Is school a waste of time? I am entirely serious, please read the entire question before answering?

Question

First of all, this is only about school in America (public, that is), as I haven't attended school in Europe or a private school, and I am unaware of the differences. I would also like to preface by saying that I try very hard in school, I take two AP classes (History and Latin), two honors classes (Spanish and Math), along with two regular classes (English and Biology). I receive really good marks, and I am not complaining just because I don't like to do work or try hard.

Most of my classes seem like a waste of time, though I realize that I should take advanced classes to get into a good college (even if I don't receive any other benefit than getting into a good college, more on college later.) For example, in biology I study enzymes, extinct animals and creatures that live 10,000 feet under the ocean, I don't use this in my life, and I can't really figure out how I will when I am older. This was the same problems with Chemistry last year, the molar mass of carbon relative to

its proportion in sugar doesn’t seem to have applicable uses for real life, and the information won’t benefit 99.9% of all people. Also, my Chemistry teacher was unable to explain to me why she was teaching it other than so that I could get a good grade. It seems unethical that the government would waste money paying someone who doesn’t know why he/she is doing it, and using taxes that won’t go to 99.9% of people, it would seem to me that this money would be better spent one public infrastructure or Universal Healthcare, or on people who really need help, rather than on kids who don’t care or won’t be able to use or remember the information a couple days after schools gets out.

Also, English class. Why do I take English class, the point is to learn English; however, I can already speak and write English with a greater level of proficiency than most adults I know, including (with about four exceptions) all the teachers I’ve ever had. True, we do read books, but the books are generally read for no point in particular. I think reading about Philosophy would be so much more interesting, and as well enlightening. Note: I do try to read certain Philosophers on my own, such as Nietzsche and Kierkegaard, but I don’t really have enough time, as my homework (many hours each night) interferes with this ability.

Math class. I think it is obvious that all people need to learn how to do basic math, but when I get to the theoretical level in math, it seems like this is more applicable in astrophysics than in my life. In fact the only time that I use Calculus/Trigonometry outside of school is when I do my math homework outside of school.

History, ahh History. I already know most of the stuff they are teaching, and the stuff I don’t I will forget a couple days after the test anyway, and it is also annoying that I have had a much higher IQ than my past three history teachers (though one seemed to be in denial about it, it was kind of funny.) Also, I could learn all of the stuff taught in this class from a $20 book.

Languages. These are actually one of the things I find very useful. In the global community I think it is very advantageous to be able to communicate with foreigners in their own tongue, after all, why should they have to speak English in their own country if I travel there? Spanish and Latin are the only two classes I really enjoy, I am also trying to teach myself German, but only managed to get so far before I had so much Homework that I had to stop.

Also, physical education is pointless because 1) I am already in better shape than 90% of other kids, 2) if I try in P.E. then I am tired in my other classes, and can’t pay attention, 3) I am on the varsity tennis team, and get more exercise in one week there than in several months of P.E. combined.

Finally, I rarely ever feel satisfied at the end of the year, because I haven’t accomplished anything useful, even if I do get a good mark. It seems like the only reason for trying hard is to get into a good college, and after college you get a degree, but you aren’t hired for what you learned in college, you are hired for the degree that you got as a result. It kinds of seems like paying hundreds of thousands of dollars to waste 4 years of your life.

In culmination, I would like to see if anyone can give me a response to my tribulations, and possibly voice any suggestions about how get the most out of school, because I am seriously feel as though I am wasting my time.

Sorry if my dissertation was a bit long, but I am frustrated that I am wasting my time at school, (not) learning stuff that I could get from the public library.

Answer 1

Hey, thanks for asking.

To give some background on myself, I too went to a public high school. I graduated as valedictorian and now I attend UC Berkeley. High school, in terms of the academics, to be brutally honest, seemed like a waste of time to me as well. The classes were generally not challenging, and if they were, they seemed pointless or I had become apathetic by then, due to the condition formally known as senioritis...

