Drop out rate in American colleges

Essay by Brandon YawHigh School, 12th gradeA+, March 1997

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In 1992, the dropout rate in America's colleges was almost twenty-four percent! Therefore meaning that nearly one out of every five students that head off to college in the fall, drop out by the first semester. In addition, about one out of every three remaining students do not return for their second year. This statistic may seem outrageous, however, it is true. Furthermore, a study has shown that if the dropout rate continues at its current pace, it will reach thirty percent by the turn of the century. Although the reasons, or excuses, for dropping out are endless, the majority of drop outs can be linked to the following: home sickness, environment, and cost.

The first cause, home sickness, is not a big problem for most. However, there are many teenagers that have never been out of their state, and in few instances, out of their city. For these select few, it is extremely hard for them to leave.

The first day of college can be the hardest. In particular, registering for classes. So many people are all trying to do the same thing at once. For some, this can be enough to walk to the car and go home. However, most will make it through this part of their new life. Usually the one thing that will really bother a person, is living in a small room, with at least one other person, sometimes two. Often, living with strangers will make a person uncomfortable, and wishing they were back home. This is when many will give up, and go back home.

The next cause being the surrounding environment. For new students that are not used to freedom, it can be hard to understand that they now have to make their own decisions. To illustrate, a new student...