In today's world, where information is just a click away and resources are plentiful, many are starting to question the real value of traditional schooling. While college has traditionally been seen as the pathway to knowledge and success, its rising costs, outdated teaching methods, and lack of real-world relevance have many wondering if students are getting a raw deal. In simple terms, is the school system more of a scam than a source of genuine learning? The answer is YES.
Click the following link to watch my YouTube videos about why college is a scam: College Is a SCAM!!! Video Playlist
Reasons Why College Is a Scam
The High Cost of Tuition
A decade ago, it was already evident that the cost of college education was rising at an alarming rate. Today, those numbers have only grown. In some countries, particularly the U.S., the choice to attend college leads college students to end up paying tens of thousands of dollars per year just for an undergraduate degree. This steep price tag often doesn't guarantee a high-paying job upon graduation, leaving many to wonder: is it worth the investment?
The Student Loan Crisis
Linked directly to rising tuition costs (in-state tuition and out-of-state tuition) is the looming student loan crisis. The vast majority of college students are graduating with monumental debt with high interest rates, shackled to repayments for decades. The U.S. alone has surpassed $1.5 trillion in student loan debt. The weight of this debt can stifle college graduates' life choices, hindering their ability to buy homes, start families, or even pursue certain careers.
Blind Memorization Over Real Learning
The current education system places a heavy emphasis on exams, tests, and grades. Rather than encouraging a deep understanding of subjects, students feel pressured to merely blindly memorize information temporarily for the sake of passing exams. This short-term retention hardly benefits anyone in the long run. Once the test is over, much of the "learned" information is forgotten.
School prioritizes blind memorization over critical thinking and creativity. Blind memorization and then regurgitation on exams. It is a never-ending cycle that occurs in college. Students spend years cramming facts and figures to pass exams, yet many of these details are quickly forgotten and seldom used in real-world applications. This outdated approach kills innovation and fails to prepare students for the complex problem-solving they will encounter in the professional world.
College is not for learning. It is a place where you are forced to do your chores. Colleges do not teach anything. They just force students to “study” on their own and memorize a ton of useless information under the threat of failing some exam if they don’t memorize it all. Students just memorize the useless information so they can pass an exam, then forget everything they were forced to memorize after the exam.
A Disconnect from Real-World Skills
There's a stark difference between academic knowledge and real-world applicability. School doesn’t equip students with practical life skills. How many of us left school knowing how to file taxes, manage investments, or understand mortgages?
Entrepreneurship drives economies, yet very few schools offer comprehensive courses on how to start or manage a business. Topics crucial for adult life such as personal finance, entrepreneurship, and basic legal knowledge are often glaringly absent from the curriculum.
The One-Size-Fits-All Approach
Each student (college student, high school student, etc.) is unique, with individual strengths, interests, and learning styles. Yet, schools tend to adopt a universal approach to teaching. This lack of personalization can lead to disengagement, with many students feeling underserved or misunderstood.
Outdated Curricula
The world evolves, but curricula in many institutions don’t keep pace. Students are often learning from textbooks that are years, if not decades, old. The delay in updating academic content can leave college graduates ill-prepared for contemporary challenges in their respective fields.
Expensive Textbooks with Minimal Use
Every semester, students spend hundreds, sometimes thousands, on textbooks. It's not uncommon for a course to require a costly book that's scarcely referred to throughout the term. The cycle of new editions being released makes it difficult to resell or reuse these books, forcing students to continually invest in new, pricey materials.
Undervalued Vocational Training
The narrative for young people for a long time has been that a traditional four-year degree is superior to vocational or trade schools. This not only devalues the essential roles that tradespeople play in society but also pushes most students towards academic paths that may not align with their strengths or interests. A four-year college degree (useless piece of paper) is not superior to a vocational or trade school.
Overemphasis on College Degrees
In many fields, the insistence on having a college degree (useless piece of paper) for entry-level positions is excessive. Some professional jobs that required only a high school diploma a couple of decades ago now ask for a bachelor's degree, even if the tasks haven't significantly changed or become more complex. This college degree inflation forces more individuals into higher education, often without a proportional increase in job benefits or salaries.
The Illusion of Job Security
Many high school graduates pursue higher education under the impression it guarantees job security. However, the reality is that many college grads struggle to find well paying, good jobs in their fields. Institutions often advertise high placement rates, but the fine print might reveal these numbers include part-time positions, unrelated roles, or temporary gigs.
