SHOULD FUTURE WRITER GO TO COLLEGE?

Dear Jellybean,

I'm supposed to be going to university in September, after I do my A-levels. The trouble is, that now I'm not sure if I want to. I want to be a scriptwriter, and I don't need a degree for that (I'd be doing English) so I was thinking of just becoming a writer and trying to make money out of that. It would suit me, because I've always been kinda bohemian and a free spirit. The major problem is money, but University would cost a lot too. If I could just follow my heart, I would go to California and try to find work - get a job as a waitress or something and write the rest of the time. But I know that that would probably be impractical and useless. I guess the problem is that I'm fed up with formal schooling and now I want to begin my education. I don't feel appreciated at 6th form college and I know I could do better. The question is: should I go to uni and if not, what would I do?
Luv,
Leigh

Dear Leigh,

I know a whole lot of successful writers, and this is what they tell me:

1) Waitresses don't make much money. In fact, they work such long hours to make enough to live on, that they don't have a moment's extra time for doing anything "extra" such as writing screenplays. Apartments are expensive in California. And by the way, waitressing jobs are not so easy to come by either - you're not the first person with this idea.

2) Good writers have good educations. That's a plain and simple fact. University not only teaches you new information, but it gives you the discipline and structure you need to be able to write well and to write every single day (which is what writers need to do).

3) There are as many kinds of universities as there are types of students. Each university has its own atmosphere and "vibe." Some are creative and artsy, others are buttoned-up and formal. Take the time to look into what options are out there, and you will find that there are lots of schools that encourage young writers to experiment, blossom and hone their craft.

4) University is expensive, but that's why there are scholarships. Apply yourself to school as much as you possibly can. Take all the energy you are using to dream about your future career as a writer, and put it into getting the best grades possible right now. You know how you were going to work as a waitress and work hard all night writing? Instead, go to school and work hard NOW at night doing your homework. If you get excellent grades, and participate in extra-curricular activities such as sports and/or volunteer work, you may be able to win ongoing scholarships that will pay in part for your continuing college schooling. Check out the Myjellybean.com Study Central section for great links to scholarship information, online college tours and more.