Why is college a big issue in a teenager's life?

(This might not apply for everywhere)
School really pushes that college is the only way to be successful in life. At my old school, they made us research collages, go to them on field trips and really just beat us over the head with the idea that you NEED college to be an adult. For where I live, it has been ingrained into our heads since we were little. A lot of teens get really stressed and presured by others around them because of it.

I’m a junior in college, and I feel like I’ve done nothing. I don’t know what to do later on or if I will get a good job. I’m excited to learn but scared that I will fail classes. It’s a contradicting feeling. There is many at stake such as money, time, and future. The good thing is college is the best place for people to connect, but I’m antisocial. I’m sorry for ranting because this is my first day at school, and I just couldn’t get into the lecture at all. Someone comfort me please ┗( T﹏T )┛

Where I live, we are encouraged to either further our studies in college or follow a special formation to learn a job. For example, we have formations for policemen, paramedic, nurses, IT, multimedia and many more.

Of course, those two are not the only choices cause not everybody wants to follow a formation after highschool, but most people will either go to college or get the technical formation.

Well for one if we don't go to college we'll be seen as failures and we will be judged. Not to mention there are so many options and career choices out there that we actually have a limited time in choosing and experiencing despite people saying that it's alright and to take your time. Not to mention the costs and transportation... It's also which college you want to go to. People expect you to mature and get good grades and go this good college or university. There's also the test scores he schools need to see in order to determine whether or not your in, you transcripts, etc....

Don't know. Couldn't go because my parents didn't have money and scolarship wasn't enough to pay my living expenses.
Though I regret it a bit, I learned that even if you don't go to college, there's many ways to work in the field you want without studies. You just need to not be afraid of starting really low in the ranks.
And if I knew how it would have been today, I would have gone for an professional school rather than the general courses. But well, it's not like I know what I really want to do for the rest of my life. I have no interest in a particular field. I just want money to spend abd live.
And if one day I finally know, there's lots of fields that offers short training to get a diploma.
Of course, it applies to general fields. But it's not like I ever dreamt of being a doctor.
For now, I'm just a high school graduate working part-time (I had no experiences after all) as a salesman. But someday, I might be able to be a manager without having to go through college. It just takes more time.

The way the job market is set up, most employers/ decent paying jobs are asking for AT LEAST a bachelor's degree. What you major in is irrelevant, they just want a level of prestige when making hiring decisions. The sad thing is even when you get a degree, you can still get screwed over. There may be risk being over qualified for certain jobs and taking a pay-cut.

A degree just gives you a leg up, a fighting chance to make a decent living.

Fellow Anon here! I'm a college senior. I don't feel like I've done anything at all, which lead me to changing my major altogether. I'm working on getting some actual skills. Too much of college is reading and taking tests, which doesn't do us any good when it comes time to get a job. l'm usually up for a good lecture, but one of my professors is all over the place. l0l

Good luck this semester. Virtual hugs.

Forgot to add that my friend has a Master degree, she was one of the best in her class, but it's been 2 years and she can't find a job in the field that matches her degree. Now, she's a salesman part-timer too. So...
(I'm not saying it's the same for everybody, just that this possibility exists too).

Thanks for the responses... helps alot

It made my day better... and gave me a background to some college stuff =￣ω￣=

Hi, guys just wanna give you an update... this post helped me a lot regarding my college journey. Actually, when I was writing this question I actually wanted to give up on my education but then on realized "You never know, unless you try"... Now I'm here the first year in college and the first honor for this semester. THANK YOU GUYS LOTS OF LOVE YOU HELPED ME THROUGH MY PUBERTY CRISIS <3 THIS POST HAD A LOT OF IMPACT ON ME !!!