Think you can get rich if you ditch? Think again.

Over a lifetime, a high school dropout working full-time will earn $300,000 less than a high school graduate and more than $1 million less over a lifetime than college graduates.

Whether academics, family life, or financial burdens are preventing you or your friends from graduating or continuing on to college, there are tons of resources out there to help you. And don't forget - school is supposed to be challenging.

Giving your brain a good workout is the best way to get ready for college. Here are a few more reminders about why you should stay in school:

• High school dropouts are four times more likely than college graduates to be unemployed.
• Graduating from high school will most likely determine how well you live for the rest of your life.
• On average, high school graduates earn $175 more per week than high school dropouts. College graduates earn $368 more per week than high school graduates.
• Two-thirds of prisoners in America are high school dropouts.

Given how much you have to gain by staying in school, start by TAKING ACTION now.

NOW WHAT? Ready for the next step of Think Over: Top 10?

GO TO: (6) KNOW WHAT IT TAKES