This school year has been very different for high school seniors, but one thing has not changed: each of you must decide what you’re going to do after you graduate from high school.
Graduating in the middle of a pandemic can seem scary and be filled with uncertainty. At United Career Institute, we are here to help you every step of the way. Check out our top four tips for high school seniors choosing a school in 2021!
Know Your Options
The Covid-19 pandemic has changed many things, but as a high school senior, you still have a variety of options after graduation. You could go straight into the workforce with a job in retail or food service. You could attend a traditional university and plan to spend the next 4-6 years there. If you don’t want to spend this much time and money in school, a career-focused degree may be the better choice for you.
Like the ones offered here at United Career Institute, accelerated degree programs allow you to finish school quicker, saving you time and money as you earn your degree.
To help you choose the option that’s right for you, talk with your parents, teachers, guidance counselors, and friends. Listen to their thoughts on the different options, as they may bring up points that you hadn’t thought about. You should always do your own research because, at the end of the day, you are the one making this choice. Deciding what to do after you graduate high school is a big deal and can impact your life now and in the future.
Make Your Plan
Now that you know your options for after high school, it’s time to create a plan that works for you. Your plan will depend on what you want to do in your career. For example, if you want to become a licensed practical nurse, you will need to attend training that prepares you for the NCLEX-PN exam. Write your career goals down, including what field you want to work in and what specific job you want to perform.
If you are unsure about what career is best for you, consider taking our career test or finding one online to complete. A career test can help guide you in the direction best for you by taking into consideration your strengths, interests, skills, and experiences.
For those of you who already know what career you want, now you need to figure out how to get there. What degree, skills, and experience do you need? Does your career require a specific certification or license? Will you need to be trained in specific areas and tasks? Answering these questions will help guide you to the right school that offers what you need to succeed.
Start Applying Now
You’ve made your plan, so now you’re ready to begin applying to the school that best fits your needs. Research the schools that offer the degree or career training program you need to work in your chosen career field. In addition to your program, find out what other services and learning environments are offered by the schools. Some questions to ask include:
- Are the classes accelerated or traditional length?
- In what ways does the school support students?
- Is there hands-on training included in the program?
- What career services are offered to students?
- Does the school have positive online reviews?
Once you decide on the school you want to attend, contact them to get started. You may be able to take a virtual tour of the school to get a feel for what it’s like. Be sure to write down any questions you have about the program or school so that when you meet with them for an admissions interview, you will be prepared.
Complete the Process
Once you have applied to your chosen school, it’s time to complete the process to get enrolled. When you meet with an admissions advisor, they will let you know what you need to enroll in your program. Be sure to plan for due dates for items you must complete, such as entrance exams and essays. You will also need to complete your FAFSA and apply for any scholarships you may qualify for.
At United Career Institute, our helpful admissions advisors work with you one-on-one to create a career plan designed just for you. We understand each student is unique, with different goals, needs, and educational experience requirements. Our admission advisors guide you through the enrollment process from the moment you contact us to starting your classes and beyond. We are here to help you every step of the way.
If you’re a high school student wondering what to do after graduation, call us or request information today, and we will help you get started on your path to a great career!