If you live in America, you have undoubtedly taken at least four college-preparation tests during your school years. This includes everything from the SATs, something required by most colleges, to state-sponsored, in-school tests to see how you understand the curriculum material. However, while the immediate purpose of these tests is to get students ready for college, the long-term 'goal' seems to be overlooked. The point of school, tests, college, everything- is success. And success does not require a degree in college.

For children who want to be doctors, dentists, or teachers, college is indeed important. If your life won't be complete without a job in these fields, then college will be important for you. However, it is possible to succeed without a college education, even common. When it comes to examples of those who thrived without finishing college, many people like to use Bill Gates and other famous millionaires or billionaires as examples. These aren't the only people who accomplished a lot without a college degree, however. Many jobs can be done without a degree.

Among the many jobs where a degree is not absolutely required are modeling, acting, stock market related jobs, teaching college (provided you have valuable experience in some field or have lived through a period of history and thus can teach about it), air traffic control, Fire fighting (In a town with a paid FD), Real Estate Broker, Pilot, and plumbing. All of these careers promise a decent paycheck that can be lived on, without the need for a degree. Some basic amount of education is still important, of course, but it need not always be a traditional one. While a high school diploma is usually needed for jobs, it isn't always required. Reliable plumbers, for example, are not numerous enough, and so can be in high demand. On the other hand, to be a college professor, you do need at least a high school diploma, although those with valuable life experience may be able to teach without a college degree, depending on the subject.

All in all, a college degree is not necessary for success, if your idea of success is merely to make enough money to live comfortably. On the other hand, people who have their hearts set on a job that is very important and competitive, such as being a doctor or nurse, will most definitely need at the least a college education, and probably grad school as well.

Learn more about this author, Carly Kade.
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