We all know college is pointless. But to what extent is it pointless? Is it utterly pointless for the person who can't get into an Ivy League and doesn't want to be a doctor, teacher, lawyer, engineer, etc.?

Then again, a lot of jobs require a BA just to get an interview. So has the bachelor's degree become the new high school diploma, in a way? Only the nerdiest of the nerdy can do EE, only evil people go to law school, only morons become teachers, etc., so where does that leave the rest of us? And how do you think society's perception of higher education will change in the coming decades?:2cents:

Just so you know, a Bachelor of Arts in NZ is considered a joke degree, a waste of time only used as an excuse to go to uni.

Hence, why I'm doing a BSc :P


You don't need college to succeed.

you can do a trade, psychology, or find something that doesn't require a college diploma/degree.

btw what do you mean by EE? Electrical Engineering? if so, i'm in it right now and i'm not what you'd call nerdy.

you can do a trade, psychology, or find something that doesn't require a college diploma/degree.

btw what do you mean by EE? Electrical Engineering? if so, i'm in it right now and i'm not what you'd call nerdy.

You still have the brain of a nerd though.

I agree that the value of a bachelors degree is perhaps not what it was 10-15 years ago, but imo the real value of the college experience is what you learn outside the classroom. When I was at school, I learned a ton about myself and the people around me. I do value my degree (BS Business Admin), but I value the developmental skills I gained along the way.

But I pose this question: If you equate a bachelors degree nowdays to what a HS diploma was 15 years ago, then is dropping out of college now the same as dropping out of high school 15 years ago?

But I pose this question: If you equate a bachelors degree nowdays to what a HS diploma was 15 years ago, then is dropping out of college now the same as dropping out of high school 15 years ago?

More like 50 years ago, but I'd say so.

Interesting. I know some HS dropouts and some college dropouts and now that I think about it, I'm actally inclined to agree with that. There are exceptions for everything of course, but in general I doo see a similar mentalit in the people I know that dropped out. Of course, the ones that actually finished high school are doing considerably better than those that left college.

Of course, the ones that actually finished high school are doing considerably better than those that left college.

The people that finished high school 50 years ago or 15 years ago?

The worth of further education is what you put into it.
If you think it is pointless then that indicates your level of interest in persuing it.
As the saying (kinda) goes, you can take a horse to water but you can't make him think.
What interests me is your obssession with labels; what is a nerdy brain?

The people that finished high school 50 years ago or 15 years ago?
The people I know that should have finished HS almost 10 years ago. But I'd also apply that statement to HS grads vs non-grads in general. The stats don't lie. You are severely shortchanging yourself if you don't at least get a HS diploma nowdays

What interests me is your obssession with labels; what is a nerdy brain?
lol that's what i was thinking. does it mean i'm not a complete dumbass and actually understand stuff? because i do. if it means that i spend alot of time doing "techy" stuff or whatever, i can assure you that i don't. i spend most of my free time either training for the rowing season or rowing on my university's varsity team.

i know alot of people who either dropped out of university, high school, or finished their degree (all kinds of different ones from arts to engineering) and on average the people who dropped out of high school make less than the people who finished HS, the people who dropped out of uni make less than the people who finished.

lots of high school dropouts that i know are working two jobs and can barely pay their bills. the uni dropouts are usually working entry level jobs, although some are doing ok with some good jobs making a decent ammount of money (but not something you could raise a family with). and i'd say that the vast majority of people with degrees or college diplomas are making significantly more than the people without one.

so sure, the degree might not be as usefull as before, you might not get an awesome job with just any old degree, but they WILL get you more cash.

I think it's not so much the education the system may or may not provide, more that it is an indication of the level of commitment of the individual.
If you don't have the stamina to go through it all, what does that say about you?

The other point is; if what you want to do requires you to have a certain amount of study under your belt, no matter if it is relevent or not, are you going to not do it?

I think it's not so much the education the system may or may not provide, more that it is an indication of the level of commitment of the individual. i think that point is especially relevant in countries with subsidised post-secondary education. in canada, a year of arts at my university costs about $4,500, about $5,500 after books and fees. in the states it's rediculously expensive so it's more understandable to avoid post secondary but it will be a definite asset on your resume to have. high school is a bare minimum requirement IMO though.

so sure, the degree might not be as usefull as before, you might not get an awesome job with just any old degree, but they WILL get you more cash.

That's the part I'm questioning. If you have a major with classes full of girls and football players, the likelihood of pointlessness becomes very, very high.:2cents:

the likelihood of it being less of an asset is higher but you will still have a better chance of getting a better job. also, i find it interesting that you assume jocks and girls are less intelligent then fat lazy men.

also, most degrees still take a good ammount of work to complete. dumb people are less likely to make it through (although it's not uncommon that they do). the people that make it through are usually at least somewhat intelligent or can at least work a bit hard.

The other major thing that a university/college education gives you is useful networking even before you're qualified to do anything.
Nepotism is a great thing and opens many doors.
It doesn't guarantee anything as ultimately it's up to you to get inside those doors and stay there but I'd be lying if I said it doesn't make a difference.

That's the part I'm questioning. If you have a major with classes full of girls and football players, the likelihood of pointlessness becomes very, very high.:2cents:

That's just stereotyping at its best.

It's evident that you either consider yourself above getting an education or that you are true to your screen name and are too lazy to put the effort in to get something out of it.

Most football players in college are actually reasonably smart and have to put just as much effort into their education as anybody else. They may tend to take majors more in line with business or other administrative fields, but they also have to rely on their time in college off the field to get into a decent job after college. Last I checked, 'outside linebacker' doesn't get you too many jobs outside of college unless you've made it into the NFL.

also, most degrees still take a good ammount of work to complete. dumb people are less likely to make it through (although it's not uncommon that they do). the people that make it through are usually at least somewhat intelligent or can at least work a bit hard.

You're in EE, you do roughly 69 gazillion times more work than the typical college student. You're a minority, only like 12% of degrees are in the sciences, probably only half of that for engineering. You do so, so, so much more work than all the girls in sweatpants in psych101. This thread is about college in general, not l337 kids like you.

I say, if you find yourself in a class that has a high female percentage and you still can't see the point, then well.... you're definitely missing something.

I say, if you find yourself in a class that has a high female percentage and you still can't see the point, then well.... you're definitely missing something.

