Yes, it’s true that community college classes are limited (in the US), transfer spots are limited (in the US), internships are limited (in the US) and jobs are limited (in the US). This is why I encourage students to do things differently and consider ways to spend meaningful time abroad in high school and college in order to gain valuable skills and set themselves apart from everyone else on the four-by-four plan!

And though it may be true that some private universities do a better job of offering career guidance to their grads, I hear from new grads EVERY DAY who tell me that they got virtually no assistance at their private colleges. Part of the Bold School approach is learning how to be proactive in order to get your own internships and jobs rather than relying on someone else to do it for you. Those who thrive aren’t waiting for someone else to stir things up–they’re out there doing it themselves! And frankly, employers are looking for self-starters rather than those who need their hands held in order to step forward. That’s the reality in today’s economy.

That being said, a three-year degree from a private college can be a good option, but in most cases, it limits students’ ability to include study abroad or engage in other enriching options that make them more valuable to employers and the world in general. My point is less about the time it takes and more about making sure you get a chance to learn in a variety of settings, whether it takes two years or eight to graduate!