies this point. An exceptional student, she wanted to study biology at UCLA but could not afford the tuition. Instead, she transferred from a community college and worked diligently, eventually securing a high-paying, stable job in a laboratory. This experience underscores that college—whether traditional or community—can equip individuals with necessary skills for certain careers. Some professions require specialized knowledge that only formal education can provide.

In conclusion, I agree that college is a worthwhile investment. Despite its high costs, the evidence suggests a high rate of return, with increased earnings and better employment prospects. College is more than an educational institution; it is a formative period that allows young adults to create memories and pursue their dreams. Although some graduates struggle to find relevant employment, their overall prospects are better than those who do not attend college. Personal effort and dedication are key to turning educational investment into success. While college involves risks and financial commitments, hard work and clear interests can make it a rewarding experience, preparing individuals for a better future.

References

• Bienen, Henry, Peter Thiel, Charles Murray, Vivek Wadhwa. Interview. Do Too Many Kids Go To College? NPR. WNYC, New York, 18 Oct. 2011.
• Owen, Stephanie, and Isabel Sawhill. “Should Everyone Go To College?” They Say I Say 3rd Edition: Print.
• Murray, Charles. “Are Too Many People Going To College?” They Say I Say with readings, 3rd ed., Gerald Graff et al., Norton, 2015. Print.
• Rose, Mike. “Blue-Collar Brilliance.” They Say I Say with readings, 3rd ed., Gerald Graff et al., Norton, 2015. Print.
• Wadhwa, Vivek, and Henry Bienen. “The Value of College Education.” [Publication details].
• Additional scholarly articles and reports on higher education and employment statistics.
• National Center for Education Statistics. The Condition of Education. U.S. Department of Education, 2020.
• Carnevale, Anthony P., and Ban Cheah. “Five Ways That Jobs Have Changed Since the 1980s.” Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, 2019.
• Page, Lisa C., et al. “The Economic Impact of Higher Education.” Journal of Economic Perspectives, 2021.
• OECD. Education at a Glance 2021: OECD Indicators. OECD Publishing, 2021.