Revised Draft - Researched Argument

Does having a college degree effect one’s future positively? Might high school students transmute learning to add to the college experience overall? Are there steps a high school student might consider before advancing to college? The value of having a college education is tremendous and the benefits are plentiful, ranging from financial to cultural. Also, common and unexpected. As we advance in this discussion I will present to you several justifications supporting higher education.

Chief Deputy Director Jeff McGuire, McGuire who served as deputy director at the Board of Equalization since 2010, expresses how many high school students are uncertain the value of a secondary education might bring. He discusses this in his article titled: “Importance of College Education. Why it is important to go to college?” (2016) He quotes they question why should they should go to college? (McGuire 2016)

Having transitioned from a manufacturing-based economy to one based on knowledge, you can see that within the United States a college education today might be considered equal to a high school education forty years ago. (McGuire 2016) College degrees are open doors to countless options and better opportunity. In today’s job market, many employers require that future hires have obtained a college degree.

Within the article McGuire addresses the irreplaceable experience of a post-secondary education, as students are provided opportunity to read books and sit in on lectures from top experts within their field of studies. (McGuire 2016) The college lifestyle, challenges students to assess, explore and scrutinize newly founded ideas; allowing for development and growth. This provides college graduates a strong and competitive edge in securing a job. These points establish the positive benefits of furthering ones education and securing a competitive edge for today’s job market.

The article “4 Reasons Why a College Education is Necessary These Days.” (Beard 2015) it is mentioned by the author that “Many people are starting to question whether college is really worth the money or time.” (Beard 2015) Following this, the author elucidates that college graduates in general, have higher earnings compared to high school graduates. As per the Los Angeles Times, those having successfully obtained a bachelor’s degree earn 84% more compared to high school graduates. Therefore, pursuing a college might secure a monetary advantage over simply maintaining a high school diploma.

Chio Flores, Director, Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, Washington State University states thoughts on opening opportunities. She stated: “You might think college is just high school continued, But it’s not.” (Flores 2016) She continues with the importance of gaining “new knowledge, skills, and experience knowledge” (Flores 2016) and that it could add long-term value relating careers and employment opportunities. Flores expresses the value of investing in yourself and how you become aware of this added benefit while in to college. Many high schools just familiarize lessons to students, whether intentional or not. Students become aware of how different teaching methods are in college, within the first few months of beginning their college experience. In college, students are required read several chapters ahead of class, as the scope of the next lesson may cover several topics. Many students adjust by amplifying their review time, therefore limiting their social life allowing more time for their studies. As students’ progress, they gain momentum, discover a study rhythm and have developed better time-management

Independents follows, when students begin managing time according to their individual capabilities. It becomes apparent, they learn at a pace which varies from their peers, and that the relaxed studying methods they’ve familiarized themselves with in high school no longer applies in college. Evaluating the best time to study is difficult and students have to plan their schedules to fit in reviews in addition possibly having to maintain a part-time job and social-life. (Grace 2016)