You Can Learn on Your Own: How the Internet and Books Have Democratized Learning
The rise of the internet and the vast reservoir of information available at our fingertips have revolutionized the way we access and consume knowledge. Gone are the days when formal education was the sole gateway to specialized knowledge. Today, with a little initiative, dedication, and direction, individuals can educate themselves in almost any domain they choose. Here's how self-education has become an empowering tool in the 21st century:
Vast Online Resources
Online Courses
Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, Khan Academy, and edX offer a plethora of courses ranging from humanities and arts to computer science and business. While some courses have fees, many are available for free.
YouTube
Whether you want to learn guitar, quantum physics, or graphic design, there's probably a YouTuber with lessons tailored for you. Many YouTube channels have made complex subjects approachable and engaging.
eBooks and Digital Libraries
The democratization of knowledge isn't limited to courses. Websites like Project Gutenberg provide thousands of free classic literary and academic texts. Platforms like Amazon's Kindle or Apple's Book Store have made purchasing and accessing books easier than ever.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
For those who prefer auditory learning or want to maximize their time during commutes, podcasts and audiobooks can be invaluable. These formats have seen an explosion in topics, with experts from various fields sharing their knowledge, often for free.
Online Forums and Communities
Websites like Stack Exchange, Reddit, or Quora allow for peer-to-peer learning. Here, individuals can pose questions, participate in discussions, and get insights from experienced professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Online learning platforms also foster communities of like-minded learners from around the globe, providing networking opportunities and collaborative learning environments that were previously confined to physical classrooms.
Affordable or Free Software
Tools and software that were once exclusive to institutions or professionals are now available either free or at a minimal cost. For instance, budding filmmakers can learn editing using software like DaVinci Resolve, which has a robust free version. Aspiring digital artists can use tools like GIMP or Blender.
The Dawn of Self-Directed Learning: AI as a Catalyst
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the traditional classroom setting is being challenged by a surge of self-directed learning opportunities. At the forefront of this educational revolution is the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI not only opens doors to personalized, on-demand learning but also acts as a catalyst, propelling individuals towards a self-paced, tailored educational journey.
This shift is rapidly rendering the conventional schooling system obsolete and even more useless, showcasing a new era where learning is not confined to four walls but is a lifelong, accessible, and individual-centric endeavor.
Personalized Learning Experiences
AI-powered platforms can tailor learning experiences to meet individual needs, pace, and level of understanding. Unlike the one-size-fits-all approach of traditional classrooms, AI can dynamically adjust the difficulty level of the material, provide immediate feedback, and present concepts in a variety of ways to ensure comprehension.
Vast Reservoirs of Knowledge
The internet, coupled with AI, has democratized access to information. Now, a plethora of resources, including online courses, tutorials, and forums are at one's fingertips. AI can sift through vast amounts of information to provide precise answers and recommend further resources, making self-directed learning more efficient and effective.
Real-World Skill Development
Many online platforms now offer courses on practical, real-world skills, from entrepreneurship and financial literacy to coding and digital marketing. AI can further enhance this by providing real-time, hands-on projects and simulations that mimic real-world challenges and scenarios, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Cost-Effective Learning
Learning through AI and online platforms is a significantly more cost-effective alternative to traditional schooling. Not only can individuals learn at their own pace, but they can also save a substantial amount by avoiding hefty tuition fees and associated costs of attending a brick-and-mortar institution.
Lifelong Learning
In a rapidly evolving world, the ability to continually update and expand one's knowledge is invaluable. AI facilitates a culture of lifelong learning, where individuals can easily stay abreast of the latest developments in their field, something that traditional education with its fixed curriculum fails to offer.
YouTube vs. Traditional College "Education": The Incentive to Educate
In the arena of education, the traditional college system and platforms like YouTube operate on very different models, both in structure and incentive. Here's a breakdown of the key differences and why some believe YouTube might offer a more conducive learning environment.
Incentive to Excel
In many colleges, especially larger institutions, professors are salaried employees. Their pay often doesn't fluctuate based on the quality of their lectures or the success of their students. The college system doesn't reward their instructors for going above and beyond in their teaching methods.
