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Salary in the Military provides a comfortable lifestyle with pay that competes with most civilian careers. Military benefits also include 30 days of paid vacation a year

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Vocational Schools versus Higher Education:

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Vocational Schools versus Higher Education:

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http://stosselintheclassroom.org/videos/vocational_schools_vs_higher_education/

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FBN's Sandra Smith breaks down the pros and cons of vocations school and whether more kids should avoid college.

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Local PA Community Colleges to Consider:

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Local PA Community Colleges to Consider:

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Montgomery County Community College

Bucks County Community College

Community College of Philadelphia

Lehigh-Carbon Community College

Northampton County Community College

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DeVry University

Kaplan University'

The Art Institute Online

Villanova University Professional Certificate Online programs

Colorado Technical University online

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The Military is comprised of 12 branches: 5 active duty and 7 part-time duty. If students are considering the military, the first thing they need to do is meet the basic entry requirements. Military students must complete the enlistment process, take a physical exam, and take an oath. The following video shows the steps that applicants must take:

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Speaker 1: I am Commander Cathy Macer. I am the commanding officer of the Boston Military Entrance Processing Station. MEPS is the place where applicants come to process into the Armed Forces, and we are responsible for ensuring quality accessions into the Armed Forces during both peacetime and during times of mobilization. Well, the day starts, given that the applicant has stayed at a contract hotel overnight, they are given a wakeup call at 4:00 in the morning. Breakfast there at the hotel, and then so they're here at the MEPS shortly after 5:00 in the morning.

Speaker 2: My name is Staff Sgt. Michael Lyle. I am the MEPS liaison when it comes to anybody for the Air Force. The applicant will come in in the morning and sit down with the liaisons, and we will go over what their day is going to entail and what they should expect and, yeah, normally at about 5:15, 5:30 when they do show up, we are the first face that they get to see in the morning.

Speaker 1: Long gone are the days where applicants are herded into various, you know, large rooms and impersonally treated. We have moved into a red carpet treatment for our applicants where they are treated with dignity and respect.

Speaker 3: Good morning, everybody. I'm Sgt. 1st Class Ketcham. I'm operations NCRC here at the Boston MEPS.

We reassure them throughout the day all the time. I mean, yeah, when they first come up on the floor, you know, they come very early in the morning. Once we get them signed into the MEPS, we get them all in one area, and we give them the morning brief.

Once we get done here, you're going to go to the medical, folks. You're going to get a medical brief, and you're going to run through that process, okay? Once the briefing's done, you're going to get an exam. You're going to meet with the physicians, okay? And you're going to go through that. Once you're done with the medical, you're going to go down to your service liaisons. You're going to sit down with a counselor, and you guys are going to negotiate a job. Once that's complete, you'll come over to the processing section. All right, we'll do what we have to do over there, get you ready to swear in, take the Oath of Enlistment and then we'll set up the transportation to take you home.

Speaker 2: When they do understand the entire process, then we try to make sure that everybody is on the same page, and that if there are any concerns, hopefully then the individual feels comfortable enough to raise them before we get started on the day. That way, they have a nice smooth process. They know where they're going, where they're coming from, and when they come back to see us, they're in a good mood because they know one more spot is done.

Speaker 4: I've tried going to school, I've tried regular jobs and just nothing excited me.

Speaker 5: I've always wanted to join the Military. I went through college, and the, you know, the economy is not the greatest thing right now, but I've always wanted to join.

Speaker 6: Family full of Marines. My uncle did 32, my father did 23 and it'll be awesome to join as well, become a part of a brotherhood.

Speaker 5: And you know, I found some opportunities that can be used with my degree, all that kind of stuff, and they offer a lot of gainful things for what I want to do in the future.

Speaker 1: We are privileged to have them come into the Military. This is a voluntary service. This is not a draft era, and so it's important to us and to each of my staff to treat those who are interested in serving their country with the respect that they deserve.

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Speaker 1: I am Commander Cathy Macer. I am the commanding officer of the Boston Military Entrance Processing Station. MEPS is the place where applicants come to process into the Armed Forces, and we are responsible for ensuring quality accessions into the Armed Forces during both peacetime and during times of mobilization.

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Community colleges are schools that welcome all students who desire to learn regardless of wealth, heritage, or previous academic experience.

There are many benefits to attending a community college such as cheaper tuition.

Most community college missions have basic commitments to:

Serve all segments of society through an open-access admissions policy that offers equal and fair treatment to all students

A comprehensive educational program

Serve its community as a community-based institution of higher education

Teaching

Lifelong learning

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International studies, or study abroad,  can be an exciting learning opportunity. Many colleges and universities offer study abroad options, and encourage students to study abroad. The number of students who study abroad is continuing to rise. The major benefit to study abroad is it enables students to grow, and learn about other world cultures. When looking for a study abroad program, students should make the following considerations, and choose carefully:

1. Academic Needs/Personal Objectives: Students need to find a program that matches their academic needs as well as personal reasons for wanting to study abroad.

2. Program Sponsors: Who runs the program? Is the program owned and operated by the college or university that you attend or another institution? Or will you travel independently?

3. Finances: Will your financial aid package cover costs associated with studying abroad? Is there a study abroad scholarship or grant available? Have you researched the currency exchange rate? How do you plan to keep track of your expenses?

4. Housing: What will be your living arrangements? In what type of area will you live? Is it safe? Will you have a roommate?

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Every student is unique and learns differently. Therefore, there is more than one way for students to earn a college degree. Online degree courses are now a common way for students to access higher education. Many colleges and universities now offer online degree programs. Online learning has made education more accessible to students across the country. Students need to consider the pros and cons to an online education because it will not be the best fit for everyone.

Students can personalize their class schedules

Students can save money over the cost of attending an "on campus" college

Lacks the reputation of a more traditional educational model

Students do not have the benefit to communicate directly with teachers and staff

Students do not experience social interaction in online classes

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Vocational or trade school options are beneficial for students who want to fast-track into well paying and highly skilled careers. This option is also beneficial for adults who are looking to advance in their current career, or change careers all together. There are more than 300 vocational schools across the United States that can offer associate degrees, diplomas, or certificates. Some of the most common vocational programs include: Computer aided drafting and design, Criminal Justice, Culinary,  HVAC, Information Technology, Construction, Electrical, and Photography.

Vocational schools teach job specific skills

Emphasis on the practical, as opposed to academics

Students are still eligible for financial aid and private loan options

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What is it? A gap year is a period of time that a student uses to explore their interests more. This is not a break in one's education. This is a period of time in which students figure out who they are, and make decisions about where they want to go in life and how to get there. Students who pursue this option will develop maturity, confidence, and be career driven.

Typically taken between high school and college transition

Can last any amount of time- does not have to last for a whole year

Can be taken at any age

Students can still apply to college during their senior and defer their acceptance to take a gap year, or they can apply to college after taking a gap year

Students are still eligible for scholarships and financial aid after taking a gap year.

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Every student is unique with their own personal interests, values, and skill sets. Therefore, college will not be the best fit for everyone. This page focuses on  non-college options that can support students and prepare them for the future upon high school graduation.