What now?

When asked if Metea should start the college talk earlier and include sophomores, both Adonis Robertson and Asma Khan agreed that sophomores should be included.

“Yes, because freshman year is just like you’ve started off and sophomore year is like where you understand what you’re going for,” Robertson said.

When students begin high school, they typically do not understand the different pathways, even within high school let alone what the different pathways are after high school. Robertson found that he could and is currently working towards graduating early by finishing his required credits.

“I feel like it would be better if we dig deeper into [college] so we’re ready for our junior year,” Khan said.

Khan’s parents are more open to the idea that she does not have to go to college. However, Khan has a plan in going to college for her upcoming future. 

There are a lot of conversations that need to be happening throughout the college process. There are finances and school names. Daugherty, however, thinks that there should be conversations even prior to those talks.

Many students can become wrapped up in these misconceptions, such as reputation and dream schools. But what is affordable? What is efficient? What passions do they want to follow? There are various colleges in the nation that ultimately offer the same education.

“At the end of the day, your degree is your degree. It allows you to check the box that you are qualified to apply for this certain job or career,” Gliffe said.