See there are so many phase of life which you want to experience so you get to know the culture of the collage and how to live life without parent if you are staying in hostel. That is the time where you can explore yourself and make carrier goals.
I think by that age you should already have an idea in what direction you are heading. And you don't need traditional education to do that, I moved from parents when I was 18 and was making more money than them since I was 14. And both of them has honours degree...
I'm really surprised that in this forum which obviously attracts people that think outside the box so many people don't get a simple fact - traditional education is outdated and dying. Or did crypto already hit mainstream and I missed it?