I have been known to get laid

I say, if you find yourself in a class that has a high female percentage and you still can't see the point, then well.... you're definitely missing something.

amen brother

You're in EE, you do roughly 69 gazillion times more work than the typical college student. You're a minority, only like 12% of degrees are in the sciences, probably only half of that for engineering. You do so, so, so much more work than all the girls in sweatpants in psych101. This thread is about college in general, not l337 kids like you.
well being an engineer, i'm a pompous asshole and hate everything artsie or anything less than engineering (if you're ever on campus during frosh week you'll know what i'm talking about.) and it's going to hurt me alot to say this, but artsies also have to work alot. a friend of mine is doing 2 courses and he's usually got a novel to read and understand every week and a paper to write about it.

as for the work i do, you'd probably laugh if you saw how little i do. sure some people do alot of work and get really high marks or are just scraping by, but i do shit all and get middle of the range marks.

anyways i've got a few links that'll show the usefullness of education:

(PDF) http://www.glencoe.com/sec/socialstudies/economics/econprinciples2001/pdfs/C01-04C-820487.pdf
http://www.nccp.org/publications/pub_685.html

if you want more proof, just google "education, income" and i'm sure you'll find alot of stuff to show you.

I have been known to get laid

this is the internet; pics or it never happened.

well being an engineer, i'm a pompous asshole and hate everything artsie or anything less than engineering

so do architects get you all confused then?

what do you think is more likely to get you laid? "i'm a highschool/college dropout" or "I'm on my way to earning an engineering degree and i just made the finals at provincials in rowing this year."

so do architects get you all confused then?
ARCHITECTS DON'T KNOW WTF THEY'RE DOING!!!!

they just design something, then give it to us engineers, who actually know how to build buildings, and tell us to make it work. then we sign the design and get the big paycheck. but some of the stuff they try to do just doesn't make sense and should get them shot. if you ever want to see a crazy turk, try talking to a friend of mine's dad (a civil engineer) about architects

if you want more proof, just google "education, income" and i'm sure you'll find alot of stuff to show you.

Yeah, I know about that data, I took sociology in high school. It tends to be skewed though by the fact that l337 nerds get high paying jobs straight out of school. It doesn't tend to specifically address the sweatpant-wearing girl with a psych degree.

As for you doing nothing, it might be because you knew your shit beforehand. Some kids struggle with math and can fritter away hours trying to understand the shit. I'm in CS and it's an unwritten rule that we know everything before the first day of class, as it is not the business of professors to teach it to us.

ARCHITECTS DON'T KNOW WTF THEY'RE DOING!!!!

they just design something, then give it to us engineers, who actually know how to build buildings, and tell us to make it work. then we sign the design and get the big paycheck. but some of the stuff they try to do just doesn't make sense and should get them shot. if you ever want to see a crazy turk, try talking to a friend of mine's dad (a civil engineer) about architects

ouch.
On the other hand, you should hear what architects have to say about engineers....
Having spent 3 years on a campus that housed the civil engineers, structural engineers, landscape architects, architects and QS guys, nights at the bar were heated to say the least.

haha yeah i've gotten into a few of those arguments, it'll be interesting once i switch to civil engineering (known around here as engineering for dummies), i'll probably have an even stronger oppinion about it.

all things aside though, those fuckers work hard as hell. there's a bridge/tunnel from 3rd floor eng building to 4th floor architect building (which is the worst designed building on campus btw) and you'll often see architects sleeping there with a sign on them saying "wake me up at 5:30" or something like that. it's a heated tunnel so it's nice to sleep in apparently.

and lazy ass, what do you mean by the data's skewed by the fact that "l337 nerds" get jobs straight out whereas others don't? i believe they get their data from employed people, meaning that it would be an accurate representation of the field.

beef burrito, please stop giving engineers a poor name, reading your description of yourself makes me think you're in the minority of engineers.
What field of engineering are you going into anyhow?

If it's EE, I don't see what you have to do with architects - you guys don't come into the picture until it's too late and end up making a lot of compromises and taking shortcuts because the civil guys blew the budget :lol:

As for architects - I have to agree with you - they know how to make a pretty sketch but have little concept of how the sketch becomes reality.

. I'm in CS and it's an unwritten rule that we know everything before the first day of class, as it is not the business of professors to teach it to us.

That goes for any good school, the engineering school I went to was the same - the professors weren't there to teach us the work, they were there to answer questions when they came up.

That goes for any good school, the engineering school I went to was the same - the professors weren't there to teach us the work, they were there to answer questions when they came up.

I don't go to a good school.

beef burrito, please stop giving engineers a poor name, reading your description of yourself makes me think you're in the minority of engineers.
it's just something i've developed from being at my school. the engineering community here has been discriminated against alot by the student associations and whatnot and in response we've become pompous, apathetic, assholes. it's mostly in jest towards regular students but not so much when it comes to the associations and whatnot.
What field of engineering are you going into anyhow? I'm in EE at the moment but i can't stand it so i'm switching into civil.

That goes for any good school, the engineering school I went to was the same - the professors weren't there to teach us the work, they were there to answer questions when they came up. here they talk at you and expect you to understand everything the first time around. you get some good profs that explain well and will answer questions well but you also get a high percentage of ESL (english as a second language) profs who can barely speak the language (especially in electrical, the TA's are especially bad for that) and it makes class almost useless to me.

I'm in EE at the moment but i can't stand it so i'm switching into civil.

I thought it was extremely easy and you hardly did any work? WHEN WILL YOUR LIES END, BOURITO?:runaround:

I don't go to a good school.

So, in that you're saying you expect to be spoon fed and catered to? ;)

PM me your name and school so if you come for a job interview with me I know who you are.

Honestly I don't think not going to a "good school" is an excuse. I went to Florida A&M University which I'm sure none of you have ever heard of, nor do I expect you to ever hear of it. The program I was in had an excellent reputation when I entered, but administrative problems plagued us for the last 3 years of my time and it went way down. But still, I think I got an excellent all-around education there.

We are in the same city as Florida State University (top 25 ranked school I believe), and I have many friends that graduated from there but are struggling to find good jobs. I graduated from a "lesser" school yet a great job found me within 2 months of graduation. As was said before, school is what you make it. Don't let your school's problems become your problems.

So, in that you're saying you expect to be spoon fed and catered to? ;)

PM me your name and school so if you come for a job interview with me I know who you are.

No, but I often find myself asking myself when I was supposed to learn something, since that time was evidently before now, and it wasn't in any class I've ever taken. But then again, my school sucks:wink:

Studying your vocation at College or University is an absolute privilege.

