Online Summer Math Tutorial COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog

Online Summer Math Tutorial COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog Admitted applicants who have paid the deposit and confirmed enrollment for this fall will soon receive information on a summer math tutorial.     The first year at SIPA is filled with required quantitative courses.   Economics, quantitative analysis, and financial management are the building blocks of effective policy making. The purpose of the summer math tutorial is to give students a jump start on the first year curriculum.   The summer math tutorial will also help prepare students for a math quiz that will be administered during orientation to help make class placement decisions.   Many of our admitted applicants have not sat in a classroom in years and the tutorial is meant to knock some of the mental rust off.   Also of note is that to qualify for second year fellowship consideration, students must have a GPA of 3.2 at the conclusion of the first semester. While the summer math tutorial is highly recommended for all admitted MIA and MPA students, it is not a requirement.   It will be administered online, so no matter where you are in the world, as long as you have an internet connection you will be able to participate. So if you have been admitted and paid a deposit, hang tight for a little while longer and information on the summer tutorial will be sent to you via email soon.   We will also be posting some of the syllabi used in our core courses this past year to give you an idea of what you might expect from the core curriculum.

Gender Roles In The Yellow Wallpaper - 1733 Words

In â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper†, Charlotte Gilman writes about a woman who suffers from temporary nervous depression as diagnosed by her overbearing husband who becomes her doctor. The husband, John, is condescending towards his wife when she questions his diagnosis. Therefore, to get away from the confinement of not being able to speak for herself, the woman secretly writes in her journal as a sense of relief. The woman then becomes fascinated and engrossed with the yellow wallpaper that hangs in her bedroom as a result of her isolation. She comes to the realization that a woman was trapped inside the wallpaper, so she must tear it down to set the woman free. The act of tearing down the wallpaper alludes to the fact that the narrator feels she†¦show more content†¦With John being a â€Å"physician of high standing† (Gilman), his role in the diagnosis of the narrator supports the claim of the stereotypical woman of the household being a â€Å"domestic slaveâ₠¬  (Treichler) to the head of the household, who is stereotypically considered a man. John uses his medical diagnosis to exert control over his wife by telling her how she is to perceive, process, and act in her life. The female narrator, at first, is compliant with his orders. However, by her continuous action of writing in her journal, she defies John’s course of treatment. She must be sly about her writing for â€Å"John will not allow her to gain possession of her own language† (Suess). The narrator knows the circumstances of what writing in her journal entails, but to gain control of her own life is worth the cost so that her husband will no longer have control over her. Despite John’s efforts to repress the narrator’s freedom, her writing in the journal â€Å"reveals [her] awareness that John continuously tries to manipulate her† (Suess). This awareness alludes to the fact that the narrator has now come to the realization that she is trapped and so therefore, she must escape. The narrator then â€Å"continues to write, move about, and study the wallpaper—thus disobeying John’s strict orders—[revealing] John’s demands to be merely superficial†Show MoreRelated Gender Roles in The Yellow Wallpaper1447 Words   |  6 PagesGender Roles in The Yellow Wallpaper  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚   In Charlotte Perkins Gilmans short story The Yellow Wallpaper, the reader is treated to an intimate portrait of developing insanity. At the same time, the storys first person narrator provides insight into the social attitudes of the storys late Victorian time period. The story sets up a sense of gradually increasing distrust between the narrator and her husband, John, a doctor, which suggests that gender roles were strictly defined; howeverRead MoreGender Roles : The Yellow Wallpaper983 Words   |  4 PagesWhen â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† was written women and men were not viewed as equals in society. The historical context of â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† is revealed through minor characters in the short story and what they do. John, the narrator’s husband is a physician; in addition, the narrator’s unnamed brother is also a physician. In contrast Jennie, the narrator’s sister-in-law is a housekeeper and takes care of the narrator, du ring her stay at the house. In â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† it is revealed that genderRead MoreGender Role Effects in The Yellow Wallpaper1564 Words   |  7 PagesEnglish 1102 24 April 2012 Gender Role Effects in â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† Charlotte Perkins Gilman was a feminist writer who wrote â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† in the 1890’s. During this time period the woman were expected to keep the house clean, care for their children, and listen to their husbands. The men were expected to work a job and be the head of a household. The story narrates a woman’s severe depression which she thinks is linked to the yellow wallpaper. Charlotte Gilman experienced depressionRead MoreThe Influence of Masculine Gender Roles in The Yellow Wallpaper1697 Words   |  7 PagesInterpretive Essay on The Yellow Wallpaper The Yellow Wallpaper tells the story of a woman living in the nineteenth century who suffers from postpartum depression. The true meaning implicit in Charlottes story goes beyond a simple psychological speculation. The story consists of a series of cleverly constructed short paragraphs, in which the author illustrates, through the unnamed protagonists experiences, the possible outcome of womens acceptance of mens supposed intellectual superiorityRead More Gender Roles in The Yellow Wallpaper and A Streetcar Named Desire1539 Words   |  7 Pages Many different depictions of gender roles exist in all times throughout the history of American culture and society. Some are well received and some are not. When pitted against each other for all intents and purposes of opposition, the portrayal of the aspects and common traits of masculinity and femininity are separated in a normal manner. However, when one gender expects the other to do its part and they are not satisfied with the result s and demand more, things can shift from normal to extremeRead More`` The Yellow Wallpaper `` By Charlotte Perkins Gilm Deconstruction Of Gender Roles1200 Words   |  5 PagesCharlotte Perkins Gilman’s deconstruction of gender roles in The Yellow Wallpaper. AP English 12 Mr. AuCoin Shane Caswell October 1, 2015 Shane Caswell 1 Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s The Yellow Wallpaper is an interesting story told from the journals of a woman who progressively loses her mind being locked in her bedroom, but underneath the surface this short story shows us a woman who is at first confined by, but progressively freed from the gender roles and expectations put upon her by societyRead MoreThe Yellow Wallpaper913 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† For quite a long time before the past century, the female gender had been a race characterized by limited opportunity and the widespread belief of inferiority to the male gender. It was not until the women’s rights movement took off in the 1920’s that women began to enjoy having the same opportunities as men and playing an active role in society. Before that time, women were perceived as being inferior to their male counterparts and received less respect than men. This resultedRead MoreThe Cult Of The Yellow Wallpaper By Charlotte Perkins Gilman1371 Words   |  6 PagesMichael Zhao K. Keogh AP Lit. Period 3 22 January 2015 The Cult of Domesticity â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper,† by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, depicts a young woman’s gradual descent into insanity due to her entrapment, both mentally and physically, in the restrictive cult of domesticity. Through the narrator’s creeping spiral into madness, Gilman seeks to shed light upon the torturous and constraining societal conditions in which women are expected to live, that permeates throughout all aspects of their livesRead MoreThe Women Behind The Yellow Wallpaper1675 Words   |  7 PagesBehind the Yellow Wallpaper â€Å" Be plain in dress, and sober in diet; In short, my deary, kiss me, and be quiet.† -Mary Wortley Montagu In a male dominated society, women had little choice when it came to the path of life they would trek upon until death. From the first words of the doctor when they announce, â€Å"it’s a girl†, amidst cries of the baby and the relief of the mother, the path a woman shall take has already been predetermined. Chalotte Perkins Gilman’s â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† is a harrowingRead MoreTheme Of Gender Equality In The Yellow Wallpaper1042 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† by Charlotte Gilman involves an unidentified woman who suffers from society’s way of curing her, as she gets trapped in a nursery due to the â€Å"inappropriate† ways she does not fulfill her duties as a women, demonstrating the lack of gender rights and equality present back in the days. This short story aided significantly in helping achieve gender equality rights and finally allowing people to understand that everyone is equal. The way the story por trays the way of curing someone

