86 percent of young Americans find college to be essential
Just one year after graduating from high school, 86 percent of students surveyed by the College Board found post-secondary education to be “definitely” worth it. Seventy-six percent of those with that sentiment were not enrolled in college. The survey’s findings come as part of a comprehensive survey called One Year Later, which evaluates the readiness and obtainability of college for recent high school grads. The survey provides a look at how high schools prepared students for life after secondary education, be it in the working or academic worlds.
“This survey clearly demonstrates that young Americans value education and understand that it takes hard work to be successful in college and beyond,” said College Board President Gaston Caperton. “These candid assessments provide critical firsthand insight into how high schools serve — and in some ways shortchange — their graduates. One Year Out is a call to action, straight from the class of 2010.”
The survey also found that many Class of 2010 grads felt that high school should have been more rigorous. Thirty-seven percent of the students surveyed said high schools should have higher standards for graduation and 47 percent of students reportedly wish they had worked harder at their studies.
More than 40 percent of the surveyed students say they wish they had taken different classes in high school, with 40 percent saying they should have taken more math classes and 33 percent lamenting the number of science courses they took. Thirty-seven percent of the students say they wish they had taken classes that prepared them for a specific type of job.
The survey was done over the phone and online during the months of July and August; 1,057 respondents were included in the study’s findings.
“Just one year later, 2010 graduates can already see the value of studying hard, taking rigorous courses, and doing well in school — and those who didn’t already regret it,” said Trevor Packer, senior vice president for AP and College Readiness. “Of all the work we do at the College Board, nothing is more central to our mission than ensuring that students understand the value of education and recognize its potential to transform lives. The class of 2010 clearly believes in the value of a college degree and its importance in preparing them for success in the 21st-century economy.”
When asked whether or not they agreed with this statement: “In today’s world, high school is not enough, and nearly everybody needs to complete some kind of education or training after high school,” a whopping 90 percent of students answered in the affirmative.
