With school dances, holiday breaks, and classes with your best friends, being a senior in high school can be an awesome experience. You’ve made it so far and can see the finish line!
For some, it can also be overwhelming and a little frightening. As you finish one journey and prepare for the next, the most important question to ask yourself is, what am I going to do after high school?
Making the decision to continue your education by attending college or a training program is a great investment in your future. People who continue their education beyond high school earn higher salaries and have better job security. With so many options, how do you choose the path that’s right for you? And what can you do to set yourself up for success once you graduate high school? Keep reading as we share exactly what high school seniors should be doing right now!
Research Schools and Programs
The first thing high school seniors need to do is research the various schools and programs you’re interested in. Meet with school representatives that visit your school, read through each school’s website, visit their social media pages, and read online reviews. Doing this will help guide you to a school that is the right fit for you.
Choosing the right school for you is extremely important, but equally important is choosing the right program. When deciding on the program you want to pursue, you need to ask yourself some important career questions, like what field do you want to work in, how quickly do you want to start your career, and what style of learning do you excel at? The answers to these questions will help guide you toward the program best for you.
For example, if you want to work in the healthcare field, don’t want to spend 4+ years in school, and prefer a hands-on learning environment, a career training program would be best for you. At United Career Institute, we offer fast track career training programs for in-demand jobs like Practical Nursing, Medical Assisting, and Medical Office Administration. With short-term programs, you can start your career in months, not years.
Other things to consider are whether the school offers job placement assistance, will you have the chance to earn valuable certifications, and is the program direct admission, meaning you don’t have to take unnecessary classes.
After completing your research and choosing a program, contact the school you’re interested in to get more information and ask any questions you may have. You can set up a campus visit and complete a tour to really get a feel for the school you’re considering. Be sure to note the deadline for admission, so you can get a head start on the application process.
Choosing a school is a big decision, so talk it over with family, friends, and your guidance counselor, as they may have insight and advice that you have not considered.
Complete the Application Process
Now that you’ve chosen the school you want to attend and the program you will complete, it’s time to complete the application process! Schedule a time to meet with an Admissions Advisor to complete your application and make a list of next steps. Your Admissions Advisor will work with you one-on-one to help guide you through the process. Feel free to bring a parent or family member to your admission interview to support you along the way.
After applying and being accepted into your chosen program, you will meet with a Financial Aid Representative who will help guide you through financing your education. Questions about the FAFSA, scholarships, student loans, payment plans, and more can be answered during this meeting. You should bring a parent or guardian to this meeting to ensure all their questions are answered as well.
Next, you need to complete your FAFSA, apply for scholarships, and pay any necessary fees. Additionally, some schools and programs require an entrance exam and letters of recommendation, so you will need to complete these as well, if necessary.
Prepare for Success
Congratulations! You have chosen a school, decided on a program, and completed the admissions process! As you finish your senior year of high school, continue to focus on your grades, extracurricular activities, work, and any other responsibilities.
Be sure to respond to all communications from your school promptly, as they may need additional information or have questions for you. Before you begin your chosen program, purchase any necessary supplies that are not provided and ensure you have the proper support from family and friends.
Apply to United Career Institute
If you’re looking for a school that offers fast track career training programs, hands-on learning, personalized attention, small class sizes, student support, and a WE CARE approach to education, then you’ve come to the right place! Request information today to start your path to a great career with United Career Institute!