When someone is thinking of what to do after high school, quite often, students think about the popular choice of college. There are actually many different options for an extended education. Most, if not all, career choices require someone to have finished high school, at least. Beyond a diploma, each path after high school has different requirements. 

If going to college is the goal of a student, they should start planning no later than the beginning of their senior year. They should make a list of colleges they are interested in, so they can know what the colleges require. Knowing requirements such as test scores, essays, letters of recommendation, and more allows students set clear goals and timelines. Students must also pay attention to deadlines and application fees, and plan to apply for scholarships and/or financial aid, including filling out the FASFA.  

CHS guidance counselor, Mrs. Jessica Ponti, said, “The biggest thing is that students have to spend time applying for scholarships in order to get them!” Scholarships are not a guaranteed thing, to get the money a student must put in the work. There are many places where available scholarships can be found. “Search engines such as Fast Web, Cappex, and Scholarships.com are great places to search for scholarships as well,” said Mrs. Ponti.  

College is not the only option once a student is out of high school. If they want to go straight into the military, there are requirements for that too. If a student did not get a head start with ROTC in high school, they should not fret, they can still pursue this road. The first step is to figure out what branch to go into. This requires research to make sure a person understands what they are getting into.  Taking the ASVAB will help in this regard. The scores will show what positions/occupations someone is capable of going into. But a branch can always be changed before enlisting. Next, they have to find a recruiter. They can help further a person’s military career. 

Aside from college and the military, there are still options a student can choose from for their life. After high school, students can pursue a trade school education, apply for an apprenticeship, or enter the workforce. Just as with any other path, all these choices have their requirements and benefits, and students must do their research. In order to be successful, a person must know all the information about their path before going forth so that they can ensure the best experience and be able to work to the best of their ability.  

When deciding whether to go to college or the military or even to take a gap year, it is important for students to gather as much information as possible. No one wants to live a life of regrets and hate what they chose to do. Knowing all possible options and what each of them entails is what will help a student the most when choosing their future. Everyone is only given one life, and that life can either be good or bad. That choice is up to them to decide.