@Chris — I agree that the most important tasks for students are to learn and get good GPA. I also agree that credit card could turn into a disaster. I also think this is just a reflection of poor financial education our children received (or do not receive). How could you expect a better result if they don’t get good financial educations and learning from parents that aren’t that much better off? I think my “tip” is not a bad one, but perhaps, our society is not ready for it yet.

Better advice is given at the top which is to work on developing your knowledge and GPA.

DO YOUR WORK

I am not sure if it was me, my school, reality or a combo of all three…but I did not find college classes all that difficult (except calc. – that class beat me to shreads!). What I found “difficult” was trying to find class meaningful without doing the work prior to class.

The excuse “I don’t have time” is B.S. for 95% of college students. I worked during both college and law scool – there are as many hours in a week that you allow yourself to utilize (I just made that saying up, I think I like it).

I respect your experience, but I disagree. I think it’s better to start early while parents still can exert their influences on the child. I know credit cards could be dangerous, but like anything else, you don’t just hand a knife to a child…you teach him/her how to handle it properly and safely.

“Try instead to (1) build your GPA; (2) build your resume; and (3) build net worth”

Good point. For #3, if you can afford to open and IRA even with just $400-500 a year, do it! That little amount will give you so much head start if you keep at it and carry the habit through adulthood (of course, maximizing the contribution once you can afford to).

@B Smith — Great add. Although I agree that a bachelor degree is not the right answer for everyone, I think you should at least try. I believe not having one just limit your options so severely.

@Laura — I avoided airfare too, but I wish the drive was shorter.

@Writer’s Coin — Great advice about not taking useless filler classes. I probably took a few too many of these fillers.

1) Work and pay your own way. You reduce the burden on your parents and will gain more from college. You value most the things you earn.

2) Take as heavy a load as you can handle. Get done early!

3) You have no excuse to get anything less than outstanding grades. Your number one responsibility is your education.

4) Look to alternative education. Can you go to a local or state school? How about going to community college for your first couple years? Can you test out of classes?

5) Ask yourself if college is right for you. The idea that everyone need to go to college is wrong. A vocational program or the military may be more appropriate.

Now I know there are some arguments to these ideas. Most are based on antiquated concepts or the belief that going to the best school will ensure a great future. I can tell you from personal experience that the rules have changed and those beliefs are just wrong. I tested out of everything I could and went to a lesser known school. Guess what…It never affected my ability to get a job or maximize my paycheck. After your first real job your degree is a formality that gets you in the door. It is your ability to perform and contribute that will ensure you have a fulfilling career and a generous paycheck.

As for paying your own way I earned two degrees while working full time so I know it can be done. I graduated with honors and had a family. It was tough but worth it. I may not have had the traditional experience but that doesn’t matter. And the degrees meant that much more because I paid my own way and my family sacrificed so I could do it.