Are you a high school senior looking at options for after graduation?
WVJC is here to help you navigate the process of leaving high school and entering college with our top 6 tips to help you prepare!
Keep reading to learn six helpful ideas to help make the transition from high school to higher education smoother!
1. Find Out What Career Path Fits You
When deciding what to do post-graduation, one of the first things you should do is determine what career path you could see yourself in. For example, you may have always wanted a career in healthcare and want to attend a school that offers medical training. Or maybe you have always pictured yourself in a skills-based trade where you can gain the experience you need without attending higher education. Considering what type of career you’d like to pursue after high school can help you select the right path.
If you need assistance deciding or want a starting point for your research, taking an online career aptitude test can help point you in the right direction. Tests like these can allow you to answer questions about yourself, like personality, skills, interests, and even how you imagine dressing for work. The test will assess your answers and then suggest career options that might fit your lifestyle.
2. Start Researching Schools Early
After you’ve determined what general career path you can see yourself in, the next step is to begin researching colleges that offer the training that aligns with your goals. There are hundreds of options available to high school grads, so starting the process of looking up, researching, and visiting colleges early can help you not feel overwhelmed.
As you go through the process of selecting your college, picture yourself as a student there. Continuing your education is a time, money, and commitment to your future. Therefore, you want to ensure that you choose an institution that provides you with the best bang for your buck. Accelerated, hands-on training programs are becoming popular for graduating high school students because you can gain the skills you need to enter the workforce quickly. As you consider different options, consider the amount of time you’ll be spending at the college to earn your degree or diploma, the skills you plan to gain, and if there is certification* preparation built into your program’s curriculum.
3. Brush Up Your Time Management Skills
Some high school grads can feel overwhelmed by the transition to a college-level workload, so it is vital to set a strong foundation for good time management before you enter college. Higher education can cause students to juggle deadlines, studying, tests, class time, and more. Setting yourself up for success in handling these increased responsibilities is a smart way for high school students can feel more prepared for college.
If you need help improving your time management skills, a good starting point is to determine what learning type you are. By finding out what organization and study methods work best for you, you can feel more confident in your ability to handle the added stress and responsibilities that college brings.
4. Consider How You Plan To Pay For College
As the cost of living increases, the path to securing a stable career is something that high school students should consider as they plan their next step after graduation. Higher education can be expensive, but there are many resources available that allow students to train for a career affordably. For example, at WVJC, incoming students will work with a financial aid team member to discuss scholarship** opportunities, financial aid^, and loans to help make paying for college an option. WVJC also offers high school students the opportunity to apply for several scholarships to help finance their education.
5. Prepare For Standardized Tests
Over their four years of high school, students should have experienced multiple standardized tests and understand their importance. This method of testing is a common way institutions can evaluate a student’s knowledge, and many higher education institutions also utilize standardized testing for entry to specific programs. For example, students wanting to enter a Nursing program must take and pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) standardized exam.
As you continue researching and choosing a college, notice if the program you are seeking entry to requires a standardized test for admission. If there is, preparing in advance will help give you the best chance of passing.
6. Develop A Strong Support Network
Regardless of your chosen career path, you’ll want to have a strong support network to help you as you transition from high school to post-graduation life. Think about the people you can rely on to pick you up or support you when you need extra motivation. Those are people who you want to have in your corner!
Additionally, choosing a college that is committed to your future success can be an important factor in your educational experience. From the first time you contact WVJC, your personal admissions team member, career management department, academic team, and even other students are there to help you along the way.
Make A Smart Choice For Your Future!
If you’ve decided that attending WVJC is the best choice for your future, our team is here to help you train for a successful future! So, take the first step today by Requesting Information to contact an admissions team member!
*Certification is contingent upon passing the corresponding industry certification exam.
**Available to those who qualify. See catalog for detailed eligibility requirements.
^For those who qualify.