College At Risk Summary

In Charles Murray’s essay “Are Too Many People Going to College,” he believes that the concept of college has changed over the years. According to him, a four-year college is no longer as necessary as it was when it was first created because most jobs requires more on job training. He also adds to his reasoning by mentioning that because of the advancement of internet, physical libraries and the physical proximity of student and teachers is less important. Because of the changes he noticed he believes that people should go to college but not for liberal education. He makes the claim that the basic core knowledge of liberal education should be learned in elementary and middle school and that only people with high academic abilities should be encouraged to go to college. He finishes his argument by saying that instead of liberal education, most people would be better if they focus on career education in college. While I agree with Murray’s idea that people would benefit from getting a liberal education before college, I disagree with his statement that liberal education is not needed in college. Due to the wide range of knowledge a liberal education provides it can help a person become more adaptable to the constant change and demand of the job market, allow that person to have an advantage over another, and ultimately help a person figure out what they feel more comfortable doing in

“3 Reasons College Still Matters” by Andrew Delbanco 3) “Surely, every American college ought to defend this waning possibility, whatever we call it. And an American college is only true to itself when it opens its doors to all - the rich, the middle, and the poor - who have the capacity to embrace the precious chance to think and reflect before life engulfs them. If we are all serious about democracy, that means everyone.” 4) In this part of the writing Andrew Delbanco tries to persuade his audience by using the pattern of logic that agrees with the overall argument but also considers another striking point of view to strengthen the argument (While these arguments are convincing, they must also consider…).

Summary In Andrew Delbanco's essay, College At Risk, he talks about college education in America and at some different points, he compares them to other countries education systems. In the beginning of his essay, the basis of American college education is discussed, and how furthering your education past high school helps us become productive adults. It is also mentioned how college is a place to expand your knowledge and critical thinking skills. It is pointed out that other countries may have a better education system and possibly outperform the U.S. when it comes to certain jobs.

The Greek Philosopher Aristotle identified “The years between puberty and age twenty-one as the formative time for mind and character.” It was customary for young Greek men to attend a series of lectures that resembled our notion of a college “course”(Delbanco 36). Aristotle is a believer of education and the power it has on the development of the young mind. Likewise, he believes college is a place to establish one’s character. Caroline Bird’s essay, “Where College Fails Us,” definitely does not correlate with the opinion of Aristotle.

Some college students are working part-time jobs and are full-time students. Perhaps, working through college will not always cover all of a student's education expenses including books, supplies, room and board. If free tuition is given, students will have further time to educate themselves. Moreover, college tuition and prices are at an all-time high. Each year, prices are rising higher and higher.

“College in America” Caroline Bird thinks that a college education may not be the best choice for all high school students because college education does not bring about social equality, it does not benefit them financially, and it is not guaranteed that college will lead them to an elite profession. First of all, high school students are expected to bring about social equality through four rigorous years in college. However, college is an expensive way to categorize the highs and lows in society. It is pressuring to younger students to pursue a higher education that only a few could achieve, and is also difficult for them to established an identity in society. Second, a college education does not benefit the youth financially because it is

Liz Addison’s essay, “Two Years Better Than Four,” was first published in the New York Times Magazine back in September of 2007. Addison went to two community colleges and majored in biology; earning her degree in 2008. In her essay, she is responding to Rick Perlstein's article “What’s the Matter with College?” in which he claims, “College as America used to understand it is coming to an end” (211). Addison refutes Perlstein’s claims by saying, “My guess, reading between the lines, is that Mr. Perlstein has never set foot in an American community college” (212).

Throughout the essay, Charles Murray stresses the idea that college is the wonderland of finding oneself and to find the career that one would want to follow for the rest of their lives. “College is seen as the open sesame to a good job and a desirable way for adolescents to transition to adulthood. Neither reason is as persuasive as it first appears.” Murray, C (2008) Practically spoken, this is not normally the case. College is a fair amount of work, much more work than one would normally acquire through any course of a high school or secondary school setting.

Liz Addison’s essay, “Two Years Better Than Four,” was first published in the New York Times Magazine back in September of 2007. Addison went to two community colleges and majored in biology; earning her degree in 2008. In her essay, she is responding to Rick Perlstein's article “What’s the Matter with College?” in which he claims, “College as America used to understand it is coming to an end” (211). Addison refutes Perlstein’s claims by saying, “My guess, reading between the lines, is that Mr. Perlstein has never set foot in an American community college” (212).

The cost of college tuition is an enormous problem now days. For a long time, the subject never got brought up and today things are changing. Students study hard and try their best to get that college acceptance letter from their dream college. Students all around the world are struggling with college debt and trying their hardest to receive those so-called ‘perfect’ grades. However, college tuition is not very affordable and is increasing every year.

Student’s Name Professor’s Name Course Date Why College Tuition Should not be Free Introduction Education is a major driving force for a country’s economic, social and political development. Every youth desire to attain a college degree as it offers many opportunities to the graduates. Higher education is however very expensive and hence reserved for the privileged families. Making college education free would however not be the ultimate solution.

Almost everyone is aware of the fact that over the years, colleges have become more and more costly to attend. They are becoming a financial burden on society and the rising tuition costs are threatening the ability of most students to attend college. The purpose of this persuasive research essay is to persuade the government of United States of America to fund the education of citizens. Over the years, different scholars have researched on this subject and they have discovered different ways to persuade the government in funding the education.

In today society, people are easily looked by their college degree level and they can be judged by their degree. But not everybody can afford to go to college in order to get a degree. People have different reasons of not going to college but most of the reasons are because of the tuition. Tuition are too high and they can not afford it. If the free college situation does not make a great effect on the economy, I believe that college should be free because free college can encourage more students to go to college, earn a degree and can decide on their future without the worry of paying debt and contributing to create a better society with their knowledges.

College should be free for everyone for the kids with less money, it would help some actually go and be successful in life and they would have more freedom to choose what they want to do. Many smart kids who are more likely to succeed have little money and cannot afford it. Statistics show that kids who are wealthier have a better chance at being more educated because they don't have to worry about not going to a good college. If college was free everyone would have the same opportunities, little money or not. The less fortunate kids who are smarter could get into the big colleges like Harvard and be able to get to the levels they are actually at.

College should be free in the United States for multiple reasons. These reasons include, but are not limited to, the following. College is too expensive for the majority of the population of the United States. If college was free, it would let people explore their horizon, and have an easier time finding a desirable career. College has been proven to be effective, and even shown to have been working in the united states for over 100 years.