Planning Your Life After High School

As a high school senior, you have spent the last 13 or so years of your life with a structured plan in place. You wake up, go to school, attend extracurricular activities, and then come home.

However, that is all about to change. Once you graduate, you can choose what you want to do. That proposition can seem overwhelming. Yet proper preparation can make the process easier. Below are some tips for planning your life after high school.

Decide What Is Best for You

If you are having trouble deciding what you want to do with your life, consider talking to your friends, parents, counselors and teachers. They can help guide you in the right direction. Recent high school graduates are also a great resource. After all, they were previously in your shoes. They can even help you avoid the same mistakes they made.

Lists can additionally help you narrow down the possibilities. Write down what subjects and activities you enjoy, and which ones you don’t. Similarly, consider whether you want to work with other people, or if you do best by yourself. Finally, determine if you want to be your own boss or if you prefer being part of a company. This should help you decide on your goals for the future.  

Know Your Options

In order to pick which path is right for you, you have to understand what your various options are. You can enroll in a two-year or four-year college directly out of high school. Alternatively, you can obtain a trade certificate or join the military. If you are less sure about your future, you can also take agap year.

 Consider the Pros and Cons

Next, consider the pros and cons of each of the above choices. Most of your friends are probably heading to a four-year college. If you choose this option find out which ones have programs that best fit your goals. You should also consider whether you prefer a larger university or a smaller liberal arts school.

Many career paths require a degree from a four-year college. Still, there are some downsides to this selection. University students often live on their own. Their parents aren't around to get them up for class and force them to complete assignments. If you struggle with self-motivation, a four-year college may not be for you.

Those who want to go to university but aren’t ready for a four-year university should consider a two-year or community college. This should help you hone your time management and study skills, which you will need at a four-year school.

In addition, some careers only require an associate degree. If you want one of these careers, a two-year college is a great option.

Research College Alternatives

Even if you have decided that college is not for you, you should still have some kind of post-graduation plan. Students who struggle in school environments but are good with their hands may consider a vocational program. These programs often provide more supervision than typical college classes would. Trade or vocational programs may also lead to apprenticeships that can help students get jobs.

Those who enjoy a structured lifestyle and physical activity could opt for a career in the military. Once your service is complete, you can enroll in school or obtain a job.

If you want to take some time away from the classroom before entering college, you can also consider a gap year. There aremany things you can do with your free time following graduation. Consider traveling around the world to learn about different cultures.

You may also want to work odd jobs around your neighborhood. See if any stores are hiring salespeople, or if your neighbor needs a tutor. This can help you save up money you can use on your college tuition. You can even try starting an online business or volunteering at a local charity.  

Thinking about life after high school can be scary. Following the above steps, however, can help you decide on the right path forward.