Don't let the opportunity pass you by would be my advice to myself 5 years ago.

Unfortunately I left, and I've studied a wide range of things since then and worked in my chosen field, but I'll probably have to go back and study nights and weekends instead of full time to finish my degree.

I found a completely different experience in college, completely the opposite of the OP. Undergrad and Law School were perhaps the two best investments of my life. I don't even mean just because of the monetary return, which is very significant, but there is also the experience I had there. My seven years in college were far more meaningful to me then any material belonging I own, including my home and my car. I met many of my best friends in college and the way I think is completely different because of those years of my life. I wouldn't give those years back for anything. The person I am today is in large part a product of my college education. My views on life, philosophy, politics, society, family, friends, and even sports (go Zags, go Colonials) has been changed by college.

I was originally rather offended that anyone could feel this way about something I found so important, but now I feel mostly sad that the OP either had a bad experience or has yet to experience college. The people, the knowledge, and the entire atmosphere of college is perhaps more worthwhile then the pay differential. Even if all you care about is the money and you don't care about any of the other stuff as I did, a business degree can do wage wonders for just about anyone compared to just a high school degree.

Oh, Lawyers are evil? Everyone says that until they need one. Stupid stereotype.

I thought it was extremely easy and you hardly did any work? WHEN WILL YOUR LIES END, BOURITO?:runaround: hahaha, just because i CAN do something doesn't mean i WANT to do it. i can program better than alot of the people i know in my program, but i hate doing it. it's just so boring to me, and it's a large part of my job should i choose to stay in this. the other thing is that the high tech industry isn't a place i want to be. my dad works in it and i want to be as far away from it as possible.

and i completely agree with what was said above. in only one and a half years in university i've already grown tremendously and i wouldn't trade that for the world. had i not gone to university and gone straight into the workforce i would not be anything close to the person i am today.

Oh, Lawyers are evil? Everyone says that until they need one. Stupid stereotype.

A necessary evil, but an evil nonetheless :icon16:

I found a completely different experience in college, completely the opposite of the OP. Undergrad and Law School were perhaps the two best investments of my life. I don't even mean just because of the monetary return, which is very significant, but there is also the experience I had there. My seven years in college were far more meaningful to me then any material belonging I own, including my home and my car. I met many of my best friends in college and the way I think is completely different because of those years of my life. I wouldn't give those years back for anything. The person I am today is in large part a product of my college education. My views on life, philosophy, politics, society, family, friends, and even sports (go Zags, go Colonials) has been changed by college.

I was originally rather offended that anyone could feel this way about something I found so important, but now I feel mostly sad that the OP either had a bad experience or has yet to experience college. The people, the knowledge, and the entire atmosphere of college is perhaps more worthwhile then the pay differential. Even if all you care about is the money and you don't care about any of the other stuff as I did, a business degree can do wage wonders for just about anyone compared to just a high school degree.

Oh, Lawyers are evil? Everyone says that until they need one. Stupid stereotype.

Some schools have shit atmospheres though. I've visited friends at all sorts of colleges. In some, your hallmates are like your family, ushering you to the coolest parties ever and giving you beers to chug. In others, living in the dorms is like having a shitty apartment with a shared bathroom. My college experience has hardly been sad. My post was about the institution as a whole and its meaning to society, not about my individual experiences. I indeed learned a lot about a vast array of topics within and without the classroom, but I'm not impressionable enough to have my personality be shaped by a bunch of random experiences.

And yes, you are probably evil dude. You could have put your mind towards anything. You chose the law, and I don't blame you. It's the highest paid and easiest to get professional degree.:2cents:

Some schools have shit atmospheres though. I've visited friends at all sorts of colleges. In some, your hallmates are like your family, ushering you to the coolest parties ever and giving you beers to chug. In others, living in the dorms is like having a shitty apartment with a shared bathroom. My college experience has hardly been sad. My post was about the institution as a whole and its meaning to society, not about my individual experiences. I indeed learned a lot about a vast array of topics within and without the classroom, but I'm not impressionable enough to have my personality be shaped by a bunch of random experiences.

And yes, you are probably evil dude. You could have put your mind towards anything. You chose the law, and I don't blame you. It's the highest paid and easiest to get professional degree.:2cents:

You gave absolutely no reasons why college is pointless in your first post. You simply said, "we all know." That isn't an argument, it isn't anything. We don't "all know." Actually, pretty much everyone has disagreed with you. So "we all" is actually just you.

A BA is indeed the new HS diploma. You'll have a hard time getting any decent job without one and society is better of for it. Someone with a BA is indeed smarter, or has at least displayed some greater level of work ethic then a HS grad. Absolutely everyone should go to undergrad because of this if they can. You would be a fool not to. This point of view alone gives reason to higher education and does not take away from college at all.

You arn't impressionable enough to be shaped by your experiences? I'm sorry, but I wouldn't believe this from anyone. Absolutely everyone is in part a result of their pasts. You can't get around it. You don't need a psychology or philosophy degree to know that. Don't kid yourself.

If you don't like the environment at a school, don't go there. There are hundreds of other ones to choose from. Evidently you liked some.

Finally, give up on your rediculous stereotypes. Only nerds are engineers, only morons are teachers, all lawyers are evil... Its almost like being racist, except with careers rather then nationality. Someone is necessarily a nerd if he is an engineer? Come on, get out in the world and meet some. Teachers are morons? Much of the factual information you have today comes from those "morons." What does that say about you? What in the world makes you think that the practice of law is evil? Is it the money? What about all the lawyers that work for the government making $40-50k a year and can hardly pay off their college loans? Doctors can make just as much money as lawyers, are they evil too? In no way is it necessarly the highest paid profession. I've known good lawyers and I've known bad lawyers, just as I've known smart teachers and less then smart teachers, just as I've known nerdy engineers and rather social, athletic engineers. A career is what you make of it, just as college is.

The problem isn't college, its you and your attitude towards it.

Engineering major at a community college right now. I dont have anything bad to say aobut it. I started off at a University (#1 party school in america actaully) and the aprty got to me. Dropped out, became a mechanic figuing that would be the bees knees. It wasn't. Skilled labor SUCKS. It a lot easier to use your brain instead of your body.