But, I didn't give up or drop out or get too discouraged. One reason was the fact that I got involved in extracurricular activities. They were some of the most enriching experiences I had during high school, actually. I got involved in teaching Sunday School at my home church, I became the co-chairman of the Youth Leadership Council, and I joined an after-school visual art program where I got the opportunity to make some of the most substantial pieces of art that I've ever made.

In addition, I took advantage of every single class that seemed like it might be worthwhile. For me, during senior year, that was video production. I edited short films and had a lot of fun, plus I gained some hard skills as a result of the class.

So to summarize, I suggest that you get involved in extracurricular activities. I like art, and I was blessed to find some art programs. Whatever you like to do, try and find something that relates. If you can't do that, any general leadership position is great too... the Youth Leadership Council was decidedly different than what I had imagined myself doing, but it turned out to be so cool that I stayed for two and a half years and was promoted.

To continue summarizing, if any class piques your interest (I think you mentioned foreign languages), get the most out of those classes. Talk with your teachers and see what they recommend in terms of broadening your knowledge of that subject. Maybe they can even point you toward careers, internships, or who knows what else...

Finally, and you did mention this already: Colleges like to see that you perform well in high school. Since you obviously have the capacity to shine academically, you may as well go for it. Along the way, pick up as much from extracurriculars and your teachers as you can. Then you can get into the college of your choice and take classes that are relevant and that do teach you a substantial amount!

I hope this helps you.

May God bless you.

Answer 2

Learning something about all of these things you mentioned is the best way to figure out what you want to do in the future. I agree that some of them are questionable,to an extent.Having a wide variety of knowledge gives you a wider base of making important future decisions from. Even if the chance to use any of this trivia education is minimal at best,you never know. There could be a time when something comes in handy, in conversations,interviews,any number of circumstance. Knowing something about so many things also lets you know what fields you might like to learn more about in college, and what you don't care to learn. In my opinion, all knowledge is positive and enriching. Maybe you will have a chance to go deep sea diving and then those creatures will mean alot more to you. Life is full of "you never know!"

Answer 3

lol good point though im a high school freshman at an IB school. for us, the problem is ressolved becuase each class has a real life aplication. for english we dont learn 'english' we read literature (from an effing collge book) that shows us 'insights' into human life. we have an IS course that teaches us about slef actualization. our american goverment class teaches not only 'goverment' but reall life dealings so instead of just memorizing numbers and statictics about what the percentage of the population is or what percentage of ppl go to college... we look at why that is -- the poverty cycle. In each of your classes there is probobly a meaning to it because every thing u learn can be applied. im not sure about regular public schools but each course at our school has purpose and teachers do tell us so. all though u do have a controversial topic, which could be debated on both sides

Answer 4

What do you plan to be when you grow up? Do you think that your mommy and daddy are going to support you for the rest of your life? I am going to give you and interesting fact, having a college education will double your lifetime income. So unless you have a really fabulous trust fund you need to think about the future. As to the value of the education that you are getting, it is called a general education and the point is not to give you specific training for any career but to turn you into a well rounded person who is capable of functioning in a complex and highly technical society.

Answer 5

from what I gather from your question and information, you sound like your holding back when you should be in some school for the gifted. Public education is what it is, and there are organizations and schools that would better engage you if all what your saying can be proved. I think you should try and test for MENSA membership and join them, from there you can explain your situation to individuals of your own level and they can guide you to the higher level of happiness that you currently seem to be lacking. Also, they know the right school(s) to cater to your superior intellect.

Good luck

Answer 6

You are not wasting your time. Your dissertation proves it. To get more out of school, could you use some of the tremendous gifts you have been given to help some students who may not be as fortunate as you? School is actually about more than academics, especially for someone like you. To whom much is given, much is expected.

Answer 7

You make a point most of the stuff we are taught has nothing to do with what we will do in real life but its not a watse of time

Answer 8

NO school is not a waste of time, but you are wasting time with your attitude toward school.

Answer 9

it does seem pointless but i think they teach us different things so when you get a job you all ready know stuff.