Bandwagon is your answer ma'am
C. Thomas Paine
He did so because the British were controlling everything people in the New World (a.k.a. America) did.
So as far as entrance goes. you can do what everyone says and attempt to excel in your classes. It also helps if you could take classes that are more geared to your field of study. College benefits you by giving you something to put on your resume and also college is required for most job positions.