Being a senior in high school is a wonderful experience with school dances, holiday breaks, and classes with your friends. You are close to the finish line and have made it so far!
Coming to the end of one journey and preparing for the next can be overwhelming and a little scary for many high schoolers. As graduations gets closer, the essential question to ask yourself is, what will I do after high school?
Deciding to continue your education by earning a college degree is a terrific investment in your future. Earning a higher salary and increased job security are just a few of the benefits of continuing your education beyond high school. With the many options available, how can you choose the right path for you? And what things can you do now to set yourself up for success after high school? Read on for our top tips for what high school seniors should be doing!
Research Schools and Programs
As a high school senior, the first thing you need to do is research the programs and schools that you’re interested in. To help guide you to the school that’s right for you, look through each school’s website, check out their social media pages, read online reviews, and talk with representatives that come to your high school. This should give you a good feel for the various school options.
Deciding on the right program for you is equally important as choosing the right school. To help make this decision, ask yourself key questions such as what type of career do you want, how quickly do you want to begin your career, and what learning style works best for you? Your answers will help direct you toward the program that’s best for you.
For example, if you want to work in healthcare, earn your degree in less than two years, and you learn best in a hands-on environment, then a career-focused degree may be the best option for you. At East Ohio College, we offer fast track college degrees for in-demand careers like Nursing, Medical Assisting, Medical Office Administration, Dental Assisting, and Business Administration. With these short-term programs, you can begin your career in months, not years.
When choosing a school, other important items to consider are whether there is job placement assistance, whether you can earn valuable certifications as part of the program, and does the school offer direct admission, meaning you don’t have to take unnecessary classes just to get into your desired program.
Once you have decided on the program you’re interested in, reach out to the school to get more information and ask any questions you need answered. To get a good feel for the school and determine if it’s the right fit for you, set up a campus visit and tour. Be sure to take notes so you are aware of important things like deadlines for admissions.
As you make the decision on which school to attend, talk with family, friends, and guidance counselors, as they can offer great advice and insight.
Complete the Application Process
You’ve decided on the school you’ll attend and chosen your program, so now it’s time to complete the application process! Meet with your admissions advisor to fill out your application and make a list of anything else you need to do, including next steps. At East Ohio, our Admissions Advisors work with you one-on-one to guide you through the process. For extra support, feel free to bring a parent or family member to your admissions interview.
Next, you’ll meet with a Financial Aid Representative to help you create a plan to finance your education. Any questions you have about paying for your degree can be answered in this meeting, including the FAFSA, student loans, scholarships, payment plans, and more. Your parent or guardian will have questions as well, so be sure to bring them.
After your financial aid meeting, you will need to fill out your FAFSA, apply for scholarships, and pay any fees. Depending on the college and program you choose, you may also need to take an entrance exam or send in letters of recommendation.
Prepare for Success
Congratulations! You have decided on the school you’ll attend, chosen a program, and finished the admissions process. As you prepare to graduate high school, continue to focus on your responsibilities like grades, extracurricular activities, and work.
If your chosen school contacts you, be sure to respond quickly, as they may have questions or need additional information from you. Finally, purchase any necessary supplies and communicate with family and friends about the support you will need while in school.
Apply to East Ohio
At East Ohio College, we offer fast track degree programs with hands-on training, student support, small classes, personalized attention, and a WE CARE approach to education. Request information today to start your path to a meaningful career!