run them through vocational interest tests beginning in early high school. When you have poor kids, you have these truly..oh I am on a roll here...not very bright people telling them..oh you don't have to choose anything in high school. They, some of the lucky ones..get to college...oh you don't have to choose a major your first year or two..or even in college...you can choose in graduate school. Now fine, if you want a young man lounging on your sofa at the age of 25 and can afford to support him and perhaps some drug habits..but no. When there are poor students involved, and I of course would say this applies to everyone...tell them..do make a choice. Now. There are only about 6 paths they have to choose from, and they will be reasonably happy in the right one..regardless of how they go..The trick is not how high you go, but getting in the right path. Most people know in high school, with some help, where their interests and strengths lie. If you decide later you made a mistake, there are ways of backtracking etc. There are students who are truly not sure...ever...nature put them there for a reason..to be flexible. Suggest they get the proverbial teacher's degree, or a business degree, or learn a skilled trade. It is better to not allow them to get stuck in this endless..oh I can't choose a major syndrome...the consequences are greater if they are poor..but again it applies to everyone.

And encourage them to go to state schools, unless they are the most brilliant person ever, which most aren't. Good and competent, yes...it causes too many problems for them to be too far from their families and they can't afford to come home for holidays and visits etc.

Well, I have to get back to work now. Thanks for asking for my input.

Don't let me get started on cheerleaders. mg