Should I leave?

Question

I'm a freshman in college and I've been here for about a month. I've talked to my family and friends about this and they all support me in whatever I choose....I'm wondering if I should drop out for right now, at least. Take a year or two off, get a job, go to a community college and take a course or two...I'm just feeling like college isn't for me. I've always had a hard time focusing in school and it takes me a long time to absorb information in class. Then, when I go to do my homework, I feel like I wasn't even in class...I usually need to hear things 2 or 3 times to get it (learning new names). I struggled through so much in high school (had a 3.3 GPA), but I don't know if I want to do it for another 4 years....thoughts? Anyone feel/ever felt the same way?

Answer 1

I think that if you were to drop out now for "a year or two" and then try and go back, I seriously doubt you would be able to. In a year or two, you would be so far disconnected from school that you would have an even harder time getting back into the swing of things. Basically, I think maybe you should STAY in college, lower the number of courses you have (to the lowest you need) and get through it and get a degree, because if you drop out now, you'll have a worse job later in life and will never be able to go back to school.

Answer 2

Okay. So. I went to college. Full scholarship, weighted courses, double major, huge course load. I made Dean's List first semester with a 3.8 GPA. Then I went completely insane, stayed at a psych ward for a week, and was asked to leave the school. (I was feeling depressed first semester, so the school psychiatrist gave me a scrip for anti-depressants. Turns out I'm bipolar, so the anti-depressants actually made me oh so much worse, and I had a "psychotic break from reality.") They offered to hold my scholarships until the next year, so I could go back.

Here are my reasons for not going back: The way I see it, there are three reasons for education. Learning, socialization, and certification. Even with all my classes, I didn't feel like I was actually LEARNING anything, so that's out. I already have social skills (nervous breakdown notwithstanding), so that's out. And nothing I want to do actually REQUIRES a college degree, so certification isn't a good enough reason to stay. So I didn't go back.

Now, five years later, I'm 22 and working a job I don't like, scrounging around on the Internet trying to find scholarships so I can go back to college. Turns out, what I'd really like to be is a teacher (original major was theater and journalism. I'm not a good enough actress to make a living at it, and while I did get a job at a local newspaper right after I came home from college, it was most certainly not what it was cracked up to be.) and so now I DO need certification. Whaddaya know?

So anyway, the point of all this is those three questions.
1) Are you learning anything at all?
2) Are you making new friends or learning what living on your own is like?
3)Do you know what you want to do for a living? Are you SURE? Does it require a college degree?

If it needs a degree, stay in college. If not, leave. And if you're not sure WHAT you want to do, it's probably a better idea to stay in college (unless college costs money) while you sort it out. Because going BACK to college in between work and rent and car payments and all that other stuff...is really difficult.

I hope this helps!

Answer 3

I felt the same way in my first year of college don't worry it is just new school jitters. Stick it out you will be so much happier if you do if you drop out or go to a community college you will never return. What I did in my classes was have a meeting with each teacher and ask if you can set up study sessions OR if they would be willing to be recorded so you can listen a few times over. But I tell you what once you get your general out of the way and into your major class will be a breeze because you should major in what you are interested in, if you do that you will enjoy attending classes. Next thing you know you are a graduate and then you look around saying Now what?

Answer 4

I have several friends who didn't finish college who are just as successful in the "real" world as those of us who did. And you're right, school isn't for everyone.

That being said, there's a TON of social aspects, worth ethics, problem solving skills, growing up, etc. that college offers you that you can't replace. (I don't know your story though, you may be working your way through school and living at your parents house - then, it's not as much of an issue).

Do whatever you feel comfortable with - just thought I'd throw some thoughts out there. And like you said, you can always go back. so it's not a decision you have to stick with forever (or you can always drop out next semester!)

Answer 5

Wait before you go! Continue on for a full year, and after that time, if you are sure you're sure, then make your decision. I struggled my freshman year (was top of my class in high school w/ a 3.5 GPA), but I stuck with it.

I know we read and hear stories about all these successful people that "made it" without obtaining a degree, but be realistic for a sec. If you feel like you have a particular gift, skill or talent and can truly be successful without having that degree, then pursue that career which recognizes that gift rather than a degree. But to be on the safe side, I'd stick with the four-year plan and have it just in case.... You never know. Education is important in the job-world, but if you can make your dreams happen without one, who's to stop you? You can always go back to school, or find vocational training rather than university.

Answer 6

There is nothing wrong in taking your time with school. If you have problems it is best to drop out for a semester, get a job doing something and then maybe take a class or two . (Something fun that you will enjoy )and then figure out if school is the right place for you. have you thought that you may have a mild form of a learning disability. See if you can get tested for it. It may help in the long run. Best of luck to you.

Answer 7

College is the time when you learn about yourself and finding the career. If your not sure what you want to do in life just go to community college take several different courses from different majors till you find what you like. My first two years in college was an exploration period, I did not know what I wanted to do, I took so many classes till I settled for Chemical Engineering. In addition it took me and additional year to complete all the classes neccessary to complete the major. So I spent an additional year's worth of tuition on just finding myself which I could have saved, had I gone to community college the first year. Furthermore the classes taken at community college would fullfill the GE requirement of most universities. So save money go to community college find yourself and your career then transfer to the university of your choice.

Answer 8

Don't drop out. You've gotten this far, now follow through. If you need a tutor, your school will find one for you. Get in a study group. At least get the first two years behind you. You'll be glad you did after its all done. Good Luck!

Answer 9

go to community college it is cheaper and the classes are small. If you drop out it is much more difficult to motivate hyourself to go back. buy a tape recorder for class, then replay it at home.

Answer 10

You need to find a college that uses untraditional methods to teach. They are out there. See if your college counselor can help you find them. It is also possible that you just aren't mature enough yet for college. In that case, take a couple of years off to find yourself.