As the school year comes to a close, summer is something every student is looking forward to. Every student except seniors, who have to deal with problems more important than summer. Instead of celebrating the upcoming break, seniors’ minds are being corrupted by the idea of college and the questions that come with it. How much will it cost? How far away from home is it? Will it be just like people describe it as? Although, the one question that many seniors fail to ask is the most important one of all, whether going to college directly following high school is even in one’s best interest.

From a young age, it’s drilled into kids’ heads that to be successful, after graduation, they will be going to college. Even more so during high school, at an age where people should trust students in making their own decisions in preparation for adulthood, elders are constantly telling students to sign papers and have the best grades, all for college.

People make it seem as if it isn’t a choice, that when kids graduate, they will be joining a four year university, where they will then experience the life of a freshman all over again.

But, no one has to attend college right away, everyone has a choice. Depending on the person, taking a year or two off before going can actually increase their chances of success in comparison to going right away. One could take the year after they graduate off, working, figuring themselves out, or just taking a break. This idea is not bad as it’s made up to be, in fact there are a lot of benefits to it.

This break can be spent in helping one grow as a person, so when attending college the following year they will have a higher maturity level, overall lessening their chances of making irrational mistakes like the common college student.

We are all only human, and there is only so much we can handle before we break, so taking this year off can also help clear one’s mind so they can focus on discovering or pursuing their passion, instead of going head first into college for a degree that they might not even use in life.

One could also spend a year off working, saving money for when they attend college so that they won’t be in debt like most of their other classmates and friends.

Not only will this save one’s bank account, but their mental health as well. College is stressful, and it’s a lot more work than what most are prepared for.

Just because one has good grades doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re in the right state of mind to take on a whole new stage in their life. With a year off one can not only prepare for this drastic change, but can also take the time to really educate themselves on all of their options for college, instead of making a rash decision in the midst of a busy schedule during their junior and senior year.

Ultimately, whether one attends college following graduation or decides to take a year or two off in between is completely their choice, just know that there’s a better chance of achieving success when attending college on one’s own time instead of others.