I’m not sure what I want to do after high school. You are not alone. The good news is that you already have a team of people who are dedicated to helping you with next steps. It includes principals, teachers, guidance counselors AND your MyPath College Guide assigned to your school. The better news is that you have four pathways you can choose.
College Education
One size does not fit all. There are two and four-year institutions, associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and certificates. Your College Guide will assist you to:
- Research possible career paths that may require a college degree
- Prepare by registering to take the College Boards (there are waivers for related costs – so you CAN afford it). Visit the ACT and SAT websites for more information or see below.
- Complete a college application
- Figure out how to pay for it
- Create an FSAID
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Apply for scholarships
Career & Technical Training
Not interested in college right now? While college can open some doors, there are plenty of opportunities allowing you to move more quickly toward earning a livable wage. Your College Guide will help you to:
- Learn about technical and other hands-on programs
- Connect with apprenticeships and various skilled trades
- Figure out how to pay for it (FAFSA – see above)
Employment
Due to changes in Ohio Graduation Requirements, students can earn badges throughout high school attesting to their skill and knowledge development and mastery. Your MyPath College Guide will assist you with resume development and job search skills that will enable you to attain a job that pays a living wage.
Military Service
Each male student must register with U.S. Selective Service when they turn 18 years of age as required by law (it does not apply to females). Additionally, each high school has recruiters assigned who can assist anyone to fulfill a desire to serve their country. Your College Guide can assist with any related testing.
College Admissions Tests
The ACT Assessment and SAT are the most popular college entrance tests administered in the United States.
Most students take the ACT during the spring of their junior year or at the beginning of their senior year. Students are allowed to take the test more than once and most colleges and universities count the highest score reported. Students may designate the colleges and universities to which their scores should be reported. The ACT is an exam that lasts two hours and 55 minutes, with a multiple choice format, measuring English, Mathematics, Reading and Science reasoning skills. Students are also required to complete two questionnaires that cover the courses they have taken, their grades and activities and a standardized interest inventory.
Most students take the SAT during their junior or senior year in high school. At least half of all students take the SAT twice — in the spring of their junior year and in the fall of their senior year. Most students also improve their score the second time around. The SAT takes three hours to finish, plus 50 minutes for the SAT with an essay. Scores on the SAT range from 400 to 1600, combining test results from two 200-to-800-point sections: Mathematics and Critical Reading & Writing. It’s intended to measure literacy, numeracy and writing skills. Waivers covering the testing fees are available by guidance counselors and MyPath College Guides and advisors.