Final answer:
Having a college degree has become increasingly important in today's job market, although not necessary for every job. Going to college right after high school is not always the best decision, and high school grades may not accurately predict college performance.
Step-by-step explanation:
In today's job market, having a college degree has become increasingly important. While it may not be necessary for every job, the majority of jobs now require some level of post-secondary education. Therefore, it is much more difficult to get a decently paying job without going to college (option a). This is because the value of a high school diploma has decreased, and many jobs that previously only required a high school diploma now require a college degree. However, it is not true that everyone must go to college to get ahead today (option b). There are various paths to success, and some individuals may find success in alternative educational or career paths. Additionally, it is not always best to go to college right after high school to get a good degree (option c). Some individuals may benefit from taking a gap year or gaining work experience before pursuing higher education. Lastly, high school grades are not always accurate predictors of college performance (option d). Some students may excel in college, even if their high school grades were not outstanding.