Question: “How has the downturn in the U.S. economy affected you or your post-high school plans?”
Join the discussion. Post a comment with your answer to this week’s question.
Katie Montemayor 17 Glendora High:
Personally, I have not been affected in a noticeable way by the economy, thank goodness. However, it has affected my post-high school plans because now it is harder to receive funding from banks. I have to look into more scholarships, which are now more competitive and bogged down by applicants, making standing out extremely difficult.
Taylor Moncrief, 16, Diamond Bar High School:
The economic downturn hasn’t really affected me, yet. My parents keep talking about cutting back on presents for the holidays, but they say that every year. College may be harder to get into, because people go back to school when economic hard times hit.
Derek Klena, 17, South Hills High School:
The downturn in our economy will have an effect on many people and their post-high school plans. College selection might be different because of the expenses involved. There most likely will be more people applying for scholarships and financial aid, which will make things even more competitive. In addition, high school and college graduates alike are having trouble finding jobs because of the countless layoffs and lack of hiring of struggling businesses.
Amanda McCraven, 14, La Verne Lutheran High School:
Since the economy has had a downturn, my plan for college has changed from going directly to a four-year university to attending a community college and then transferring because community colleges are more affordable and they offer the same quality education.
Nicholas Kuche, 16, Covina High School:
With the economy being in an extreme low, students are anything but anxious about leaving high school. Those who already have jobs don’t have as many worries. But of the unfortunate majority who are unemployed, college might have to wait a few years after their graduation. The economy has made it extremely difficult for students to rent a house or car. And college tuition is extremely expensive, which can put a halt to some students’ plans to go straight to a four-year college or university.
Kasey Haas, 16, Glendora High School:
Fortunately, my parents have been saving for college my whole life. But is has affected what I do for fun. My friends and I now have to seek for alternatives to what we used to do when everyone was more affluent. Our past times are becoming increasingly less expensive to correspond with the current economy.