So im back in school. 23 and a half year old sophomore. Sucks but i made my bed now i must sleep in it. The stereotypes of all engineers are nerds and all jocks are idiots whatnot is so wrong, its not even funny. Our engineering floor had the craziest parties, and we were getting laid on a regular basis, don't you worry. Work hard party hard, right? And i met a lot of the jocks that were really smart and cool guys, a couple of them actually in the engineering majors (two of them are bodybuilders!)

You gave absolutely no reasons why college is pointless in your first post. You simply said, "we all know." That isn't an argument, it isn't anything. We don't "all know." Actually, pretty much everyone has disagreed with you. So "we all" is actually just you.
It's not my problem you're in denial.

You arn't impressionable enough to be shaped by your experiences? I'm sorry, but I wouldn't believe this from anyone. Absolutely everyone is in part a result of their pasts. You can't get around it. You don't need a psychology or philosophy degree to know that. Don't kid yourself.
ok

Someone is necessarily a nerd if he is an engineer? Come on, get out in the world and meet some.
I have, they're nerds. Even if they like sports and drinking, they're still nerds. And they have no idea how to talk to girls. I know a few that are virgins, and a handful that have never been kissed, EVER.

Teachers are morons? Much of the factual information you have today comes from those "morons."
Definitely not. I haven't learned shit from a teacher since 5th grade.

What in the world makes you think that the practice of law is evil? Is it the money?
No, it's how you earn it. And by earn, I mean swindle.

What about all the lawyers that work for the government making $40-50k a year and can hardly pay off their college loans?
I'm sure more than a few of them wish they were making the big bucks at some firm.

Doctors can make just as much money as lawyers, are they evil too?
No, they provide a valuable service to society.

In no way is it necessarly the highest paid profession.
Unless you mean in terms of, you know....money.

I've known good lawyers and I've known bad lawyers, just as I've known smart teachers and less then smart teachers, just as I've known nerdy engineers and rather social, athletic engineers. A career is what you make of it, just as college is.
Get out of here with this bullshit and get some common sense. :disappoin

I haven't learned shit from a teacher since 5th grade.

No, really?
We couldn't tell.

I have, they're nerds. Even if they like sports and drinking, they're still nerds. And they have no idea how to talk to girls. I know a few that are virgins, and a handful that have never been kissed, EVER.
here's the definition of nerd from dictionary.com and urban dictionary.com:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/nerd
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=nerd

common points in both of those are: intelligent, socially rejected/ridiculed, socially awkward, obsessed with a nonsocial hobby.

so, let's see what's wrong with what you've said.

one: even if they like sports and drinking they're still nerds.
so sports and drinking aren't social anymore? that's news to me. as far as i could tell i spend time every morning during the season socializing with fellow rowers at the club while we're waiting for it to open. i go to regattas where there are hundreds of people all having a good time, socializing, competing, etc. and i go to school events that bring in many students and people from the community. as far as i can tell, that's a pretty social hobby.

two: they have no idea how to talk to girls.
again, that's news to me. i know plenty of engineers who get more girls than most of the non-engineering students i know. so either they drug alot of girls or they know how to talk to them pretty damn well.

and finally: I know a few that are virgins, and a handful that have never been kissed, EVER.
i don't see what your point here is. i know lots of artsie virgins, i know science virgins, i know engineering virgins. in fact, i'd say that the nerdiest and most anti-social people i know are the science guys. not saying anything against them, it's just that from what i've seen they tend to have the most nerds compared to other faculties.

the point is, we've all disagreed with you, we've been very logical and for the most part respectful, we've shown you proof of the usefulness of universities and colleges, you just don't want to listen and you've resorted to petty name calling.

i don't think this thread is going anywhere.

in conclusion: do you know who dropped out of school? Hilter

Okay. What can I say, I live up to my name, I'm a lazy ass. I didn't think I'd have to explain that, by nerd, I meant, "person that is really really really smart, OFTEN with a great proportion of their intelligence devoted to a specific field of expertise." That doesn't mean they all have to be awkward anti-social virgins, but hey, if the shoe fits right? And if it doesn't, who cares? It's completely beside the point. Stop trying to pwn me, I'm trying to do as little typing as possible here.

what is the point again?

what is the point again?

How college is pointless for most who attend it. And then I got rebuttals from an engineering student and a lawyer, both pursuits which I more or less exempted from this discussion's original post.

So why is it pointless for most who attend?
Why are those two exempt?

In fact, let's get this over with cos I'd ask sooner or later;
What professions/study/persuits are exempt and what ones are you talking about are the pointless ones?

So, since you discounted doctor, teacher, lawyer and engineer in your OP, you must mean any medical field which is not a doctor is a waste of time?

Where do you place vetenary science, architecture, computer science, nutritional studies and quite a few more which hold crucial roles in many peoples daily lives?

So, since you discounted doctor, teacher, lawyer and engineer in your OP, you must mean any medical field which is not a doctor is a waste of time?

Where do you place vetenary science, architecture, computer science, nutritional studies and quite a few more which hold crucial roles in many peoples daily lives?

College =/= University

how about the other sciences?
Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Geography, Meteorology etc?
Or Art/Design courses?
History, Politics, Economics?

While we're at it, if you were to explain your views and opinions on each of the widely studied subjects, it would help this discussion a lot because well, it'd help us understand where you're coming from.

how about the other sciences?
Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Geography, Meteorology etc?


These are the smart people/nerds that were going to college before the "me" generation decided to send every man, woman, and child with an IQ over 90 to college even though they have no business there.

Or Art/Design courses?

meh

History, Politics, Economics?

I presume these to be pointless to pay for unless you're going to grad school. Anything without a hands-on aspect is what I'm questioning the value of. Does college allow you to meet a bunch of people and have many valuable experiences that shape you into the person you are today blah blah etc. etc., sure. But these fields offer nothing practical to the person studying them, although a degree in any field of study, no matter how un-pragmatic, is still an asset on your resume. Which is why I'm asking if you think the bachelor's degree from a college--in, say, a liberal arts program, since that's what most people go for--- is the post-modern equivalent to a high school diploma. What is your opinion on this point in particular, drunken monkey?

College =/= University

Neat attempt at a sidestep.

You can obtain university degrees in every one of those fields.

Do you really have any idea what you're talking about?

The reason why I'm asking many questions is that I am not 100% clued up as to how the education system is and how it works in the US.
On the other hand, I have a friend who graduated in History+Economics and is now an analyst for a listed trading company. His knowledge gained from his degree has direct benefit to his line of work
i.e it wasn't pointless.

where does that stand?

