Chapter 1. Making the decision to go to college

Not every high school student is ready to go to college right after graduating. Reality is that college is not for everyone, but ready or not, many high school graduates attend college to satisfy society and family expectations only to feel frustrated and drop out after a year or two. Before a high school graduate makes the decision, or feels coerced to decide to go to college, it is imperative to reach out to high school counselors to explore alternative tracks to success other than a 4 year undergraduate degree in higher education. Students who are not ready academically, financially, and personally to go straight to college after high school should evaluate all options available prior to making a long term commitment to college. 

 

How to

Here is a summary of alternative options available to high school graduates who wish to explore other successful venues in life:

• Learn a trade:
  • There are numerous careers in healthcare, transportation, technology, management, operations, and building trades that do not require a four-year degree
• Attend community or vocational school:
  • It is an opportunity for self-discovery to evaluate likes and dislikes
  • Tuition is usually more affordable and admission is much easier
  • Many colleges accept transfer of credits from community colleges if a student decides to pursue a four-year degree at a later date
• Take a gap year:
  • It is an opportunity for experiential learning and personal development
    • In recent years, many high school graduates decided to travel, work, or volunteer as they postponed college for one academic year to explore options for the future
• Join the military: 
  • It is an opportunity to gain work experience, travel or see the world, and earn money toward higher education

Students who make the decision to go straight to college after high school need to assess their readiness to safely dive into the college experience. It is critical for students to regularly meet with high school counselors, teachers, family members, and trusted friends to formulate a strategy and make a comprehensive plan. This process is time-consuming and can be daunting. 

Here is a step-by step guide to apply to college:

 

Practice

Now that you know the step-by-step guide to apply to college successfully, think of paying it forward and discuss your plans and additional steps with a friend or a family member.

 

Congratulations! You can move on to Chapter 2. How to calculate cost of education?

To review the full module on financial literacy for high school students, click here.