Life After High School: Conversations About the Future (Part 2 of 5)

Introduction:

In our first session, we introduced the idea that life after high school isn't a single "straight line" but a set of different paths and trails. We explored the four main paths: 1)  College, 2) Trade Schools, 3) Apprenticeships, and 4) Gap Experiences. Missed Part 1?  Catch up here and see what you missed.

Ok, So You Want to Go to College. Now What?

In our last post, we looked at the many different trails you can take. The path that may seem the most familiar is college. Maybe you dream about joining a fraternity, being pre-med, or experiencing "dorm life."  

No matter the reason or type of college experience you want, deciding you want to go is actually just the beginning. After that comes figuring out the who, what, where, why, when, and how. The great news is that this is a team sport - you and your family are a team in this and can take one step at a time.

Map Out the Journey Early

College preparation starts long before senior year of high school, but don't spend all of high school worrying. The goal is steady progress, not perfection.

• Middle School & 9th Grade: This is the time for curiosity and foundation. Focus on building good habits and trying new activities to see what energizes you. Start having early conversations with your parents and academic advisors about the financial side of college. Understanding how savings, scholarships, and financial aid work now will save you a lot of stress later. 
• 10th Grade: Start exploring just to get familiar with what’s out there. Watch virtual tours or find student life pages. Take a practice PSAT or diagnostic test. This is just to figure out where you stand, so think of it as data to help you improve.
• 11th & 12th Grade: This is the time for action.

• Testing: Register for and take the SAT or ACT. Give yourself enough time for a retake if you want to improve your score.
• The List: Research a mix of schools, including "safety nets" (schools you are very likely to get into) and "wish list."
• Deadlines: Decide if you want to apply Early Decision (binding) or Early Action (non-binding). Visit campuses, eat in the cafeteria, and talk to students to see if the "vibe" matches your list.

Making the Most of the Journey: Building "Readiness."

The admissions process is actually your first "college-level" course. It requires a specific set of College and Career Readiness Skills that will make or break your experience once you get there. If you want a deep dive into these, check out our [On-Demand Career Readiness Workshop].

Here is how to use the application season to practice being "college-ready":

• Ownership of Your Time: In college, nobody will tell you when to study or when to sleep. Start now. Don't wait for your parents to ask if you've finished your essay. Use a digital calendar or planner to set "Internal Deadlines," which are dates you want to finish a draft before the actual deadline.
• Self-Advocacy: Practice talking to adults like a peer. If you have questions about a school, you should email the admissions office, not your parents. If you need a recommendation, ask the teacher in person and follow up with a professional email.
• Emotional Strength: You will get some "Nos" or "Waitlists." That is part of the trail. Readiness means knowing that your worth isn't tied to a single admission letter.

Finding the Right Fit (Even if You’re Undecided)

Most students don’t start college knowing their exact career path. That’s completely normal! Instead of asking, “What job do I want?” try asking, “What environment helps me learn best?” Consider these three types of "fit":

• Academic Fit: Look for schools with a range of programs.f you have broad interests, a liberal arts college might be great. If you want specific technical resources, a large university might be the move.
• Social Fit: Do you want a big campus with thousands of people, or a small one where the professors know your name?ook at a school's Instagram; it’s a pretty clear way to see if you’d feel comfortable there.
• Financial Fit: Talk about cost early. Many colleges offer scholarships that make them more affordable than the "sticker price" suggests. Use the Net Price Calculator on any college website to see what the actual cost might be for your family. Also speak with your academic advisor about taking courses in high school that give college credit - dual enrollment, AP, IB, and work study are all good options to explore for this. Also explore options like online degrees, distance education, and if it makes sense to first do a two year degree at a community college and then transfer to a four-year school. This gives you options depending on what majors you are interested in, and can save money if you are able to study while living at home.

Understanding the Admissions Process

Admissions mostly comes down to a few clear areas that colleges look at to see who you are:

• Grades and Courses: They want to see your grades, GPA, and that you’ve challenged yourself and improved over time.
• Activities and Leadership: Commitment matters more than quantity, especially if you choose things that related to your career interests.
• The Essay: This is your chance to show your personality. Be honest and open, not perfect. Perfect is boring.
• Recommendations: Stories from teachers and mentors about your effort and character.

What You Can Do NOW: A Family Conversation Guide

• What kind of place do I imagine when I think about college? Is it virtual, big and busy, small and quiet, etc.?
• What subjects or projects have I done recently that made me feel proud or curious?
• For 9th graders: Based on our talk with my advisor, what are our first steps for planning for college costs?
• What is the one thing about the college process that worries us or excites us the most?
• What is one small step (like visiting a website or checking SAT dates) we can take this month?

Steps You Can Take Together NOW

• Explore a Site: Pick one college website and spend 20 minutes looking at its "Majors" and "Student Life" pages.
• The Wishlist: Have the student and the parent each write down three things they hope for in a school, and what questions you have about academic, social, and financial fit. Compare your lists and plan how to get your questions answered!
• Interview a Pro: Ask a family friend or neighbor about their college experience, preferably someone who has a job you think is cool. Ask what they loved and what they wish they’d known sooner.

The path to college and college itself are what you make it. You don't need all the answers, but a plan like this puts you in a great position to figure them out. 

What Next:

If college isn't for you? Check out the next posts in our series. Part 3 will explore trade schools and what kinds of careers they prepare you for. You don’t want to miss it.