Learning Options After High School 

There are four main learning options after high school. They are technical/community college, four-year university/college, adult education, and military services. Before choosing one of these four it is important to have an understanding of what career fields you may be interested in. At this time in your life, it is ok to not know exactly what you want to do. Reflecting on your main interests, skills, and hobbies can be a good baseline.

Once you have a main idea, it is time to use your resources! People who could supply you with useful information are parents, friends, family, and people in your field of interest and guidance counselors. There are also places you could go for further research such as a library, career or college fair, career center, or college visits. For more “hands-on” experience consider part-time jobs, tech-prep programs, volunteering, or job shadowing.

If you decide on attending a university or technical school it is important to know the difference between the two.

Technical/community colleges generally deal with two-year associate degrees or certificate programs. You can also gain transfer credits if you plan on attending a four-year university later. Technical colleges usually are based on an open enrollment policy but require you to take an English and math placement test. Compared to a four-year college, technical colleges often have a smaller campus setting and a lower cost to attend.

Four-year University/college deals with bachelor’s degree requiring a review of SAT or ACT scores, and high school GPA and transcript. In addition to the application you may be required to write an essay and obtain recommendations.

It is a good idea to know what to look for in a college, such as what programs, sports, clubs, and activities are offered. There is also the question of whether you plan on staying at home and commuting, or living on campus. The size of the school and its location (city, suburban, rural) may be a concern. Many schools may require certain academic standards as well as SAT scores. Your financial situation may also be another aspect of your college search.

After deciding what features of a college suits you, make a list of possible colleges you may wish to attend. Get information on each of the colleges by going to their web site or contacting their admissions office. The next step is to narrow it down to your top three or four choices. Do extensive research on each by visiting the college, making an appointment with disability services and talking with the Deans. While on your visit it is important to take a tour. Review the college catalog and ask questions about requirements, admissions, program of interest, financial aid and disability services they can provide you. It may be helpful to sit in on a class and talk with the students. At this step you either narrow your choices again and apply to those colleges or continue researching until you are confident in your decisions.

It is imperative to apply as soon as possible; all schools have deadlines and adhere closely to them. Make sure you have taken all the necessary tests and sent in your high school transcript. Remember an application is a reflection of you. So present your self as clearly as possible.

When you are accepted, make arrangements with disability services to obtain your accommodations. Make a class schedule and purchase your books. Get familiar with your campus!

Everyone must apply for financial aid. No matter what college you attend the bills will be significant. Financial aid takes many forms and can assist you with your costs. Apply for financial aid as soon as possible because it is based on a first come first serve principle. There are grants and scholarships, which are money awards that do not have to be paid back, and loans which is money that is borrowed from a lending institution and must be paid back. Work-study is an option that enables you to work and be paid for your time through the university or college. By contacting the Division for Vocational Rehabilitation you may find out that you are eligible for assistance through them because of your disability and how it impacts your future employment. Financial aid is based on your family’s contribution towards your education. If you apply as an independent student your award will be based on your expenses. Most disability related expenses are excluded.

As a college student with a disability it is important to know your rights and responsibilities. Section 504 states that no one with a disability can be discriminated against and that post secondary schools be prepared to make “appropriate” accommodations and “reasonable” modifications within the campus and your classes. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) also states that anyone with a disability cannot be discriminated against and helps to enforce section 504.

Adult Education is another way to further your learning capabilities and improve your skills. It offers many different classes; you can get your GED if you were unable to obtain it. You can learn many trade skills that colleges do not offer. You don’t need to finish high school to enjoy the benefits of adult education. You can learn many trades from basket making to electrical repair to auto mechanics and just about anything in between. Adult Ed. Is usually taught at local high schools, and to find out when classes are being held you should contact your local, or surrounding high schools.

U.S. military service is also a path that is taken by many recent high school graduates. It is broken down into 4 parts, Air force, Army, Coast Guard, and the Navy. There are many requirements to be eligible. You must be a U.S. citizen between the ages of 17 and 35 with a high school diploma. You also must be in a good physical and mental condition. The military usually requires a 40 or better on the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) test, and you must fit within a given weight and height range, however, these requirements can be sometimes waived. The physical requirements are quite restricting. Some conditions that disqualify an applicant are Asthma, MS, blind in one eye, night blindness, and intellectual deficits, along with many other conditions. The best way to determine if you meet the requirements is to go online or contact a local recruiting station to research your options in detail. While you are servicing your duty it is possible to obtain up to $23,000 toward an education through the Montgomery GI Bill.

As you can see, there are many opportunities to further your education after high school. Each one has its own unique offerings. Your job is to determine which area best suites you and helps you to achieve your goals.