Incidentally, what are you studying?

The reason why I'm asking many questions is that I am not 100% clued up as to how the education system is and how it works in the US.
On the other hand, I have a friend who graduated in History+Economics and is now an analyst for a listed trading company. His knowledge gained from his degree has direct benefit to his line of work
i.e it wasn't pointless.

where does that stand?

Incidentally, what are you studying?

I dunno, good for him. This is the philosophizing forum, I am seeking answers, not proclaiming them.

Incidentally, CS, with a minor in Counterstrike.

Answers eh?
Then my answer is this.
It doesn't matter to you whether or not it is pointless for some people.

What's CS?

CS = computer science

I am assuming since LA didn't answer me yet he is typing up a dissertation on his theory - or ignoring me because he doesn't have an answer.

CS = computer science

I am assuming since LA didn't answer me yet he is typing up a dissertation on his theory - or ignoring me because he doesn't have an answer.

What's your question, fool?

computer science?
ahh, that explains the hang-ups about nerds, not getting women, use of things like 1337 and such poor stereotypes.

oh the irony.

computer science?
ahh, that explains the hang-ups about nerds, not getting women, use of things like 1337 and such poor stereotypes.

oh the irony.

I get laid every mother-fucking day fool. I have one of the biggest dicks you've ever seen, and am known to get all kinds of ass.

also, I am doomed to be banned on any forum where moderators outnumber regular users.

I am doomed to be banned on any forum where moderators outnumber regular users.

is that your mission statement?

What's your question, fool?

Do you really have any idea what you're talking about?

But never mind, I think you've already answered that pretty clearly.

I get laid every mother-fucking day fool. I have one of the biggest dicks you've ever seen, and am known to get all kinds of ass.

also, I am doomed to be banned on any forum where moderators outnumber regular users.

http://www.tweakyourpage.com/Layouts/Lifestyles/Gay_Pride/gay-pride-1/thumb.jpg

Is it utterly pointless for the person who can't get into an Ivy League and doesn't want to be a doctor, teacher, lawyer, engineer, etc.? i believe we've made it quite clear that it isn't pointless for them because of the numerous life experiences and the increase in pay.
has the bachelor's degree become the new high school diploma, in a way? sort of, you now need it for many jobs whereas a high school diploma used to be acceptable (talking about 50 years ago)
so where does that leave the rest of us? you can do something that interests you and get a better job then you would have had otherwise, or you can do something completely random and still make more money.
And how do you think society's perception of higher education will change in the coming decades?:2cents: it'll become more and more important. in fact some fields are starting to require a masters to have a decent shot of getting a job in it.

i think we've answered your questions many times over. please explain why college is pointless. you haven't offered a decent rebutal to any of our comments so far.

I think it's not so much the education the system may or may not provide, more that it is an indication of the level of commitment of the individual.

I Agree 100%

I'm in it for the long haul but even so I know it takes a brain and a drive inside.

I don't see college as pointless at all. Call it what you want but look at the statistics to who is making how much. Of course, this is not the case under ALL circumstances, but in most cases, college students make more. I see that as a very good point to go to college. As far as what you learn in college that helps towards your profession, that will be seen in later years of college. And depending on your profession, you may learn more about it in college than other professions. A college degree is a very valuable thing to have.

it'll become more and more important. in fact some fields are starting to require a masters to have a decent shot of getting a job in it.
More important, but less valuable perhaps? I went to a high school full of grade-A dumbasses, and even the stupidest of the stupid were able to get into college because there are crap schools out there that will accept anyone with a pulse and $30k. Did schools like that even exist 50 years ago?

i think we've answered your questions many times over. please explain why college is pointless. you haven't offered a decent rebutal to any of our comments so far.
1. I know mad people who can't get jobs right out of school that move back in with their parents.

2. I know college graduates that are still paying off their loans and they're like 40 with dead end jobs.

3. I don't have to explain shit to y'all, I'm still waiting on some decent repliers for this thread.

3. I don't have to explain shit to y'all, I'm still waiting on some decent repliers for this thread.

I am going to try to help turn this thread into something constructive here.

If you're looking to debate the issue you presented, then present your argument in a eloquent and factual manner as to why you feel a college or university education is a waste.

So far, all you have done is directly attack fellow member's for their answers and for disagreeing with you.

If you cannot present any support to your argument, then it becomes evident that there is no basis for your argument other than you're trying to create controversy.

I don't see college as pointless at all. Call it what you want but look at the statistics to who is making how much. Of course, this is not the case under ALL circumstances, but in most cases, college students make more.

My opinion is that if people can go to college, and have no idea what they're really doing with it, and actually make more money because of it, then there's something wrong with society. JMO. And I think that "something" might be an overcrowded job market, and a bunch of other shit too.

And anyway, like I said before, those statistics will always look better than they actually are because a lot of smart people do go to college and make something of themselves. But for the average kid applying to the average school, those numbers look a lot better than they are.

Something to take into account, many companies recognize good schools over average. Companies don't just accept you because you have the degree, they also look at where the degree came from.

To put it in context, if a Wake Forest grad and MIT grad with the same degree apply for the same engineering job, the company if obviously going to favor the grad from the nationally recognised engineering school.

Something to take into account, many companies recognize good schools over average. Companies don't just accept you because you have the degree, they also look at where the degree came from.

To put it in context, if a Wake Forest grad and MIT grad with the same degree apply for the same engineering job, the company if obviously going to favor the grad from the nationally recognised engineering school.

True, but I can't think of why it's relevant to this discussion off the top of my head.

Your originally argument is simply that college is pointless, we're still waiting for you to substantiate that original claim.

You've made comment several times about low grade schools and I was simply responding to your repeated rhetoric about 'average people in average schools' and low grade schools by pointing out that companies recognise that.

As the originator of this thread, you made that relevant.

So, why do you think college educations are pointess?

Your originally argument is simply that college is pointless, we're still waiting for you to substantiate that original claim.

You've made comment several times about low grade schools and I was simply responding to your repeated rhetoric about 'average people in average schools' and low grade schools by pointing out that companies recognise that.

As the originator of this thread, you made that relevant.

So, why do you think college educations are pointess?

We all know college is pointless. But what is the EXTENT of the pointlessness? It could just be a little pointless, i.e. the irrelevant gen-ed classes that take up like three semesters by themselves.... or perhaps the whole shebang is nothing but a false credential for the postmodern era. There are varying degrees of pointlessness. Some people can claim to derive meaning in the most inane shit on Earth, but they're all full of shit so fuck them, I'm talking about the real world here.

