The countdown is on! Your hard work is nearly finished, and high school graduation is finally in sight. Now comes the hard decision about what comes next. Whether you are the first in your family to consider a four-year university or you come from a long line of college graduates, this is a personal and individual decision with a number of considerations.
But the options might seem overwhelming: two-year college, four-year university, vocational school, technical school, gap year, going immediately to work after high school, public university, private university. Is your head spinning yet?
It’s okay—take a deep breath, find a quiet corner, pop your earbuds in and check out our top tips for helping you decide what is best for you.
Evaluate your skills and interests
Do you enjoy sports? Biology? Psychology? The arts? Your interests, along with your natural strengths and experiences, can help you determine the next step that is right for you. Check out this free career test to help you sort out your thoughts.
Know your learning styles and preferences
Knowing yourself is an important piece of any decision related to your future. Avid readers will likely prefer a different kind of learning than students who prefer active, hands-on projects. An important piece of self-discovery is knowing whether you prefer concrete subjects or those that are more abstract or theoretical. A good learning style quiz can help you discover more about yourself so you can make an informed decision about your options.
Talk practically about the financial impact with a trusted adult
Higher education can be expensive. Although there may be need-based help available (along with any academic scholarship you may qualify for), thinking through practical financial matters with a parent or trusted adult can help inform your decision. A generation ago, it was often possible to “put yourself through college” or graduate with no debt load. This is usually not feasible for most students today. Be realistic and honest as you consider how to fund your education.
Consider your career interests or goals (and recognize that they could change, no matter what decision you make about college)
Many careers require training beyond a high school diploma. Research what education is required for your career aspirations or interests. Don’t let educational requirements for your interests limit you though. Aim high, but keep time, cost and our changing world in mind. For example, if you’ve always wanted to be a doctor, research alternatives like a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant. These are highly skilled professional jobs that don’t require as much education as an MD degree. Keep in mind that your aspirations might change over time. Many students change majors, and many adults change careers. The most recent research shows that adults change careers 5-7 times over their working life, and 30% of the workforce is expected to change jobs every 12 months!
Ask yourself if you are ready
Jumping into a four-year university right after high school will require self-discipline, motivation and commitment. Consider your own personal readiness. Talk to people who have pursued traditional undergraduate education about their own experiences, both good and bad. Recognize your strengths and be honest about your weaknesses. For example, if you are a procrastinator (many successful people are), how will you manage this? There are many tools to help you, but you have to commit to using them. Here is a great article about the “soft skills” (non-academic) you need to be prepared for college. It’s written for parents, but students will find it useful, too.
Explore your options
Many high school graduates think that the obvious next step is a traditional four-year university degree. That’s definitely a solid choice (this is an NNU blog, after all), but there are other options: for example, a technical or trade school is great if your career goals align with this type of education. Maybe you could consider a gap year, either for your own personal growth or to get a job and save some money. Even if you do decide a four-year university is best for you, it will benefit you to evaluate other ideas.
Talk to a teacher or counselor
It’s always a good idea to bounce ideas off an adult who knows you well. We recommend talking with someone who knows you in an academic setting, like a teacher or counselor, as well as a parent or other trusted adult. Seeking input from a number of sources can help you clarify your own goals, assess your readiness for college, and determine what type of education suits you best.
The countdown might be on, but let it be your friend. Getting to know yourself using the tips above can give you confidence that you are on the right track to your future! Reach out to an NNU admissions counselor for personalized recommendations.
