Quote Originally Posted by Mowgli
I went to college right out of high school. I floundered for a few years, then figured out how me and the system worked together. I will echo some of the other comments here about changing majors. I changed three times, once in my senior year.

I would disagree with Mike n NC though. I got a liberal arts degree and it has served me well. It was not a ticket to a job but more of an initiation to learning. I got a fairly well rounded education, learned how to learn and realized how much I didn't know or how much there is to learn in the world. I didn't use my degree direclty in any of my past jobs. Mike n NC is right though, that a degree without experience is not a meal ticket.

Oddly enough, I went to trade school later and my college education (and maturity) put me at the top of my class. Ultimately, I didn't stay in that profession either.

My best advice would be to work for a year or two, live on your own to see what it takes to survive, then start classes at your local community college. (Don't wait too long though, you might get locked into a job.) They are cheaper than universities, are smaller and more close knit and have flexible schedules to fit around work. Once you get your the basics, like Sherry said, you can transfer to a university and take some real world experience with you.
Thanks for the comments regarding community colleges. I strongly believe in the whole ethos of the community college as "the people's college", since allows so many people from many different backgrounds the opportunity to receive an education in a chosen trade and/or liberal arts as well.

And Mike in NC: I totally agree with you about tempering education with common sense -- believe me, many in academia that I know have not learned that lesson. That's exactly why I chose not to persue my PhD in history! ;)

Cheers,

Todd