We all know college is pointless. But what is the EXTENT of the pointlessness? It could just be a little pointless, i.e. the irrelevant gen-ed classes that take up like three semesters by themselves.... or perhaps the whole shebang is nothing but a false credential for the postmodern era. There are varying degrees of pointlessness. Some people can claim to derive meaning in the most inane shit on Earth, but they're all full of shit so fuck them, I'm talking about the real world here.

Who is this "We all" that you still speak of? So far nobody has fully bought into this idea of yours that college is pointless. You can't talk about the extent of this if nobody agrees. You are just looking for people to comiserate with because you don't or didn't like college and everyone around you does.

We have given numerous reasons why college is a good thing and you have still yet to actually give a reason why you think it is pointless. Even if you just want to get a worthwhile job, isn't that point enough? What is it that you are looking for that college hasn't provided you? Do you not think that a college graduate is in some way different then a high school graduate? If college is pointless, then what isn't for you?

You claim to be talking about the real world, but your stereotypes indicate that you really aren't in touch with it at all.

I hope your next post starts out, "College is pointless because," and then is followed by some sort of logical reasoning or evidence. Don't just come up with statements and assume everyone should agree with them and everyone who doesn't is wrong.

We don't all know college is pointless.

What is it that you are looking for that college hasn't provided you? Do you not think that a college graduate is in some way different then a high school graduate?

LEARNING. 90% of labs contain concepts never even brought up in class. If I'm not fortunate enough to already know what I'm doing, I have to research it independently for many hours, or fail. Some shit's not in the book, nor is it brought up in lecture. Professor's say they aren't there to "hold your hand" and "spoonfeed" and all that bullshit. They expect you to know everything before you set foot in the classroom. I meet that expectation, while acknowleding that it is pure, unadulteraded bullshit. While the degree itself is an invaluable asset, I know for a fact that anything taught in the classroom I could've learned by myself because, well, I learned it by myself.

If college is pointless, then what isn't for you?



http://www.fresh99.com/images/frenchnewsanchor/M-Theuriau-0357.jpg

Pussy is the only worthwhile thing in the entire world IMO.

Professor's say they aren't there to "hold your hand" and "spoonfeed" and all that bullshit.

How is it bullshit?

Going to college or university is your first step on your way to becoming a fully independant adult, professors know this and expect you to bahave as such.

When you get into a work enviroment, you're going to have to be able to show some initiative and display some independant thinking, part of college is learning that - by not spoonfeeding you every piece of information, they are teaching you that you need to display some initiative in finding what you need to know.

I've yet to see any compelling argument from you about why college is useless, only weak excuses and the same thing posted repeatedly.

I've always held that University/College is a place to facilitate learning.
If all you wanted from it was to be told stuff, then you probably are in the wrong place.

And how does it facilitate learning again? Again, why does it make sense to take a class if you already know the material? It doesn't. It's bullshit. All I hear from you two is the same bs rhetoric I've heard gazillions of times. When you can take, say, the introductory course that requires no coding experience, and a book that actually tells you how to code isn't on the syllabus, and they immediately throw legit programming projects at you with less than a week to finish that are on the level of somebody with several months experience, what's that all about? Is it "spoonfeeding" if they were to give you (....make you buy) a book that actually tells you how to code for their purposes? What doesn't constitute spoonfeeding in your world? Are you supposed to conjure the memory of your ancestral programmers, like savages channeling their ancestors in their godless rituals? What do they call it when half the kids fail the class? Is that "burping" or is it "shitting the diaper"? I bet you call it, "tough shit, college isn't for everyone, faggots.", even though half of those kids could have passed if the course equipped them with you know....actual learning resources.

I've yet to hear you come up with a compelling argument.

Just because you take a class and already know the material, it doesn't mean everyone else does.

Why complain if you already know the material - it should be an easy 'A' for you then.

Since engineering is such a big topic in this thread, here's my view. I started out doing an engineering degree (here in NZ it's a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours - BE(Hons), not a part of the science schedule like in the states). Did a semester of it, realised it wasn't for me, I couldn't handle the workload, and my math skills are subpar. So now I'm doing a BSc in Geography focusing on Environmental Science/Hazard & Disaster Management. Much happier. My school is the best engineering school in NZ and one of the best in the world. 95% of engineers here are definitely not nerds - they're the biggest pissheads I know. The engineering society has a drinking captain. I know one guy, who, every time he gets on the piss, becomes totally incoherent and speaks like a caveman, even looks like one. But this guy gets straight A's.

College/university/whatever you want to call it is not pointless for the majority of people who attend it. Best decision I ever made was to come to Christchurch and go to university. I've met some friends here I know I will remain close to for the rest of my life, and it's really opened up my eyes on a lot of things in life and overall I feel it has helped me grow as a person. If you can't get that out of college then you either are too self absorbed to get the full experience out of something new, or you're a robot.

Lazy ass, grow a brain, or get a clue, or please, for everyone, STFU. You obviously have no idea what you're talking about and are just trying to start an argument even though you have nothing to back up your point of view. "We all know college is pointless"? Who said it is, so far, only you have.

Plus, I've seen you insult at least 2 members so far, curb your attitude.

Hahaha, he posted Melissa Theuriau. Banned from the vwvortex lazy?

I've yet to hear you come up with a compelling argument.

Just because you take a class and already know the material, it doesn't mean everyone else does.

Why complain if you already know the material - it should be an easy 'A' for you then.

Your reading comprehension sucks. I said that one MUST know the material beforehand if he is to PASS, let alone get an A. Otherwise, it's fission mailed. Ask any CS major.

And your attitude is getting real fuckin old here. This is the philosophy forum, and you aren't posting any of your own ideas. You're just regurgitating the rhetoric of the establishment without having anything to say for your self. This last post of yours in particular is a total failure.:yugosmili

The only one with an attitude in this thread is you.

Nothing you've posted here is the least bit philosophical; or even close to a cohesive, convincing, logical argument for your point of view.

:cheers:

grow a brain

Take your own advice

.:bananadie

Lazy ass,

I pity your college professors, your superiority complex can only be of detriment to your future.

Several of us have disagreed with you in this thread, you've told us we're all wrong and repeated several times that college is pointless without coming up with any significant backing beyond your own narrow experiences.

