Essay/Term paper: The dropout rate in america's colleges

Essay, term paper, research paper:  Narrative Essays

The Dropout Rate in America's Colleges


In 1992, the dropout rate in America's colleges was almost twenty-four
percent! Therefore meaning that nearly one out of every five students that head
off to college in the fall, drop out by the first semester. In addition, about
one out of every three remaining students do not return for their second year.
This statistic may seem outrageous, however, it is true. Furthermore, a study
has shown that if the dropout rate continues at its current pace, it will reach
thirty percent by the turn of the century. Although the reasons, or excuses,
for dropping out are endless, the majority of dropouts can be linked to the
following: home sickness, environment, and cost.
The first cause, home sickness, is not a big problem for most. However,
there are many teenagers that have never been out of their state, and in few
instances, out of their city. For these select few, it is extremely hard for
them to leave. The first day of college can be the hardest. In particular,
registering for classes. So many people are all trying to do the same thing at
once. For some, this can be enough to walk to the car and go home. However,
most will make it through this part of their new life. Usually the one thing
that will really bother a person, is living in a small room, with at least one
other person, sometimes two. Often, living with strangers will make a person
uncomfortable, and wishing they were back home. This is when many will give up,
and go back home.
The next cause being the surrounding environment. For new students that
are not used to freedom, it can be hard to understand that they now have to make
their own decisions. To illustrate, a new student may see that alcohol is
relatively easy to obtain. Thus resulting in a constant hangover, and lack of
study. On contrary, the environment may be considered boring. In other words,
a student may try to "create" excitement by doing things that annoy people from
the community. For instance, constant honking, loud music, and miscellaneous
tricks are just a few of the many.
The last cause is cost. The majority of students will be expected to pay
for college themselves. For this reason, about fifteen percent of students will
drop out. Most are not ready to handle the responsibility of handling all of
their finances. In a new place, it can be difficult to obtain a job immediately.
Therefore, most will go home, trying to earn money to return the following year.
On the other hand, students may think they are prepared, but have no idea of
the cost of living in America. Including the cost of books, food, and of course
spending money. They will see that their standard of living declines greatly.
Many can't handle this, and as a result they dropout mainly because they want a
better living. Also, let us not forget the individuals that think college is a
giant beer party.
In short, today's dropout rate can be linked to one word, "unprepared".
There is no excuse to dropout of college. It is so easy to do, and takes so
long to forget. Almost every dropout will regret the fact that seventy-five
percent of people their age have a better education, a better job, and are
living a better life. College is a big step in life, and if the proper
preparations are made, anyone can finish college. If they want it!