Compare And Contrast Penelope And Penny In The Odyssey

Penelope and Penny are a similar character in various circumstances. Penelope is the spouse of Odysseus in the book The Odyssey, Penny is a similar character however in the motion picture. Penny and Penelope have a great deal of similitudes that all associates with their spouses Odysseus in the book The Odyssey and Everett in the film O sibling where craftsmanship thou. Penelope and Penny are hitched to men of experience, the ways they handle their relationship uncovers the sort of lady they are. Penelope and Penny are lady associated with Odysseus and Everett. Two men were unbelievable for a considerable length of time. Whenever, Eurycleia (the old medical attendant) revealed to Penelope that Odysseus returned from his voyage, she†¦show more content†¦She discovers that it was Odysseus when she advises Eurycleia to move the durable bedstead out of the their wedding chamber. Odysseus answers by saying Lady your words, they slice me profoundly! Who could move my bed, outlandish errand, notwithstanding for some gifted craftsman.(Page 461 line 205) that is the point at which she knows its him. There relationship gets from where they exited it years back. Neither does she ask Odysseus addresses that may tear up there relationship/marriage. At the point when Everett returns he too needs to begin where he cleared out off with Penny. Penny wasnt exceptionally sympathetic at first; she would not like to give him a shot. When she at last allows him to re-wed Everett, she need s her significant other to get her old ring, as long as he doesnt get her old ring she wont wed him. Penny is to some degree an egotistical individual; on the off chance that she doesnt get her direction then every other person endures with her. It appears like Everett tries to make Penny cheerful, however it generally comes up short. Its like Penny sees his exertion in any case, until the point when everything is immaculate and the way she needs it to be at that point, everybody will endure with her. The motion picture Penny is a similar individual, who knows her better half Everett is attempting his

