College or Career? What to Do after High School?

It is never too soon to start thinking about your future. This is especially true for high school students who are about to graduate.

Whether you plan on joining the workforce, taking a break from school, or continuing your education, this is an important milestone in your life. Below, you’ll find information on ways to prepare and save for college, the benefits of being an online student, and what other options are available to students who may not be interested in a higher education.

Apps to Help You Succeed

Today, there is an app for everything. It’s incredible that there are apps developed just to allow you to get a cartoon bird around logs, while others will help you learn algebra.

To help narrow the focus, take a look at these 14 must-have apps for high school students.
For those students who are preparing for their AP exam, there are both free and paid apps to choose from.

Preparing for College

For high schoolers, juniors and seniors especially, college is THE hot topic. It can feel like your whole academic career hinges on the next few months. While grades are important, colleges are increasingly looking for students who have experiences outside of school. Here are some resources to make sure you are ready to start applying for colleges.

Getting started on the college process early means less stress closer to the deadlines.
Having work experience is a great way to show you are involved outside of school and can handle responsibility.
Extracurricular activities such as volunteering, are a way to stand out on your college application.
We interviewed a college admissions officer so you can learn some tips when applying for college.

Saving for College

Useless fact of the day: College is expensive. There are ways to make looming debt less intimidating though, including saving early and figuring out financial aid and scholarships.

Don’t think you have to have college paid in full the first day of school. It helps, but it’s usually not feasible unless you happen to own 10 percent of Microsoft or wrote the lyrics for “Let It Go.” There is help though, many organizations offer financial assistance to help you pay for college.
Once you’ve been accepted, congratulations! You are entering a new time in your life where you will grow and learn many new things. Don’t let the cost deter you, there are creative ways to help pay for college.
The best thing you can do is make sure that when you get accepted to college the price is already as low as possible. Scholarships will help with that. You can also earn college credits ahead of time, lessening the time spent in college; less time = less cost.

Online Students

Online students have a special opportunity when it comes to their future. Many students are able to explore other interests including sports, work, or volunteering.

Discover why colleges like online students.
Many K12 students are able to earn college credits while attending K12 and have shared their stories as they prepare to graduate.

Options Other Than College

The above articles all focus on obtaining a second degree. Obviously, not everyone needs to go on to higher education to achieve their goals; there are many ways to have a successful career and future.