Based on my understanding, I do believe that the American higher educational system is an example of a dystopia. Not everyone can afford higher education beyond the high school level. Those that can afford it have a higher chance of obtaining a higher degree in a shorter amount of time than those that cannot afford it. For instance, those who cannot afford to go to college after high school must work in order to pay for a standard associateās or bachelorās degree. Meanwhile, those who can afford going to college will most likely be able to continue their education beyond a bachelorās degree and afford their appropriate post-grad program. The American higher educational system creates a division between the rich and the poor. Those who are rich, not only have a less likely chance of being in debt, but they also have more job opportunities and a greater social network due to their higher degree.
Why do ACT/SAT preparation classes cost money? Why do people who want to attend college have to pay for each of their applications? Why does attending college cost so much? Why do post-grad programs cost even more? Why is the cost of taking a grad school entry test so expensive? Based on these questions, it is evident that the American higher educational system favors and benefits those who have more money than those who have less. The more money one has, the more opportunities they have to increase their education with less difficulty. The American higher education system weeds out students who cannot afford it or students who aren’t āsmartā enough. Because society instills in us that oneās success is determined through their level of degree, the control and fear that is generated through the American higher educational system demonstrates that is is a dystopia.
