College degrees now seem to be the equivalent of what high school diplomas were not long ago. Yet the price to attend college has drastically increased, leaving many families without a way to afford a quality education. Additionally, secondary schools often aren’t providing the information, support, and knowledge that students need to get to college.
This year, as I’ve applied for schools all over the U.S., I’ve been made aware of so many of these barriers keeping us students from attending the schools of our dreams.
I was admitted into nine universities, yet could only afford two of them — which were both in-state schools. My lifelong dream of moving away and attending college in a new, exciting city was extinguished. Even with scholarships from each school extending up to $50,000 per year, the costs were still a strain. Yes, I did mean per year.
To add another layer onto the problem, secondary education schools often aren’t providing information that students need to make their college dreams a reality. Through my research and constant conversation with professors at many schools, I was eventually able to get information on scholarships and programs — but only after it was too late, and deadlines had passed. Schools desperately need to improve their college preparedness programs so students, especially those who don’t have at home support, can have the tools to attend college. Topics such as financial literacy, scholarships for both in-state and out of state schools, college essay writing, proper email etiquette, and similar subjects should have a greater role in students’ education in high school.
Education, to me, is one of the most important and valuable gifts we could ever receive. Why, then, is that precious gift inaccessible to so many?
Emma Peterson, Salt Lake City
