The Biggest Problem with the U.S. Education System

...other than cost. Because cost is definitely a huge problem, in particular the cost of college is out of control.

There's another problem, and it's an enormous one: no clear transition to the real world.

Think about it. As early as you remember in life, you attend Pre-K or Kindergarten, then grade school, middle school, high school, and then potentially college or university. At each stage, there's a next stage. There's a clear path.

But when you hit the end of the road of education, you then journey into the unknown, and most graduates aren't feeling prepared for that part.

First, you need to get a job. In a perfect world, high schools, colleges & universities would work hand-in-hand with both private companies & government institutions to set up internships, apprenticeships, and even full-time jobs, providing a clear on-ramp to life after school.

Left alone to search for that first job, students face hurdles such as:

• Uncertain fit with major
• High competition
• Little work experience
• Few or no skills
• Little networking

According to Public School Review, the focus on standardized tests and memorization are part of the issue for students not being prepared for the real world after school. Relevant experience would be more useful, and that includes more time outside of the classroom rather than in it.

There's also the catch-22 of job postings requiring experience, but entry-level job seekers not having experience. That's one reason college students have had trouble landing that first job after school, per the BBC.

Look, the one thing the U.S. education system needs to do is prepare its students for life after school. It's just not hitting the mark right now. Some students are finding their way, no doubt, but countless are being left on their own with inadequate preparation.