Don't you think young people need a years break before college?
450339
yes, most definitely.\n\ndo something useful though - lots of charitable work available anywhere in the world.\n\njust "traveling" is NOT good experience for anything real\n\nIt's NOT a break in the sense of a holiday - it should be time to reflect on what you want to do with your life, before getting back into the academic grind of getting a degree\n\nMrAndersonMan is wrong
539334
There are many people 30+ only beginning their undergraduate education.  It is not too late for you.
862338
The decision of not finishing college
969463
Maybe, but perhaps it should be like some other countries, where everyone who meets the physical requirements should serve in at least some fashion. If not the military, then some other form of public service. If they attend college, then that service would be delayed until after college.\n\n  I served in the Army National Guard, the Air Force, and the Air National Guard, and don't regret it one bit. I left for medical reasons, but served a total of about 6 years, with 4 of them active. Those who don't serve have no idea of the mindset of a soldier. We are the last to wish a conflict, as we know that we will be doing the fighting. On the other hand, we know that without us, our country would be defenseless.\n\n  A single tour is really enough, and we would have plenty of troops to fulfill our missions. It would be a great educational opportunity for everyone, and they certainly would better appreciate this land we live in, just as you mentioned.
1050058
College isnt for everyone.\nheh
1062905
Academically, it can be. However, there are hidden "costs" involved. The social climate in higher education settings may be too emotionally or psychologically taxing for younger people. It really depends on one's emotional maturity in addition to their academic prowess.
1018183
Bay, you weren't in a rush to grow up cause back then there wasn't anything to grow up for.  It was okay for kids to be kids because we didn't have the technology back then or the tv shows that displays all of the "bling bling".  I blame society cause all kids see now-a-days is what the celebs have.  Instead of getting good grades in school, they drop out to make some quick money to get that car, with those rims, and that iced out chain.  It's sad.  They don't understand that they are living the life right now, by NOT being an adult and having responsibilities like we have.  I wish I could go back to high school and NOT have responsibilities.
83736
No!  I don't believe that education past secondary schools should be a right. The problem with our present system is everyone "should go to college" this means watering down our system to deal with the "lowest common denominator". Which, in turn, gives people a false sense of their education and knowledgebase. "I hav a colage dregre!"... well, you're still not very smart!
1085845
Well, its a break from the tedious work of school and jobs. So some young people go too far. Thats really the minority. Most of us just go to the beach, hang out, and fave fun. There is no harm in that.
897554
I think it is an excellent idea.  Immediately after High School, if you're not registered in College,  you go military for 2 years, minimum.  Every one I know, including myself, who went military right out of High School, or College, turned out to be a much better person for it.  They found respect and discipline.
934546
No. At 18, most young people are mature and ready through their education to make intelligent decisions. Most will be seniors in high school or graduated. I do not think those who are under 18 have the education, life experience, or knowledge to make such important decisions.\n\nChow!!
485599
Unfortunately, experience is most required. I say it is unfortunate because, most young people after leaving school, are not given the opportunity to practice their skills. And as such, garner some experience. Maybe a course titled "experience" should be introduced.
1020937
Easy to take a year off.\nHard to go back to school.  \nAnd hard to get back into student mode once you're there.  \nAt least for me...
795846
I am with Frank, I do not think most teens drop out of school.  Most states have enacted legislation that compells them to stay in school until they are 18.  Additional legislation is being considered to further penalize drop outs, such as taking away their driver's license.\n\nOn the contrary, more teens than ever are finishing school and graduating than ever.  Overall our younger generation are good people who strive to live a good life and the place to start is to finish school.
483830
Yes they should, if they don't value their education then they should learn the hard way what it's like to try and make their way in the world with no education at all. I have no tolerance for those kind of people that don't want to work hard and learn but then come to this site and post questions like "How can a sixteen year-old get rich fast?". Honestly I just saw that question right before this one and it's completely pathetic.
997253
uuhhh before you bring some poor kid into the world and inflict yourself as its parent, maybe you should finish high school first.
604320
Actually, I think it should be 21.  I have a daughter that will turn 18 in December and she doesn't graduate from high school until June 2007. If she decided to quit school next year there would be nothing I could do legally to stop her. As for voting I really don't believe that at 18 any teenager is ready to make a decision who should or should not be in office. I am 50 and I don't know these answers either!!  No teenager at 18 is ready to be on there own and they still need the guidance of a parent to get them prepared for adulthood. At 18 a teenager is just starting to get a glimpse at what being an adult is and I truly feel as though they need a few more years of adult supervision to hopefully guide them in the right direction and ease the transition into adulthood a little easier and less painful.\nNow adays it seems like everyone is so concerned about sending our kids to college when years ago our great grandparents and our grandparents could make an honest living not even finishing high school. My parents learned more in elementary school than I did in High School. Times have changed and it is not for the best. We are raising a bunch of irresponsible, lazy group of teenagers. They have no idea what it's going to be like on their own. I am not saying that all teenagers are this way, but I would have to say the majority of them are. When I was 16 and got my license I paid for my own car, the insurance, the gas and any repairs that had to be done. I worked and went to high school and kept my grades up. Most kids now are given a car and money to pay for anything they may need. What is that teaching them about responsibilty?  As for the school system I feel as though instead of trying to prepare our kids for college they should be getting them ready to be out on their own. Go back to basics, READING, WRITING AND ARITHMETIC. College should not be a necessity to get a job to make a decent living.  As for going into the military at 18, I think it is wonderful. They can learn so much and the military will teach them to become responsible young men and women and to be proud of themselves. What other job out there really will do that for them?