I think the importance of getting scholarships and grants for college is very high for different reasons. We live in a world where education can advance you socially and economically. An example would be having a degree can take you from a low paying job, to a very successful career. College is very expensive, even if all you get is an associates degree. The cost defers some people away from going altogether. However, there are ways to cut the burden of the expenses of college. That's why getting scholarships and grants are so important. They lower the cost of college and your student loans. Students loans can take years to pay off, so getting scholarships and grants in the beginning can drastically cut total costs. Another important reason why scholarships and grants are important is because some scholarships and grants have options for minority groups to be acknowledged and allowed to attend college when they probably wouldn't have without the minority-recognized scholarship or grant.

A. What do I have left to do?

I've already done my housing and my meal plan for UNT. The down payment was paid for both. What I have left to do is find a roommate and prepare for living in a dorm, meaning I've got to buy stuff for it. 

B. I will look tonight on the website for a roommate. I did a roommate match where it matches up our personalities. I have already contacted three of my top matches but we weren't actually compatible. As far as buying stuff for my dorm, I'm going to focus on that in the summer.

C. Academically, I am content with where I am. I raised my GPA and got a better class ranking since last year. Although I could have done even better on both, I am okay with where I am academically.

D. At first I was really on board with UNT. I still am, but I'm just having doubts. I feel like I could be doing something or going somewhere better and the expenses are going to be really rough. I'm going to have to work my way through college to pay of loans. I hope UNT is the right choice, but as of right now I'm going to see how the first semester goes and just go from there. 

College Degree

I think a college degree is necessary and worth the cost for economic and social success. I think it is very dependent on your major and intended career, but having an associates degree at the least is important in our day and age. 

It has been studied and proven that college-educated workers earn more than those with only a high school diploma. In terms of economical success, having a degree has shown to be financially rewarding in the end. Even though there will most likely be student loans to pay off after the long  and hard years spent in college, the pay off comes when your salary is doubled, or even tripled than that of someone with just a high school diploma.

 In college, you make connections with people that have potential to influence your future. The more prestigious the school, the better connections and contacts you make. College is also a time in which you make long lasting relationships and you grow as a person. This is how having a degree can create social success. 

The US School System Compared to Others

I personally think the United States school system is very successful in many ways, however it definitely has its flaws, just like many other school systems implemented by other countries.
America has a traditional approach to education, but is evolving to be more liberal and contemporary in terms of teaching methods. Public education is universally available, with control and funding coming from the state, local, and federal government. I would rate the United States school system to be very good, but compared to the Finnish school system, the United States falls short in some areas that Finland outshines.
Finland's school systems are actually extremely successful. Their school hours are cut in half compared to America's, no homework, 50 minutes of recess, and free lunch. While America moved towards standardized testing, Finnish schools used nationwide tests to evaluate teachers and students and schools, instead of relying on smaple-based, "one size fits all" tests.
American schools and Finnish schools alike provide an ample amount of opportunities. America has specialized schools for students that are geared to enhance specific education in their field of study, such as liberal arts high schools, science based high schools, performing arts schools, and much more.
The United States school systems also have special education programs that were made mandatory in 1975. Third world countries such as Haiti, The Dominican Republic, parts of India and others don't include special education programs in their school system.
Overall, I'd rate American school systems in terms of opportunities it gives students very high. The opportunity is out there and very available. Sometimes that privileged opportunity comes at a price, but the fact is that the opportunity is there.