Non-College Options for High School Seniors by Jessica Thoms https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj A career resource for high school level students. en-us 2016-06-21 19:51:22 UTC 2025-12-16 02:11:17 UTC hello@padlet.com Introduction: jessica_thoms https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115182241 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.]]> 2016-06-21 20:00:46 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115182241 The Gap Year: jessica_thoms https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115182491 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.
]]> 2016-06-21 20:06:05 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115182491 Vocational School Options: jessica_thoms https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115183411 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
]]> 2016-06-21 20:23:50 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115183411 Online College Degrees: jessica_thoms https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115184650 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

]]> 2016-06-21 20:47:52 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115184650 International Studies: jessica_thoms https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115184674 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?
]]> 2016-06-21 20:48:33 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115184674 Community Colleges: jessica_thoms https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115184686 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
]]> 2016-06-21 20:48:46 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115184686 Military Options: jessica_thoms https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115184734 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:


]]> 2016-06-21 20:49:38 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115184734 jessica_thoms https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115321837 2016-06-23 13:27:20 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115321837 jessica_thoms https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115322047 2016-06-23 13:29:01 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115322047 jessica_thoms https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115322145 2016-06-23 13:30:09 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115322145 Online Programs to Consider: jessica_thoms https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115323266
  • DeVry University
  • Kaplan University'
  • The Art Institute Online
  • Villanova University Professional Certificate Online programs
  • Colorado Technical University online
    • ]]>     2016-06-23 13:42:13 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115323266     jessica_thoms https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115324080 2016-06-23 13:51:19 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115324080 jessica_thoms https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115324545 2016-06-23 13:57:40 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115324545 Local PA Community Colleges to Consider: jessica_thoms https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115324580
  • Montgomery County Community College
  • Bucks County Community College
  • Community College of Philadelphia
  • Lehigh-Carbon Community College
  • Northampton County Community College
    • ]]>     2016-06-23 13:58:13 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115324580     jessica_thoms https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115325213 2016-06-23 14:06:56 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115325213 jessica_thoms https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115325577 2016-06-23 14:11:09 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115325577 Vocational Schools versus Higher Education: jessica_thoms https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115326048 http://stosselintheclassroom.org/videos/vocational_schools_vs_higher_education/

    ]]>     2016-06-23 14:18:03 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115326048     Military Benefits: jessica_thoms https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115327063 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]]> 2016-06-23 14:31:06 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115327063 jessica_thoms https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115327160 2016-06-23 14:32:13 UTC https://padlet.com/jessica_thoms/z5g7jip51mmj/wish/115327160