This time of year, high school students are constantly riddled with a series of dreadful questions. How are your college applications coming along? Where are you applying? What’s your intended major? Most students dread these questions because of the stress applying for college ensues. But for some, it’s the fact that they’re not thinking about college at all.

In some cases, the traditional college experience isn’t desired, and this shouldn’t be so abnormal or disappointing to the people around them. In a society that’s becoming much less cookie cutter, why is college becoming so obligatory?

Even just ten years ago, future plans were not exclusive to college or further education. There was the popular option of heading straight into a career, joining the military, attending a trade school or even enrolling in community college.

The picture-perfect ideal of a four year university has become a socially mandated part of our society. Anything else is considered unorthodox.

Just because these options aren’t traditional, doesn’t mean they aren’t valid.

Although the ridiculous amount of debt you’ll surely be drowning in for years to come, and your first real experience away from home can sound quite intimidating, college can be really important in molding your future. If your grades weren’t the greatest, don’t rule out community college. While the immediate cons of going to college and paying for it can be overwhelming, consider the benefits of pursuing a similar education that will cost a significantly lower amount of money.

The stigma revolving around community college is that it’s for kids who slacked off during high school or didn’t have the general intelligence to keep their grades up. This is not true by any definition. Time and time again community college graduates prove this idea wrong. The idea of saving money by starting at a community college and finishing your degree at a four year college or university has rapidly increased among students who have all of the means to go to a university except for financially. In the end, you’ll only be saving money to receive the same education.

For students who choose to pursue a practice like cosmetology, college is not necessarily the best option. A standard four year university won’t be able to supply you with the experience a trade school that focuses solely on your career path will. Trade schools allow for a more hands-on setting when it comes to focusing on a specific trade. Also under the umbrella of a specialized schooling approach are career paths like computer technology and automotive repair. Tech schools and automotive institutes also offer more direct information to steer you in the direction of what you’re planning on pursuing.

For some students, the greatest skills they can acquire will be obtained in the military. Not only can you get an education within the military, but if you choose to go to college after serving in the military, it can be completely paid for. While serving in the military you can learn skills like dedication, hard work, responsibility. Similar to skills you would learn in a traditional college environment.

There is always the option to build a career straight out of high school. If the profession you’re considering, like retail or hospitality, doesn’t require further education, why spend the money on it?

Sure, college is an incredible opportunity, and arguably, the most solid chance at a stable and well-paying career. But spending four years away from home, and easily over one hundred thousand dollars doing so isn’t an aspiration for everyone. There are other options to be explored, despite the constant pressure to go to your standard college or university.

College should be viewed as a choice, not a requisite. Young people should have the option to travel, volunteer, explore their interests and intern without the fear of being ridiculed for it. College is an option, but not the only option.