Conversely, YouTube operates on a performance-driven model. Content creators are directly incentivized by the platform's algorithms to produce high-quality, engaging content. More views not only mean more revenue but also a greater audience reach, pushing creators to constantly innovate and refine their content for their viewers.
Fresh and Updated Content
Traditional college curricula can often lag behind the rapid pace of real-world developments. Year after year, the same material is presented, with updates being slow and bureaucratic. On the other hand, YouTube creators are not bound by such rigid structures. They can instantly respond to new information, trends, or advancements in their field, ensuring their audience gets the most updated and relevant content.
Flexibility in Content Delivery
College lectures are traditionally confined to fixed schedules and durations. This rigid structure sometimes means compressing complex topics into tight timeframes or extending simpler topics to fill the allocated slot. YouTube creators face no such constraints. They have the freedom to tailor the length of their videos to the content, ensuring thorough coverage without unnecessary rush or drag.
Accessibility and Pace
With college, you might get one shot at understanding a lecture. If you miss out or don't grasp a concept, catching up can be challenging. YouTube offers the luxury of pausing, rewinding, re-watching, and even speeding up videos. Learners can consume content at their own pace, ensuring comprehension and retention.
College Clowns: Debating and Protesting for the Sake of Feeling Important
College is like an echo chamber for people who love the sound of their own voice. Most students seem to think that being in college automatically makes them qualified to argue about anything and everything. It doesn’t really matter what the topic is—if there is a debate or protest, they're there, shouting their half-baked opinions and thinking they’re changing the world. That's why you see so many speakers targeting colleges. They know that college campuses are full of eager students who are just looking for something to argue about. The speakers show up, debate the students, record the whole thing, and boom—content for YouTube that’ll get them clicks.
These speakers know the game. They understand that college students are easy targets. The students want to argue, they want to protest, and they think that’s what being in college is all about. It’s like a weird rite of passage for them—to scream into a microphone in front of a building they don’t even like being in. The speakers take full advantage of this, because it makes for good entertainment.
College students think they’re in the trenches of some intellectual battleground, when in reality, they’re just part of someone else’s content machine. It’s all performance, and the students are the willing actors, with no idea they’re just being used to get views. They want to argue because they think that’s what college is about, but at the end of the day, it's pretty clear: college students are just idiots who like to argue about anything, while someone else is cashing in on their cluelessness.
The "Woke Mind Virus" in Higher Education
In recent years, there's been growing criticism around what Elon Musk has dubbed the "woke mind virus" infecting higher education. The term refers to an ideological shift that has permeated many college campuses, where the focus on critical thinking has been replaced by a culture of conformity and groupthink. Instead of fostering an environment where diverse ideas can be openly discussed, many institutions have become echo chambers for a narrow set of sociopolitical beliefs. Musk argues that this trend, often referred to as "wokeness," is damaging the quality of education and stifling intellectual diversity.
The "woke mind virus" is often marked by an overemphasis on identity politics, censorship of dissenting voices, and a tendency to label any disagreement as harmful or offensive. This creates a climate where students are not challenged to engage with uncomfortable or opposing viewpoints. Instead, they are taught to embrace a predetermined narrative, often at the expense of meaningful debate. Colleges, once intended to be places of exploration and critical discourse, have increasingly shifted towards ideological indoctrination.
Many argue that this ideological rigidity not only limits personal growth but also leaves students ill-prepared for the real world, where different perspectives and the ability to think independently are crucial. Instead of equipping young people with the skills to reason, adapt, and innovate, the modern university system seems more interested in producing ideological clones. As a result, the return on investment for a college education becomes even more questionable. If students are paying thousands of dollars only to be conditioned into a single worldview rather than taught how to think freely and critically, then the value proposition of college truly deserves to be called into question.
The influence of the "woke mind virus" extends beyond individual campuses—it affects the culture at large. It’s no wonder that many, like Musk, believe that this ideological movement is detrimental not just to education, but to society as a whole, as it hampers creativity, open dialogue, and innovation—all of which are necessary for progress.
Charlie Kirk's "The College Scam"
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, delves into the intricacies of the modern college education system in his provocative book, "The College Scam." In the book, Kirk casts a critical eye on the contemporary college industry, unraveling the multiple layers of what he perceives as a facade veiling the harsh realities of academia today. Fox News even published an article about Charlie Kirk and his book, "The College Scam."
