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College and decision making
It is known that adolescents and young adults have thought patterns that include more deductive logic, and at the same time they exhibit more experiential thinking.
A process of individuation is occurring, as they seek to explore how they are different and unique from others. They search for the right way in life for them, trying to find what they like and how they fit into the world. A significant part of this is experimenting with new situations, new people and new experiences.
These youngsters or new adults tend to try new things, which are at times potentially dangerous. These may include sexual relationships, consuming alcohol and using drugs. Sex is their main focus and attraction, as their hormones are raging and they are eager to experiment with it, not always bothering to be safe in regards to it. Alcohol and drugs also have their place in young people's lives, as they often think they should "try it on for size", see how they like it. They tend to be intrigued with the ability these substances have in making their troubles go away. Also, they sometimes participate in thrilling situations that raise their levels of adrenaline.
In that respect, their experimenting is predictable. It is quite common and cannot really be prevented- young people are drawn to new possibilities for fun, excitement, "rushes", etc. Most of them will participate in at least some of these things.
However, their subsequent behavior is plastic and malleable. They'll use their previous experiences to decide whether or not they want to continue what they had begun to do, and then they'll be more susceptible to change their behavior, especially after experiences that result in negative consequences.
One might think that attending college will help them make better, more informed decisions, but actually- colleges provide teenagers with the perfect opportunity and setting to party and experiment with things.
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