Post-Grad Planning

Overview

Counselors utilize an online tool through the AHS School Counseling website. This program, called Family Connection/Naviance, is a customized planning and advising tool used to instruct all students on matters involving career and college research. Freshman groups focus on transitioning to the high school, goal setting, and involvement in school and community activities. They are given a Naviance account where they complete a Learning Styles Inventory, which aids them in gaining an understanding of how they learn best. They also begin the process of researching careers and colleges. Sophomore groups revolve around MCAS, PSAT’s, course selection and extracurricular activities. They complete a Personality Profiler on Naviance, which exposes them to careers, college majors, and colleges, which best meet their interests and goals. Sophomores continue to expand their college search. Junior groups focus on PSAT’s, SAT’s, and other standardized testing information. They fine-tune their college search, visit colleges, and interview with college representatives. Counselors help juniors to develop a list of colleges and discuss acquiring teacher letters of recommendation. Seniors work with counselors in groups and on an individual basis to focus on matching their needs and interests to colleges, which are a good ‘fit’. Students and parents/guardians are guided, step-by-step, through the college application process. School counselors believe that there is a suitable college match for every Arlington High School student!

College/admissions representatives schedule meetings with students at AHS in order to discuss their requirements and to review admissions criteria. These visits include representatives from two and four year colleges, trade schools, the military, year-off programs, and other alternative programs. AHS also sponsors a Spring College Fair, which hosts representatives from over 100 colleges and universities.

A LOOK AT YOUR POST-SECONDARY OPTIONS

There are many options available for students. The counselors meet with their students to discuss different options available to them after graduation. The links on the left will have detailed websites and information regarding the necessary tools for college and transition planning. Some of the post secondary options discussed are:

TWO YEAR/FOUR YEAR COLLEGE

Students who seek to continue their education after high school have the option of attending a two or four college. An Associates degree is awarded to students participating in a two- year program at a private or community college. A Bachelors degree is awarded to students completing a four-year program at a private or public college/university.

GAP YEAR PROGRAMS

Many students look for an educational experience as an alternative to college after high school. Gap year programs are available throughout the world. Opportunities include volunteerism, travel/study abroad or participation in outdoor adventure programs. These programs vary in cost but are worthwhile to those who are looking to learn and grow outside of the typical academic setting. A list of gap year programs and opportunities are available by clicking here.

A POST-GRADUATE YEAR (a.k.a. The 13th year)

A post-graduate year is an additional academic year of high school at an independent private institution. This experience is designed to help students’ transition from the comfort of high school to the rigor of college. Students interested in a post-graduate year typically look to improve their academic standing for college admissions while increasing their personal, academic and social growth. The small school atmosphere helps students to become better known by their professors, to improve their study skills and to increase proficiency in a particular area (music, art, athletics, etc.). Click here to obtain an extensive list of PG-year programs in New England.

BUSINESS, TRADE OR TECHNICAL PROGRAMS

These programs are available at privately owned schools, community colleges, or vocational technical schools. The training provided is practical and prepares students for employment in specific fields. Job placement services are usually available upon completion of a program. The length of a program varies from several weeks to several years. Costs can also vary depending upon the length and quality of training. Students in these programs are trained in secretarial skills, computer programming, electronics, auto repair, cosmetology, drafting, health occupations, and travel and tourism, and in many other vocations. Click here for some options.

MILITARY TRAINING

The military offers training in a variety of occupations. Many training programs are similar to occupations found in civilian life. Training programs vary a great deal in length of time. They may include classroom study, on-the-job training, or both. Enlistees are paid while they receive training. The military prepares enrollees for a variety of jobs including aircraft mechanic, heavy equipment operator, computer or electronics technician, meteorologist, fire fighter, and welder. Students and their parents should look into all possibilities in order to be certain about their choice to enter the military. Once the papers are signed, decisions are final! Click here for options.

FULL-TIME WORK

Students who plan to enter the work force might consider taking the following steps: take the Civil Service Exam, take the Police and Fire Department Exams, visit an office in the Division of Career Services. The primary function of this state agency is to help people to find employment. Seek out companies and businesses that offer on-the-job-training (OJT) programs to new employees. OJT can help a person to gain the skills necessary to succeed in certain jobs and to advance later on. Research contact numbers for temporary agencies in the yellow pages of your telephone book. Working for a temporary agency can provide you with many different types of employment opportunities and telephone experiences as well.

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