A significant number of college students don't feel that their school or program adequately prepared them for a career, according to a reported released in May 2013 by McKinsey and Chegg. In fact, 60 to 70 percent of students in some prominent majors, such as marketing, visual merchandising and sciences, indicated they didn't feel as though their college experience prepared them for career success. Marketing careers often involve the use of analytical software tools and data interpretation, but some programs don't require students to complete many computer, technology or software analysis classes.
All schools aren't created equal when it comes to costs. Some students learn quickly after graduation that student loan interest puts a crimp in their plans to get a dream home and a white picket fence. Students may find that their ability to get a good job with a $100,000-plus private school degree isn't much better than if they had selected a less expensive option. Comparing placement rates and typical starting salaries from various schools and programs offers insight in this area. Even spending two years at a community college before transferring can save thousands.
Many college students regret their choice in major when they realize it doesn't lead to a high-paying job or they change their passion. While college and major choices don't always coincide, some students pick a school based on its majors. Recognizing the major was unproductive, they regret their college choice. From a different standpoint, students may pick a major offered by a college and regret not going to a different college with other major options.
A February 2009 "USA Today" article indicated that some students feel pressured by schools and parents to apply and make college choices early. They then go to school and don't get the experiences they expected. Often, it is outside-of-class experiences that affect college satisfaction. Thus, a student who doesn't find the right quality of life, including social events and activities, sports and clubs may regret his decision. Making an official visit, meeting with faculty, staff and students and walking the campus are important steps to improving an understanding of what a school offers.