A Compare/Contrast Essay

High School vs . College : The Contrast

After four grueling years in that beloved institution where we spend the free and happy days of our unraveling lives , the high school , we are directed to climb a higher level of education called college . However with its very high college dropout rate , most of America 's youth never know the difference anymore . Nevertheless , there are several points of comparison and contrast between the two education levels . The identification of these contrasts can be a necessary tool to aid those who have decided to take on

an extra mile by pursuing a degree (Breitspecher , 2006 Personal Freedom

Let us start drawing contrasts between high school and college in the aspect of personal freedom . Basically , high school is compulsory because it is usually offered free of charge . We really have no choice but to pursue high school , if we want to be called normal . However , pursuing the next level , which is college , is a prerogative . This is especially true in the US , where the number of those who pursue college is dwindling . A probable reason for this is the more difficult and serious nature of the college level , and the escalating costs that it requires of those who dream of it (Murray State University , 2006

Further , the two has a contrast in terms of personal freedom in the sense of management , be it in time , finances , and activities . In high school , we usually live with our parents , and are therefore subject to their rules and regulations , which may involve curfews . Our teachers and the school administration are also in control of our time as we are basically given time schedules , and we are supposed to merely follow suit . For whatever activities we may want to join in , we must first ask the permission of our parents , and the school asks for their permission if they are school-based activities . Along with joining any activity the money we will be needing for finance must be asked from our parents and in that way , we are restricted to their bidding (Murray State University , 2006

In college , people usually move out and live on their own . Then , we are left to do as we choose to . However , this independence is accompanied by certain responsibilities , moral , and economic restrictions . For one , we are free to join any activity of our choice . However , we are also held responsible for the consequences of our choices . We are also left on our own to spend our money for whatever purposes , but we are also held responsible to pay for our bills and purchase our basic necessities (Murray State University , 2006

Essentially , these contrasts on personal freedom stem from the society 's growing expectations for us . In high school , we are deemed in need of guidance so our parents direct , and in that sense control , our everyday details . In college , we are expected to have learned from our high school experiences , and mature enough to act responsibly when left on our own . As quoted...