> Europe's "free" college is only available to those with the aptitude to likely be successful. Kids are separated into college-bound and vocational educational

> Europe's "free" college is only available to those with the aptitude to likely be successful. Kids are separated into college-bound and vocational educational tracks somewhere around the middle school age. What a weird statement. I don't know why you put "free" in air quotes, when University education in Europe (or at least in Finland) is actually free. Also, nobody separates kids into vocational vs college-bound schools, kids themselves can choose. And if you later regret going to vocational school, you are welcome to change your mind later. Heck, even if you apply to a really competitive University track and you don't get in, you are free to attend lectures and attain course materials without being officially admitted into the University - this again is free.