Through a Different Perspective Free Essays

Asian and Asian American culture are historically known for having a strict, distinctive boundary between the traditional roles of women and men, where, In the domestic sphere, women are submissive to male authority figures, which are typically embodied in the father or husband. One well known example that calls to mind this subordination of women to men is China’s one-child policy, which often leads to ill treatment, abandonment or leaving up for adoption of female infants and children as a result of wanting a male child to lead the family and carry on the family name. While this might be a more extreme result of this stereotype, there are many other similar historical stereotypes that subordinate the woman to the man In Asian and Aslant American culture. We will write a custom essay sample on Through a Different Perspective or any similar topic only for you Order Now Regardless of historical stereotypes, however, It Is clear to many individuals today that times are changing and causing culture to shift. One accessible way of highlighting the degree to which Asian and Asian American culture has changed from past to present is through film. Alice Wow’s Saving Face and Ketene Meat’s Spices note a number of historical stereotypes, but more importantly, they pen up dialogue about the slightly functions of female and male roles. Through the combination of symbol and metaphor, setting and situation, and most Importantly, contrast between traditional and non-traditional, Alice Www and Ketene Meta enable a different understanding of Asian and Asian American femininity and masculinity in their respective films, Saving Face and Spices. Several historical stereotypes characterize traditional Asian and Asian American culture; Alice Www and Ketene Meta address these stereotypes and more. Many historical stereotypes of Aslant and Asian American culture revolve around the way a Oman should act in and outside of marriage and the way In which her Individual role contributes to the identity of a given cultural or familial group. Both Www and Meta present the traditional heterosexual married couple where the husband’s word is comparable to law. In Saving Face, Www provides the grandparents and although the grandmother can offer her input and opinion to her husband, when it comes to serious matters like kicking out their daughter as a result of an illegitimate child, which goes against another stereotype, the grandfather’s decision holds fast. In pieces, Meta presents Sarasota and the mukluk, where the authority of the husband’s word is even more evident. Stereotypically, the wife and husband are also either fairly close in age or the husband is older. Other obvious historical stereotypes relate to how a woman should act in general. According to stereotypical Asian and Asian American culture, the woman should dress femininely and be passive and non- defiant, not only to the dominant male figure In her life, but In general as well. Historically, women could not receive an education either. Altogether, this creates the tropically impression of an Asian or Asian American woman with little or no personal identity, but rather an identity where she blends into the cultural group she is a part of. Historical stereotypes of Asian and Asian American men revolve around his status as an authority figure in the family. He generally has a very dominant and controlling point of view and way of interacting with his family. By addressing these points historical stereotypes both directly and Indirectly and combining them with Asian American femininity and masculinity. Through setting and situation, Www and Meta heighten the contrast between satirical stereotype and changing times, thus allowing viewers to experience dynamic characters who change and come to exemplify transgressing individuals, as opposed to having only static characters that are stuck in a historically stereotypical mentality. Saving Face is set in what seems to be modern day New York, where diversity in all forms is represented. The openness of thought in this setting creates all sorts of situations that are starkly different from traditional Asian and Asian American stereotypes, which shy in comparison in the film. For example, the introduction of an African American best friend in the form of Jay, which the mother meets and initially Judges close-minded because of his differing race turns into a situation later on in the film where the two of them are sitting side by side on the couch sharing the experience of an Asian television show. There are also more subtle situations where anti-stereotypical, and even transgressing, thought is expressed. Another such example is the instance when the grandmother mentions how Wig’s more masculine attire is fine for a woman. These situations and similar ones pugnaciously give viewers a different understanding of how times are changing, especially in relation to Asian and Asian American femininity and masculinity, thus opening up viewers’ thoughts to other, more transgressing situations like LIGHT issues surrounding Wig’s official coming out and her acceptance into her family, as well as the idea of an illegitimate child to a much younger man. In a setting full of diversity like that in Saving Face, the unique characteristics of each individual are heightened, thus eventually giving Will the â€Å"validated[ion] for both [her] ethnic and lesbian/gay densities† and a â€Å"sense of social belonging and group cohesion† that Connie S. Chain notes are usually afforded as a result of coming out (Chain, 241). Proof of this success of both sexual and ethnic identity comes at the end of the film where the dance party, a common part of the Asian American community represented in the film, accommodates all the transgressors and accepts them, ultimately dismissing those who do not accept them by having them leave the