The more we challenge you to come up with something we can actually discuss, the more direct your attacks on individuals become.

I think it's sufficient to say, you don't have an argument, just an unfounded opinion.

It's also most likely prophetic to say that your attitude means you will not be here too long.

Dude, you didn't even read my post correctly. Re-read, THEN respond. And no, saying "everyone disagrees with you" will not suffice. If you've never said to yourself, "this shit is pointless" when doing an assignment, you're the one who's narrow minded. What's your major anyway?

Dude, you didn't even read my post correctly. Re-read, THEN respond. And no, saying "everyone disagrees with you" will not suffice. If you've never said to yourself, "this shit is pointless" when doing an assignment, you're the one who's narrow minded. What's your major anyway?

I don't have a major, I graduated more than 10 years ago, you will still crapping in your diaper when I was in school.

If you could type something worth reading because he has some content of value, I may spend more time reading it.

I don't have a major, I graduated more than 10 years ago, you will still crapping in your diaper when I was in school.

If you could type something worth reading because he has some content of value, I may spend more time reading it.

And I'm the one with a superiority complex? :screwy:
I find your pompousity shallow and pedantic:shakehead. You have obviously become completely pissed by my undetectably (to you) pseudo-hyperbolic philosophical ranting, and have regressed into prick mode and just want me to call you a cocksucker so you can ban me without qualm.

Dude, you've given us plenty of reasons to ban you in this thread - the fact you're still here shows how tolerant we're being.

Keep going - please.

If you've never said to yourself, "this shit is pointless" when doing an assignment, you're the one who's narrow minded.
so you find an assignment pointless, who gives a shit. in the workforce you'll find plenty of projects pointless but you can't just tell your boss you're not going to do it. if you can't deal with it through college/university how the hell are you going to deal with it in the workforce.

still waiting on valid arguments about the pointlessness of college.

I find your pompousity shallow and pedantic

OMG :rofl: I wish I could remember what show that was on!

btw before anyone tries to read betweenthe lines, I'm not saying you didn't think of those words on your own, but they were definitely used in some show (Family Guy perhaps) and it was hillarious

...back to your regularly scheduled thread

it was the family guy episode where they find out peter's mentally handicapped

so you find an assignment pointless, who gives a shit. in the workforce you'll find plenty of projects pointless but you can't just tell your boss you're not going to do it. if you can't deal with it through college/university how the hell are you going to deal with it in the workforce.

I can deal with it fine bro. Like you just said though, the shit is pointless, that's all I'm sayin' here. We definitely aren't seeing eye to eye here and the overall level of reading comprehension here leaves much to be desired. If my ramblings were part of the curriculum of a class, you guys would fail the exam. But then you would say, "this class enriched my life and made me into the person I am today."

I can deal with it fine bro. Like you just said though, the shit is pointless, that's all I'm sayin' here. We definitely aren't seeing eye to eye here and the overall level of reading comprehension here leaves much to be desired. If my ramblings were part of the curriculum of a class, you guys would fail the exam. But then you would say, "this class enriched my life and made me into the person I am today."

Modesty certainly isn't one of your traits is it. :lol:

pseudo-hyperbolic philosophical ranting

psuedo?
As in appearing to be but not?
In that case, that's the first thing you've gotten right so far because I can't see how this is a philosophical question either.

And how does it facilitate learning again?

However good you think you are, chances are the teaching staff are better. What they're there to do, is to get you out of your comfort zone and get into problems. Problems that only occur if you know the basic programming already. If all they're there to do is teach you programming, that extra level of interaction is not possible.

I used to help teach a martial arts class.
I never used to go through the forms in class because that is a waste of class time when we could be sparring.

It is the same here.
University/College is there for you to put what you know into practice and do things that might not be possible. If you come across something that you don't know what to do with, that is what the tutors are there for. If you just want them to teach you things that can be found in books, it's not because University/College is pointless, it's that you aren't making the most of what they can offer.

I can read.
You're the one who used a word without fully knowing its meaning.
So you're trying to be philosophical?
Again, still the first time you've been correct because, well, I still don't see how this is anything to do with philosophy so yes, you are trying.
I'll give you an C for effort.

psuedo?
As in appearing to be but not?
In that case, that's the first thing you've gotten right so far because I can't see how this is a philosophical question either.
pseu·do http://cache.lexico.com/g/d/premium.gif http://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pnghttp://cache.lexico.com/g/d/speaker.gif (https://secure.reference.com/premium/login.html?rd=2&u=http%3A%2F%2Fdictionary.reference.com%2Fbrowse%2 Fpseudo) /ˈsuhttp://cache.lexico.com/dictionary/graphics/luna/thinsp.pngdoʊ/ Pronunciation Key (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/) - Show Spelled Pronunciation (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/)[soo-doh] Pronunciation Key (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/) - Show IPA Pronunciation (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/) –adjective 1.not actually but having the appearance of; pretended; false or spurious; sham.
2.almost, approaching, or trying to be.



....after I said pedantic I just ran with it. That's the intended definition, #2. And that word was used to refer to the exaggeratory nature of my initial statement. Why can't you read.....

How about if I were to reiterate the original post to be something of the effect of:

Most 4-year degrees are liberal arts degrees, which serve no functional purpose IRL, thus I question their purpose beyond "enriching one's life experience blah blah bullshit blah blah". Engineering and architecture serves a vocational purpose, but you have to know your shit going in; so chances are, if the job market weren't so crowded, that it would be quite easy to get a job as an engineer without a college education assuming one were qualified. Programmers without degrees exist; that's an indication that for a skilled, in-demand profession, the skills are what's important, not "credentials".

As for the scientists of the world, let them toil away on their research while I get all the pussy. No, they aren't useless, but I do fucking hate them (but that's a seperate matter altogether....). And lawyers suck too. Any other questions?

dude u still haven't made any valid points about the pointlessness of college. *miscellaneous remark that proves I didn't actually read your post*.

dude I'm starting to think you don't have any real point here and this thread is going nowhere!!

My reply: re-read my posts.

However good you think you are, chances are the teaching staff are better. What they're there to do, is to get you out of your comfort zone and get into problems. Problems that only occur if you know the basic programming already. If all they're there to do is teach you programming, that extra level of interaction is not possible.

I used to help teach a martial arts class.
I never used to go through the forms in class because that is a waste of class time when we could be sparring.

