Plans for Life After High School
Contributed by Mari Jo Parks, Career, Education and College Coach
High School students December is the perfect time to step back and assess your plans for what you want to do after high school.
Seniors, are you still uncertain what you want to do after graduation? You are among the majority of Seniors. It is hard to make a decision when there are so many unknowns, possibilities and other tasks to do. But it is not too late to be looking at and applying to colleges or vocational schools. There are many opportunities waiting for you!
You have time to decide but use your time wisely!!! Start a list of jobs you would like to have or would hate. This can really lead to some good ideas for your future.
Go see your school counselor and ask for information. Ask other people around you. Explore on the internet schools and training programs.
Seniors Going to College, there are many factors to consider when selecting the right college.
Here are the most important things to think about:
Educational opportunities - Does it offer the major you want to pursue. Beyond the major what other majors are available? Many students change direction once in college. Are there programs you could transfer into?
Size of the School is important - The size of the school can really impact your access to classes, special programs and unique opportunities. Location of the College includes distance from home, travel and thinking about weather. College is a different culture. Do you have a support network nearby?
Cost – Tuition is one of the major factors when selecting the right college. Tuition can vary from $10,000 to $50,000 or more! But that is only for the tuition. There are other expenses like books, fees, housing and meals, social expenses, and living costs. Knowing the costs can really help you decide.
Student Life is perhaps one of the most important factors when selecting a school. College is more than education; it is making connections and the people you meet on your journey. Being involved in sports or theatre or your major’s professional organization can open new doors for you and help you learn about yourself.
Keep a log of the schools you are interested in or have applied to. Create a pros and con’s list of each school you are considering. Now is the time to ask for at least 3 people for Letters of Recommendation. Prepare your scholarship file.
Juniors, this is a good time to review your future plans and your course work. Also being organized is a very valuable skill. Try different ways to organize and decide what works for you can lead to future success and less stress.
Check your class rank. Even if your grades have not been as good as you would like them, it’s not too late to improve. Colleges like to see an upward trend in your grades.
Learn something new and keep a journal about it. This will be very valuable when you try to decide what to do for a career or for the essays you will have to write for college applications or scholarships.
Explore careers, colleges and educational programs. Ask your friends where they are going to school and look at the websites. If you want to participate in Division I or Division II sports in college, start the certification process. Check with your counselor to make sure you are taking a core curriculum that meets NCAA requirements. Sign up for the NCAA clearinghouse online.
Sophomores and Freshman, you made it through the Fall Semester! What went right, what do you need to improve on? It is time to create your organization and study process. Grade Point Average matters more then you realize, so keep that in mind.
Create a high school course plan. Know what classes you need to take each year. Find interesting classes to expand your horizons. Did you know that taking certain courses can lead to scholarships and money for college? Ask your advisor about the UAA Scholars Award and the Alaska Performance Scholarship.
Review future class options at your high school or schools in the district. There are many options for career preparation and exploration.
For a complete guide on ideas and information on planning your future get “Guide to Your Future, Information to Navigate High School and Beyond.”