party. In contrast, the setting of Meat’s Spices is one of rigidity and at its most basic level, uniformity. It is set in sass India, a period of British colonialism, which enforces the ideas of oppression and fear of resistance (Shores, April 9, 2014). This setting makes any type of resistance all the more outlandish and outrageous, thus drawing attention to the transgressing women and men in the film and the way in which they struggle to break historical stereotypes and gender norms. The setting of the film allows for the placement of the â€Å"all-powerful Subdued†, who exemplifies not only overbearing characteristics of colonialism, but more generally speaking, the sexual dominance of the Asian man over the Asian woman (Shores, 251). The Much plays a similar role but really expounds upon the domestic dominance an Asian or Asian American husband stereotypically has over his wife. To contrast these static characters who continue to represent these aspects throughout the duration of the film, Meta introduces transgressing men such as Master’s and ABA Mania who both have more enlightened ways of thinking in comparison to the other male characters. The stark difference in these two different sets of men, again, highlights the more of Asian and Asian American femininity and masculinity. In terms of female ranginess, this is even more evident than male transgression because of the way in which females are naturally expected to be non-defiant, especially towards the men of power in their family and in the community they are a part of. In a way, Meta uses this play on power between the Subdued and Sinbad to empower Sinbad more. If â€Å"the Subdued wants Sinbad because of her defiance† and if â€Å"her resistances is a power that excites him,† Meta suggests that a woman who is not completely submissive is more desirable than one who is because of the way she can more equally challenge a male counterpart (Shores, 250). Similarly, Meta empowers Shirtwaist by giving her acts of transgression real purpose. Each of her transgressions from putting her daughter into school, to kicking the Much out of their house, to leading the protest against the Subdued and her husband are followed by strong protests, and even violence, from her husband, thus emphasizing the true strength and ability of a female through persistent resistance and the effect it has on the dominant male figure in her life. If a woman’s role were to really be passive and unimportant, the man’s word to the public would be final and the woman loud either be literally or figuratively silenced, however the Much constantly brings up the way in which her actions continually affect his political and communal appearance, thus depicting the existence of a permanent voice. While the settings of each of the films more directly set the tone for enabling a different understanding of Asian and Asian American femininity and masculinity, symbols and metaphor enhance this understanding on a more subconscious level. In Saving Face, Www constantly brings in the image of the face, both clear and unobstructed as well as partially hidden from view (Shores, April 2, 2014). The title even mentions the face as well. This constant symbol of the face suggests personal identity and in terms of this film, alludes to an identity not based solely on either sexuality or ethnicity, but rather a cohesion of â€Å"ethnic and lesbian/gay identities† (Chain, 241). The recurrence of the image of the face hints at the importance of individual identity, especially for what would be transgressors of historical stereotypes. There is a constant reminder about the image one gives to the public and the way it differs from one’s true self. A symbol that enhances a different understanding in Spices, is the symbol, or trope, of the chili pepper. The chili peppers â€Å"symbolize women’s sexuality,† but more importantly, they not only â€Å"offer a literal and metaphoric form of resistance,† but also come to symbolize the power of colonialism and violent dominance in general because of their blood red color (Shores, 247). The scenes where Sinbad runs through and over the chili peppers and falls down symbolizes the success of colonialism and the way in which it has led to the overcoming of not only villages as a whole, but also the women themselves. At the name time, however, Sinbad gets up and continues to run over the chili peppers, showing how colonialism and oppression are overcome. By the end of the film, it is the very symbol of colonialism and violence that causes the women to come together in resistance against the Subdued, thus showing how colonialism and oppression become the very reason and purpose behind resistance, essentially acting as a spearhead against whoever imposes those things to begin with. In a more literal way become the literal weapons against the Subdued, who â€Å"embodies the colonizers power† (Shores, 249). Through this change in purpose of the symbol of chili peppers as a result of the unification of transgressing thought personified in Sinbad, Shirtwaist, ABA Mania, and the women who eventually come to use the ground up chili powder as a weapon, viewers come to a subconscious realization of a different understanding of Asian and Asian American femininity and masculinity and the way in which this understanding is truly sculpted at the hands of those who are oppressed as they come to face and conquer their oppressors. Alice Www and Ketene Meta use these various strategies and more in their exceptive films, Saving Face and Spices to enable a different understanding of Asian and Asian American femininity and masculinity. By enabling these different understandings, they break historical stereotypes of Asian and Asian American women and men and empower females in a way that gives them a starkly different image than what is commonly attributed to them. How to cite Through a Different Perspective, Papers

