College

I suppose college is an American rite of passage. Not everyone goes through it but pop-culture considers it a substantial stage in ones life.

The first stage generally involves a separation from the family. One usually "goes away" for college and starts a new living arrangement either in a dorm or in an apartment for their first time. Along with this is the separation from high school, or a public school where the system of teaching is different from college level. Even if one doesn't "go away" for college, they are still separated from their previous and adapted lifestyle in high school. Or, if one takes time off between high school and college, they are still making a substantial separation from their previous lifestyle to go back to school.

During college they are forced to adapt to a new lifestyle among new people, in a new environment and expectations. They often have a new understanding of themselves during this time, either through social situations, or what they learn in classes. The individual eventually applies what they learn during college to goals and directions in life.

When one leaves college, the general expectation is to get a job, or to apply their knowledge toward a career. This is what culture assumes will happen although it doesn't always. Their social role as a "graduate" is either to use their degree or to then go back to college again to continue their education. Either way, society establishes an expected role for them every time someone asks, "what are you going to do with your major?"