The USA Today story is probably borne of the fact that few people matriculate from schools regarded as highly as most USA Today reporters and other similar media folk. Just ask them.
Getting a degree in something you don't like or can't use isn't a life sentence. Lots of people change their careers or enhance their earning potential by getting graduate degrees or another undergrad degree, or a technical certificate. Vet tech comes to mind - if the kid can't pass biology, he's likely not going to get into vet school anyway, but he can still work in the field if that's what he really wants.
My college experience was a lot different than what is being discussed here. Right out of HS I worked full time and went to night school, then got some help from my grandmother and student loans to finish my B.S. at UGA. Later got my M.S. while working full time and raising my son - by myself for the first two years of the four years it took to get the degree. Now I'm making a decent living.
After that, the idea of playing a sport you love while getting an undergrad education for free (or at a reduced price) seems like a dream come true! Be it social science, interdisciplinary studies, whatever, it can lead to something else if you want it to.
On another topic that was mentioned, here at the UF College of Engineering, professors do work with students and allow them to take tests or complete projects on adjusted schedules. This isn't an easy place to get into, but dedicated students who want to achieve can do it.
My college experience was a lot different than what is being discussed here. Right out of HS I worked full time and went to night school, then got some help from my grandmother and student loans to finish my B.S. at UGA. Later got my M.S. while working full time and raising my son - by myself for the first two years of the four years it took to get the degree. Now I'm making a decent living.
After that, the idea of playing a sport you love while getting an undergrad education for free (or at a reduced price) seems like a dream come true! Be it social science, interdisciplinary studies, whatever, it can lead to something else if you want it to.
On another topic that was mentioned, here at the UF College of Engineering, professors do work with students and allow them to take tests or complete projects on adjusted schedules. This isn't an easy place to get into, but dedicated students who want to achieve can do it.
quote:On another topic that was mentioned, here at the UF College of Engineering, professors do work with students and allow them to take tests or complete projects on adjusted schedules.
I think members of this site are all in the same life raft when we applaud any school that goes the extra mile to help an athlete. However, in a different life raft is "Joe the Student" who is not given those same privileges across the academic board yet Mom and Dad are footing the bill. This is where athletes get a bad rap and unfortunately, I think that tag may be correctly applied. In many cases I know that the academic side despises when the athletic dept puts a thumb on them to "bend the rules" for an athlete. I'll stick my neck out and say that athletic departments would rather cluster athletes in programs rather than fighting a single battles with professors. It's much easier to manage.
In my opinion most undergrad studies make you qualified to drive a taxi cab.
I have a 4 year B of commerce from a very respected university here in Canada. It only opens doors and shows you can learn and apply yourself. After graduating I didn't know what I wanted to do so I spent 3 years in law school in London England. I still didn't know what I wanted but I knew I didn't want to be a Lawyer. I have managed a lumber company, been an accountant, owned my own import business and been a Real Estate agent. I still don't know what I want to do.
I tell my kids that getting a degree is not the be all and end all It is what you do with it that matters. I tell them that it is important to find something you enjoy and makes you want to go to work. I enjoyed all my jobs but I become bored very quickly. What I really enjoy is freedom and variety. Who cares how rigorous the degree program is ? My daughter has an honors child and youth degree and worked as a waitress to pay for it. She can't see her self working 9-5 and continues to be a waitress. She does extremely well and has people around her all the time. She just started a photography business with he boy friend using the internet. He is a high paid tech guy and they are both artistic. More power to them.
I try to let my kids explore their options and not to lock intp the easy path. I think a degree is good for your self image to know you have a reasonable level of intellegence but look beyond the degree. Most people that are successful are not the top mark guys. When I applied to Law school the fact that the most successful Lawyers were not the top academic students was pointed out to me by the Dean of aw.
I have a 4 year B of commerce from a very respected university here in Canada. It only opens doors and shows you can learn and apply yourself. After graduating I didn't know what I wanted to do so I spent 3 years in law school in London England. I still didn't know what I wanted but I knew I didn't want to be a Lawyer. I have managed a lumber company, been an accountant, owned my own import business and been a Real Estate agent. I still don't know what I want to do.
I tell my kids that getting a degree is not the be all and end all It is what you do with it that matters. I tell them that it is important to find something you enjoy and makes you want to go to work. I enjoyed all my jobs but I become bored very quickly. What I really enjoy is freedom and variety. Who cares how rigorous the degree program is ? My daughter has an honors child and youth degree and worked as a waitress to pay for it. She can't see her self working 9-5 and continues to be a waitress. She does extremely well and has people around her all the time. She just started a photography business with he boy friend using the internet. He is a high paid tech guy and they are both artistic. More power to them.
I try to let my kids explore their options and not to lock intp the easy path. I think a degree is good for your self image to know you have a reasonable level of intellegence but look beyond the degree. Most people that are successful are not the top mark guys. When I applied to Law school the fact that the most successful Lawyers were not the top academic students was pointed out to me by the Dean of aw.
quote:In my opinion most undergrad studies make you qualified to drive a taxi cab.
In Madison WI you need a Masters, 3 years of organized picketing, 2 sit-ins, and a picture, film, or quote from participating in an anti-war demonstration to get a hack license.
Yup I have heard that.
There are guys here with engineer degrees driving cabs.
There are guys here with engineer degrees driving cabs.
I find I'm having a hard time following a lot of this thread...probably my advancing age! 
But I think those that have said that degrees/majors open doors are correct...its what you do once through the door that matters in the end. I admit, being an engineer, that I didn't used to value a liberal arts degree all that much...but now that I have 2 sons graduated from college with liberal arts degrees and see what they've been able to accomplish so far, their vision of where they want to go and the jobs they've been able to get...well, I'm realizing my narrow view was a bit too narrow.
I am a HUGE college sports fan, but the time required to practice and play does diminish the choices of majors for many, not all. HS parents dreaming of an athletic scholarship just need to keep their eyes open about that...if it matters to them.
But I think those that have said that degrees/majors open doors are correct...its what you do once through the door that matters in the end. I admit, being an engineer, that I didn't used to value a liberal arts degree all that much...but now that I have 2 sons graduated from college with liberal arts degrees and see what they've been able to accomplish so far, their vision of where they want to go and the jobs they've been able to get...well, I'm realizing my narrow view was a bit too narrow.
I am a HUGE college sports fan, but the time required to practice and play does diminish the choices of majors for many, not all. HS parents dreaming of an athletic scholarship just need to keep their eyes open about that...if it matters to them.
quote:Originally posted by BobbleheadDoll:
Yup I have heard that.
There are guys here with engineer degrees driving cabs.
Maybe they are practicing for something bigger, you know, down the road.
quote:However, in a different life raft is "Joe the Student" who is not given those same privileges across the academic board yet Mom and Dad are footing the bill.
I agree. Not all of the students I'm talking about are athletes. Some have learning disabilities and need special dispensation. Many are military who have to leave the university to go on active duty. Professors really go out of their way to help those folks. As they should.