The Wall. As I lived behind the Iron Curtain Review Essay Example

The Wall. As I lived behind the Iron Curtain Review Paper Essay on The Wall. As I lived behind the Iron Curtain in November 1965 In the Communist newspapers write about the wild woman named Elvis Presley. It turns out that this is a man. Peter Sis, The Wall. As I grew up for iron curtain The fact that Peter Sis celebrated illustrator, animator and director, I learned immediately. But, once in the text of the book slipped mention of the cartoon about 10,000 alarms, escaped from the morning beating the hosts on a free island, then realized who I was dealing with. We will write a custom essay sample on The Wall. As I lived behind the Iron Curtain Review specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Wall. As I lived behind the Iron Curtain Review specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Wall. As I lived behind the Iron Curtain Review specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Peter Sis wrote amusing, especially in terms of illustrations and layout, a book about his life in Prague on our side of the Berlin wall. Book could be called postmodern, but rather its just a game with the location of the text on the layout. Semi-comic, mainly illyustratorskaya libertines, on every page we are waiting for a set of pictures in the style of childrens primitive psychedelic touch. Almost every picture has a signature that tells a particular fact: Tanks Enter the Soviet army in Czechoslovakia, the pioneers Lessons watered-education mandatory, in parallel at the bottom of the page carried the story of the authors name, telling about a young boy lyubivshem draw (ie, .e. about himself). From time to time turns with smooth columns diary entries over the years and dates, in which the total the history of the country, the current time, are mixed with personal, private. They Sis mentions the events of historic, reflecting the era, the importance, for example: self-immolatio n of two students on Wenceslas Square (just found in the text, and illustration); or talks about his successes (mostly failures) in the work, trying to emigrate. As it is, obviously, under the totalitarian management of the total force in the private bites. And so funny but frightening and absurd story as Ses painted illustration for the album of one group, where the airport and the signal windmill was depicted. The publisher asked him a serious question whether the wind turbine rotated correctly. It was only after an authoritative Commission made sure that the wind is blowing in the right direction, not from the West to the East. Archive and diary spreads feature is particularly interesting. The fields of the page a photograph of a young Sesa, his childhood and youth pictures, family pictures, editorials of newspapers of the time, the album art then popular groups, the poster underground Prague concerts and other historical stuff. In general, it is clear that the book is imbued with the spirit of the anti-Soviet, and reproach her in this impossible. Sis tells personal stories of how absurd, stupid, idiot invades her common. Although, frankly, describing the horrors of totalitarianism, yet few jars tolerant remark: The United States is fighting against communism in Vietnam. But, in the end, in the epilogue, in Ses says exactly that: Although one wall collapsed, others remained, and there are new It all starts with a concert Beach boys The book is primarily liked illustrative and decorative part, which is at a height. Its not often we let those still apparent domestic venerable publishing houses, bold and unusual projects. It is because of this registration book in the first place, and deserves attention.