Kirk questions the conventional wisdom behind sending kids to college, especially considering the exorbitant costs involved. He scrutinizes the worth of spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on degrees that he argues may not provide value in the real world, thus challenging the widely held belief in the inherent value of a college education
"The College Scam" is more than just an exposition of the perceived flaws in the education system; it's a call for reflection and action. Kirk encourages readers to question the traditional pathways to success and explore alternative avenues that might offer a more practical and financially sound approach to achieving one's career and life goals.
The College Admissions Scandal: Unmasking the Corruption of Higher Education
When the college admissions scandal at the University of Southern California (USC) and other elite institutions came to light, it sent shockwaves through the world of higher education. The scandal not only exposed glaring inequities but also further fueled the debate about the value and integrity of the college system.
The college admissions scandal, widely known as "Operation Varsity Blues," unraveled in 2019 when it was discovered that wealthy individuals had paid large sums of money to a college admissions consultant, who then bribed college coaches and other insiders to secure spots for their children at prestigious institutions, including USC. This egregious breach of trust and fairness highlighted how money, rather than merit, often dictates who gets a seat at the table of higher education.
Moreover, the college admissions scandal is a slap in the face for hardworking students who spend years preparing for college. They burn the midnight oil, cramming useless information deemed necessary to excel in pointless standardized tests and maintaining a high GPA, often at the expense of their well-being and broader education. Yet, despite their efforts, many of these deserving students are rejected in favor of those whose families can afford to buy their way in.
The USC admissions scandal is a glaring illustration of the corruption embedded within college institutions, reinforcing the argument that college can indeed be a scam. The very essence of higher education, which should epitomize fairness, equal opportunity, and the pursuit of knowledge, is undermined when admission processes are manipulated by wealth and deceit. This scandal not only discourages deserving students but also questions the legitimacy and the value of a college degree, casting a long shadow over the ideal of meritocracy that colleges ostensibly uphold.
Unfair Play in Admissions
At the heart of the scandal was the revelation that wealthy parents had bribed coaches and college insiders to secure spots for their children at elite institutions. These backdoor entries were made under the guise of athletic recruitments, even when the students in question had little to no experience in the sport they were supposedly being "recruited" for.
The Irony of Meritocracy
Colleges and universities, especially elite ones, often tout the idea of meritocracy: that students are admitted based on their achievements, potential, and character. However, the USC scandal laid bare the hypocrisy of this claim. On one hand, countless hardworking students spend years honing their skills, achieving high grades, and partaking in extracurriculars in hopes of gaining admission to their dream college. On the other hand, a privileged few bypassed this rigorous process with nothing more than a hefty bank transfer.
Questioning the System
If spots at prestigious institutions can be bought, what value does the admission process hold? How can students and parents trust a system riddled with such blatant corruption? The scandal underscored a disturbing reality: rather than being the great equalizer, higher education, in some cases, perpetuates and amplifies existing social and economic disparities.
The false belief that college is the gateway to success and a better future is continuously being debunked by such corrupt practices. The USC admissions scandal, among other issues, elucidates the urgent need for a thorough re-evaluation and reform of a corrupt higher education system that has lost its way amidst greed and dishonesty.
College Is a SCAM Conclusion
In a rapidly evolving world, where information flows freely and skills are often self-taught, it's crucial to reassess the structures that have long defined education. It's undeniable that aspects of the system seem out of touch with today's realities. Soaring costs, a potential disconnect from real-world needs, and the treasure trove of affordable learning resources outside school walls force us to reconsider our blind allegiance to established educational norms.
Everything can be learned on your own. What sets self-education apart is the sheer autonomy it offers. Learners can pace themselves, dive deep into subjects of interest, and skip areas they deem unnecessary. While this freedom is empowering, it also demands discipline, discernment, and dedication. However, for those willing to take the reins of their education, the digital world offers a rich tapestry of knowledge, waiting to be explored.
College is a scam. It is not for learning. It is a place where you are forced to do your chores. Colleges do not teach anything. They just force students to “study” on their own and memorize a ton of useless information under the threat of failing some exam if they don’t memorize it all. Students just memorize the useless information so they can pass an exam, then forget everything they were forced to memorize after the exam.
Click the following link to watch my YouTube videos about why college is a scam: College Is a SCAM!!! Video Playlist