My dad and I had a recent conversation about college education.  I told my dad that I think EVERY high school graduate should take two off from schooling after high school, before being allowed to go to college. They should be required to: a) join the military; b) or join a voluntary service group (e.g. Americorps); c) I would also add to that getting an entry level job working away from home.   If this were to happen, I think the kids who do go to college would have a lot more focus, would have a better understanding of themselves, and why they are there.  I don't ever think the post-high school education industry would ever support this, though.