55 Synonyms for Criticize

55 Synonyms for Criticize 55 Synonyms for â€Å"Criticize† 55 Synonyms for â€Å"Criticize† By Mark Nichol One of life’s great pleasures is the opportunity to criticize others, so it shouldn’t surprise you that the verb criticize has a rich repository of synonyms that offers so many options for expressing your low opinions of people or their words or deeds. I’ve divided the list below into four general categories. Generally, only the first features words with distinct connotations, which I’ve included; the others are fairly interchangeable within each category, and even across categories. Words Expressing Disapproval 1. Admonish: to give gentle, earnest advice 2. Censure: to condemn with formal disciplinary action 3. Chasten: to discipline or restrain 4. Chastise: to communicate severe disappointment 5. Chide: to offer mild constructive criticism 6. Condemn: to criticize wrongdoing 7. Decry: to communicate strong disapproval 8. Denounce: to target someone for disapproval, usually publicly 9. Dispraise: to publicly criticize 10. Excoriate: to indicate scathing disapproval 11. Fault: to blame 12. Fulminate: to publicly criticize 13. Lambaste: to attack verbally 14. Reprehend: to voice criticism 15. Reproach: to communicate disappointment 16. Upbraid: to offer severe criticism 17. Vituperate: to abusively criticize Words Expressing Disparagement 18. Belittle 19. Cry down 20. Denigrate 21. Depreciate 22. Derogate 23. Knock 24. Poor-mouth 25. Run down 26. Talk down 27. Vilipend Words Expressing Severe Criticism 28. Bad-mouth 29. Castigate 30. Flay 31. Hammer 32. Lace (into) 33. Lay (into) 34. Pan (especially to criticize a performance or a proposal) 35. Slag Words Expressing Reprimand or Scolding 36. Bawl out 37. Berate 38. Call down (another meaning is â€Å"to invite or entreat†) 39. Chew out 40. Dress down 41. Harangue 42. Jaw 43. Keelhaul 44. Lecture 45. Rag 46. Rail (against) 47. Rant 48. Rate 49. Ream (or ream out) 50. Rebuke 51. Reprove 52. Score 53. Tongue-lash 54-55. Two additional words used only in their noun form are commination (â€Å"denunciation†) and objurgation (â€Å"a harsh rebuke†). Many other words such as assail and scathe can be suitable depending on the context but have senses closer to â€Å"attack† than â€Å"criticize.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Comparative Forms of AdjectivesHang, Hung, HangedPresent Participle as Adjective

