Why americans are obsessed with college ?

[Gavroche]

Why in the american society , peoples are obsessed to go to college ?

I notice that a lot, in their media (films, books) . The good characters have always been in college , or want go in college .

Also it's seem in the american society . Peoples who don't go to college are consider like loosers.

They are a lot of americans in my university and all of them told me in USA , peoples who don't go to college are consider very bad . And if you go to college it's consider as an archievement .


I find that mentality very weird .
Because here we don't have that mentality , if somebody don't go to college peoples don't care .

Can some americans told me more about that ?

[El R5]

It's part of the fading American Dream. The reality is, nowadays, a person with a ''trade'' has better chances of having a steady decent income or finding a job faster.

[Game Theory]

Why in the american society , peoples are obsessed to go in college ?

I notice that a lot, in their media (films, books) . The good characters have always been in college , or want go in college .

Also it's seem in the american society . Peoples who don't go to college are consider like a looser .

They are a lot of americans in my university and all of them told me in USA , peoples who don't go to college are consider very bad . And if you go to college it's consider as an archievement .


I find that mentality very weird . Because here we don't have that mentality , if somebody don't go to college peoples don't care .

Can some americans told me more about that ?

I'd say your perception of Americans and college is off the mark. College is overstated by some people but in this age getting certifications and having job experience are just as reliable for job searching as a college degree. Going to college today doesn't carry as much prestige today as it did decades ago.

[anoniem]

Why in the american society , peoples are obsessed to go to college ?

I notice that a lot, in their media (films, books) . The good characters have always been in college , or want go in college .

Also it's seem in the american society . Peoples who don't go to college are consider like loosers.

They are a lot of americans in my university and all of them told me in USA , peoples who don't go to college are consider very bad . And if you go to college it's consider as an archievement .


I find that mentality very weird .
Because here we don't have that mentality , if somebody don't go to college peoples don't care .

Can some americans told me more about that ?

you shouldn't take anything you see or hear from Hollywood serious

---------- Post added 2012-04-22 at 00:10 ----------

I'd say your perception of Americans and college is off the mark. College is overstated by some people but in this age getting certifications and having job experience are just as reliable for job searching as a college degree. Going to college today doesn't carry as much prestige today as it did decades ago.

how does the high-school/college system in america work?
from what age can you attend college
and is college and university the same thing

[Gavroche]

you shouldn't take anything you see or hear from Hollywood serious

It's not just hollywood . Also all americans I know thinks like that .

But I pointed the fact, that kind of mentality is very present in the american media . Just looks each teen drama, all the characters always want to obtain a grant for go to the college .

[Game Theory]

you shouldn't take anything you see or hear from Hollywood serious

---------- Post added 2012-04-22 at 00:10 ----------



how does the high-school/college system in america work?
from what age can you attend college
and is college and university the same thing

Typical American graduated high school at 17 or 18 years old and starts attending college. You must advance from grades K through 12, elementary, middle school and high school. Elementary school is usually from grades K-5 or 6, middle school is normally grades 6 or 7 through 8 and high school is 9 through 12.

[Acquisitorz]

I think most high school graduates are still dumbasses and college can improve some people who then can occupy mainstream low/medium profile jobs like teachers, bank clerks etc, obviously some people dont need college to succeed, but some do need it to become mediocre.

[anoniem]

Typical American graduated high school at 17 or 18 years old and starts attending college. You must advance from grades K through 12, elementary, middle school and high school. Elementary school is usually from grades K-5 or 6, middle school is normally grades 6 or 7 through 8 and high school is 9 through 12.

sounds confusing

dutch school system
primary school year 1 till 8
higschool can be 4/5/6 years depends on what level you study at
if you studied the higher level (6 years) you can go straight to university
however the lower one you need to go to college (higher school) before you can attend university


british school system very simple no such things as levels (students wear uniforms )
primary school year 1 till 6
highschool 5 years (age 11/16)
college 2 years (16/18)
uni .....

[Mosov]

I think it's because the secondary education in US is not very strong in comparison to secondary education in other Western countries, esp in Europe. Hence, going to University is crucial.

[upyours]

What about public sector jobs such as Military,Fire fighters,Criminal Justice,Nursing,etc?