Should I drop out of college?

Question

I've been in a community college for almost three years now, i've been picking one or two classes per semester, i've skipped a semester, i feel terrible,... so damn irresponsible... i feel like crap.
From the beggining it had to be 2 years in community college and then transfer to a four year college, but it seems so far away now...
It's been three years now, and i haven't completed even the half of the core curriculum... i'm so ashamed of myself... i fear that TIME gets ahead of me...

Answer 1

It's never late to go to college! you should keep going. And dont feel bad, i've met so many people that have spent almost 10years studying (communitycollege and university) but it all depends on their circumstances. Just remember that with a college degree you'll be earning a lot more money than with your current degree. Doesn't matter how long it takes to graduate, just keep going and you just gotta force yourself to study and take the courses you need to graduate soon if that's what you want. So, DONT drop out!

Answer 2

Barbara hit the nail on the head--very eloquently, I might add. You need to get yourself to the counseling department at school and establish a relationship with a counselor who can mentor you while you're there. They have lots of good information to help you decide on a direction to take. You need to find out what you're really interested in and have talent for.

You may also need counseling because you may have some self-esteem or other issues that are holding you back. You really should not feel bad about yourself. Few people know at 18 or 20 what they will be happy doing at 30 or 40.

There are some common issues that hold people back, for example: perfectionism which causes depression when you're not perfect; fear of failure which keeps you from trying in the first place; fear of outdoing a parent who may potentially resent you for doing so. These things can be explored with a counselor.

I encourage you to stay in school, though, I was out for eight years before returning to community college and EVENTUALLY getting a graduate degree. It took me a long time because of having to work through some issues that made it difficult to trust myself to be successful.

If all else fails, you can, as someone here suggested, go to work for a while. You CAN always go back, but I wouldn't want you to take as long as I did.

BTW, there's a really good book called WHAT COLOR IS YOUR PARACHUTE? which has been around for many years and is updated frequently. It takes some time to go through it because you actually have to think very hard and write things down. But it did help me to FINALLY settle on a definite career direction at the age that your parents probably are NOW.

Answer 3

You don't seem ready for college, and I think it's because you don't know why you're there.. Stop for an hour and just think of some class you've had that you enjoyed.. I don't care what it is..
Or if you've never had a class you enjoyed, think of something you enjoy doing.. Now envision yourself being near people who love that same thing.. Now.. if you can do that, seeing yourself loving getting up in the morning, excited to go to work.. go to your college and talk to someone in your counselling office and have them help you make out a plan to take classes in just that subject..
If you don't love something, you won't do it.... I know you..
So either do this, or find a trade that isn't too painful, and do that. Until you feel "ready" to go to school, being with people you love being with, studying things you love learning about.. This is not hard, you just have to look at what you love and follow that.

Answer 4

You cannot change the past, so there is no point in worrying about it. Today is the first day of the rest of your life, so get going!

I was wondering if there is something that has hindered you from taking more credits, such as work or family responsibilities. If so, take stock of your situation and see if you can change the circumstances that have impeded your progress. Take a proactive approach to this problem and you may be pleasantly surprised by the results.

Answer 5

Instead of beating yourself up, you need to ask yourself why you've put off school so much. What drove you to go to community college? Parents? Your friends? "It's the right thing to do"? If you don't like school/studying, admit it to yourself, don't feel ashamed. Are you distracted by something in your life? Don't freak out. We all go through this at one point of our lives.
It might seem like you've wasted time, but it is only wasted if you don't learn from your past mistakes. So it's time to ask yourself some tough questions about life and your future.
Where do your interests lie? What do you enjoy? What have you done to fulfill these interests?

I hope I've helped...Otherwise, go seek some academic advising or see your school counsellor who will show you some resources to help you figure things out...

Answer 6

If I am in your shoes, I will definitely consider the drop-out. However, my advice to you is not to drop out of college. Since you have realized that you need to do what is to be done and had regretted, it is the more you should continue your studies in college. Always remember that it is always not late for a change. What you should do now is to concentrate on your studies and go on to complete the entire core curriculum. "Have faith in yourself, that one day you will- believing that you can." Do all you can, fight all your education... bear in mind, that your future lies in your hands. All the best to you and your studies. =)

Answer 7

Stay the course... my son went thru the same... sure you feel let down but you will always want to kick yourself in the rear if you do not complete college. In fact you will hate yourself for not finishing. My son finished finally, I saw him sank in pity but once I assured him what was the right thing to do and I was behind him he made his mind up and completed college. He is much happier. I feel for you college is not an automatic thing.
Just remember Stay the course!

Answer 8

Absolutely Do Not Quit! If you do, you will regret it later. See a counselor and get focused. Click here to learn more about the importance of a college education.
http://www.the-student-lounge.com/whycollege.html

Answer 9

Please don't quit. Nobody ever regretted spending time in college. My father told me once, "You can be 40 with or without a college education. It's easier to be 40 with a college education. Nobody ever said, 'Gee, I'm sorry I wasted so much time going to college.'"

Answer 10

Don't drop out of college. Just don't. You don't need inspiration, you just need to love the thing your doing. You see, it's just that state of mind of yours which is hindering you from giving it your best shot.