How to decide if college is the right choice for you

How to decide if college is the right choice for you Get your degree if you want to succeed. This is pretty common advice for students who are trying to figure out what comes next in their lives. And education is always a good solution if you want to build knowledge and skills. Plus, a degree is usually a baseline requirement for more and more jobs out there, as many people find when they hit the job market with a high school diploma (or equivalent certificate) in hand. But a college degree is also a significant investment of time, money, and personal resources, so it’s more important than ever to make sure it’s the right choice for your own life. Is it worthwhile for everyone? And more importantly, is it worthwhile for you? Let’s look at the most important factors to consider as you decide whether or not to go for that college degree.Consider the debt†¦Any conversation about college these days has to involve the specter of staggering debt. Per CollegeData.com, the average price tag for a college education is $25,290 per year for a state college or university, and $50,900 for a private college or university. And tuition isn’t the only cost to consider: housing, books, and living expenses all factor in as well.Many students are able to make these ends meet with scholarships, grants, or working while they also attend colleges. But increasingly, students and their families are turning to student loans to cover college expenses. As of 2017, student loan debt is the second-highest consumer debt category, trailing only mortgage debt, per Forbes. The average student now carries $37,172 in student loan debt as they graduate and prepare to enter the workforce. Given that the average grad makes less than $50,000 per year to start, this can be a significant financial burden at the start of a career. And the default rate for student loans is 11.2%, suggesting that grads are not always able to cope with this debt as they move on after college.†¦but also consider the earning potential  W hile student load debt is becoming a significant national burden, it’s also seen as a kind of necessary evil when you look at how much college grads make vs. their counterparts who have a high school diploma or an incomplete college degree.According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, college grads experience significantly lower unemployment the more advanced their degrees become. College grads also earn more, on average: the median weekly earnings for someone with a high school diploma jumps from $692 to $1,156 if the person has a bachelor’s degree. To put it in even more concrete terms, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics, a bachelor’s degree (or higher) adds $15,000 per year in income.So is college worth it?If we’re going by the stats, then, frankly, yes. On paper, college graduates are likely to make more and experience a lower unemployment rate. But life is rarely so straightforward and easy checked off by â€Å"yes† or â€Å"no,† so let’s look at questions you need to ask yourself before you take this step.What are my goals?If you dream of becoming an accountant or a computer programmer, then these are fields that require specific expertise and academic credentials. If your ultimate goal is to work in retail management, then that’s a field where experience can trump an education credential on a resume. The first step in any â€Å"is college for me?† debate is figuring out what your ideal future holds.Can I achieve those goals in a non-traditional way?Here’s where alternative education programs become a crucial part of the dialogue. It may be that your target profession has specific education and certification programs that require less time and investment than a traditional college program, where you may be taking courses and meeting requirements that have nothing to do with your eventual profession. Allied health professions are a great example of this- man y healthcare positions require a degree (like registered nursing or anesthesiologist), but there are plenty of jobs in the field that do not (like optician or surgical technologists) and instead require a job-specific certification and on-the-job training.Trade schools can be a valid alternative to a four-year program, providing exactly the knowledge and expertise you’ll need for your career goals, and often for a more affordable price than you’d see at a traditional four-year school.What’s my financial plan?If you can afford to pay for college straight up, that’s fantastic! If you can’t, then you need to have a plan. Whether it’s Harvard or a trade school, you’ll have to account for the costs of your future educational path. Based on your eventual job goals, how much will you be able to afford to pay on the average starting salary for that job? Sites like Salary.com and PayScale.com are great for helping you play around with that kin d of math and determining what people are realistically making in your potential field.Can I find a less expensive way to build your college degree?Many students opt to start off their college career at a community college, taking core classes and then transferring to a four-year college to finish the degree. This has a couple of benefits: it’s less expensive than four years at a traditional college or university, may cut down on extra expenses like room and board if you can live at home, and also gives you time to decide whether you’re on the right path, education-wise. If you get to the end of a four-year program only to discover that you’ve made a huge mistake in your major or concentration, then you’ve wasted both your time and (likely) a lot of money. If you take the community college route to study phlebotomy and discover in the process that maybe you’re not destined to be a doctor because you can’t stand the sight of blood after all, you’ve saved yourself a very expensive revelation later on.The bottom line is that college is an asset for the average person, but it might not be worthwhile for you, the non-average person. It’s important to consider what your individual career goals are and whether you truly need the expertise and credentials that a four-year school can provide. You shouldn’t feel roped into getting an expensive degree just because everyone is telling you that you should. Instead, it should be a decision based on careful thought about what the college degree would mean for your professional life, your future finances, and your ability to commit to that four-year degree. After all, you’re unique, and your path to achieving your professional ambitions should be one that works for yourself- not anyone else.