It is the same here.
University/College is there for you to put what you know into practice and do things that might not be possible. If you come across something that you don't know what to do with, that is what the tutors are there for. If you just want them to teach you things that can be found in books, it's not because University/College is pointless, it's that you aren't making the most of what they can offer.

I can read.
You're the one who used a word without fully knowing its meaning.
So you're trying to be philosophical?
Again, still the first time you've been correct because, well, I still don't see how this is anything to do with philosophy so yes, you are trying.
I'll give you an C for effort.
My school sucks=no tutors.
also the example I used was the introductory class that claimed to assume no prior programming experience. I've moved past that but it was definitely a bold-faced lie that that class didn't expect you to know your shit on day 1.
kthxbi

:sly:
ibl

What's liberal arts?

Just so you know, I'm born and raised in the UK.
In general, I think the US education system is generally shit until you get to University where it's $ wins.

With that said, I can only really speak for UK universities.
While there are some questionable subjects with questionable worth, I can't think of any university degree that can be gained at a UK university that has a course that can be called anything like pointless, especially if the person studying that course intends to persue it as a career.

On the other hand, there are subjects that have purpose but the studying process is pointless because the person isn't looking to persue it.
I have a friend who will be finishing her year 3 of physics this may and she sure as hell aint doing it for life, which brings us back to my point; it is pointless depending on the individual.

If your place is so bad, why are you still there?

If your place is so bad, why are you still there?

$ wins, and I lose.

Liberal arts=BA or some shit

Yes drunken monkey, of course, nothing is pointless. Everything in the Universe has a purpose, and everything happens for a reason......including my forthcoming ban. :wink:

If you really want to be banned, just say the word; why all this fuss?

If you really want to be banned, just say the word; why all this fuss?

I have a thread here with over 100 replies, most of which is spam and flaming by bored moderators looking for somebody to ban. It's my destiny to be banned when some mod posts to get the last word in, locks it, and bans me.:runaround:

If you really want to be banned, just say the word; why all this fuss?
He just wants attention.

Obviously you just have some juvenile problem with authority, and want to goad the moderators into banning you so you can say "OMG, I WAS BANNED BECAUSE THE MODERATORS ARE POWER HUNGRY EGO TRIPPING ASSHOLES /cry".

You still fail to convince anyone in this thread of your point of view. You're not very clever.

You still fail to convince anyone in this thread of your point of view. You're not very clever.

My friend has yet to successfully quit smoking. She's not very good at arts and crafts.

See? I too can say two random things that have nothing to do with each other just to dis' someone. Who said it was my goal to convince people of anything? Once again, poor reading comprehension from the army of hater-moderators. This thread started with me asking a question. I seek only to generate discussion and perhaps learn from the wisdom of others. I'm starting to wonder if any of y'all hold ANY beliefs that aren't in line with the mainstream. It's important for us to stay critical of the status quo so that we don't become complacent, phony, sanctimonious cocksuckers. All around us, there is MUCH improvement on the status quo that could be achieved with little more than the opening of minds.

My mind is plenty open - I just don't agree with you. Doesn't make me a slave to the establishment.

My mind is plenty open - I just don't agree with you. Doesn't make me a slave to the establishment.

:disappoin

Now you're just starting to bore me.

As a general rule, going to college is probably the best thing anyone could ever do for themselves. There are people out there who have been successful without it, but the chances are highly stacked against most of them.

Even if you study something that is just about completely worthless as far as useable knowledge gained to make you money in the real world (like philosophy for instance), your diploma still has extreme value. It proves two things to people who might want to give you a job- That you are capable of being taught, and that you are dedicated enough to finish something you start. Those are two things that are incredibly important to potential employers, but people without a diploma or a lot of work experience have no good way to prove that they posses those attributes. Without one, you are an unknown quantity and have only your own word to set you apart from the rest of the crowd.

I work for a company in a very specialized industry that won't even interview you if you don't have a college degree. But the people that do get hired come from all different educational backgrounds, most of which have absolutely nothing to do with what they've ended up doing for a living. It's not because of what they already know coming in, but rather the fact that we can say almost for sure that they have the potential to grow into a valuable employee that makes someone a good hire.

You can say you'll handle the seemingly pointless assignments but there is only one way to prove it. Unless you're incredibly lucky the rest of your life will be filled with people who will tell you to do things you don't understand, and do worse things than give you a bad grade if you choose not to. And once you start calling something pointless, you're basically saying that the people whose rules you have chosen to live under don't know what they're doing and that your perspective is the only one to be counted. It's not always easy to see the bigger picture in which many seemingly pointless acts serve you with a greater good, but if you don't give it a patient chance you never will.

It can actually be a pretty liberating thing to accept that you do not always know what is best for you. And to not show enough faith in your instructors to allow them a shot at enriching your life in the way that they have been trained and are being paid to do is a bigger waste of time than any school work has ever been.

psuedo?
As in appearing to be but not?
In that case, that's the first thing you've gotten right so far because I can't see how this is a philosophical question either.

Damn DM, you took the bait on that one. I read that post and laughed - that whole post was like playing 'buzz word bingo' - if you throw enough big words out there it may sound like you know what you're talking about - he failed.

We all know college is pointless. But to what extent is it pointless? Is it utterly pointless for the person who can't get into an Ivy League and doesn't want to be a doctor, teacher, lawyer, engineer, etc.?

Then again, a lot of jobs require a BA just to get an interview. So has the bachelor's degree become the new high school diploma, in a way? Only the nerdiest of the nerdy can do EE, only evil people go to law school, only morons become teachers, etc., so where does that leave the rest of us? And how do you think society's perception of higher education will change in the coming decades?:2cents:

I felt it necessary to address the original post before closing this, as I'm sure, though banned, lazy ass will come back and read this or join again only to be banned again.

First of all, we don't all know college is pointless. You can't speak for a vast majority on something that is extremely subjective, especially when considering the possible professions one is considering.

Based on the poor thought behind your first comment, the question of how pointless college is really isn't even something to discuss. What's more, your comments pointing toward Ivy League schools and becoming a doctor or lawyer directly contradicts your statement "we all know college is pointless." If you don't know why, then you shouldn't even be trying to start this type of discussion in the first place.

Finally, your poor classification of people to their stereotypical roles shows that you really just run with whatever society tells you. Way to be an idiot.

Higher education, though more commonplace in this day and age, is important to a plethora of professions. It doesn't matter that some people just want you to have a degree and don't care in what, the point is, they want you to have a degree, which suggests to me that higher education is by no means "pointless."