Do I need to go to college or technical college?
Around 65% of all job openings require some amount of education beyond high school. Around 35% will require a typical 4-year Bachelors Degree and 30% will require anywhere from 6 months up to a 2-Year Associates Degree, typically from technical college.
Read more about Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce.
2-year Technical College or 4-year College?
Follow your dream. There are careers requiring two years or less of college or technical college that earn as much or more as some careers requiring a 4-year Bachelors Degree.
The US Dept. of Labor is one place you can find the $$ earnings and education requirements for thousands of careers in the US: Check out the A-Z Index of the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
High Demand Career Fields - Did you know? The Technical College System of Georgia currently has 17 career fields that are in such high demand that free tuition is available through the HOPE Grant and HOPE Career Grant.
So I am going to college... how do I apply?
Just Google that! Find the website and look for the Admissions Office page and the APPLY NOW button that should be visible somewhere. Most websites provide very complete information on the whole process. And remember, always come to the Counselors Office when you have questions or need help!
Application Types: Early Action? Early Decision? Regular Decision? Rolling Admission?
What is the difference between Early Action and Early Decision? I think I need some Help!
After You Apply
Email either of the counselors with a request to send your transcript to your college(s).
If you have DE credits, your DE colleges will also have to send your transcript to anywhere you apply. The college Registrar's Office handles these Transcript Requests from current and former college students. A fee often applies.
Remember to regularly "Check Your Status" for important communications from the college. This may be the only way you receive communications once you have applied.
Check the college websites to learn when you can expect a decision. Some provide a specific date, some provide a window of time after which you will receive their decision.
Military Options
The military is not for everyone but if you think you are interested, or want to learn more, the first step is to speak with a recruiter. Most branches of the US Armed Forces have a recruiter assigned to Coosa High School. The recruiters visit CHS fairly often during lunches or by appointment. Students interested in meeting with a recruiter, feel free to come by the counseling office for more information.
Talk seriously with your parents about whether the military is an option for you. Each branch provides options for college both during and after your service.
Want to be a military officer? Check out the United States Service Academies or colleges with ROTC programs. Service Academies are highly competitive and seek top students with strong leadership potential.
You might also think about enlisting in Officer Training Programs after you earn your Bachelors Degree. Every military branch has officer training programs.
Want to fly through the eye of a hurricane or search the bottom of the ocean?
Check out the NOAA Corps -- where Service Meets Science. NOAA Corps is one of the nation's seven uniformed services and conducts scientific and environmental missions rather than military missions.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Marine and Aviation Operations (OMAO) maintains the NOAA fleet of ships & aircraft involved in worldwide scientific and environmental stewardship research. The OMAO even trains Divers to support underwater scientific missions!
Going Straight-to-Work
Remember that many employers offer scholarships, grants, or other incentive programs to help their employees continue their education. Whether you take one class at a time, or more than that, earning college / technical college credits may help you get a raise or even earn promotions more quickly. Check with your employer to see what they may offer.
Apprenticeships
Don't forget about Apprenticeships such as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Electrical Training Center. Earn competitive wages while you take classes and learn on the job. Apprenticeships can lead to very high-paid careers. There are a lot of apprenticeship programs out there in a variety of fields. As with all things, just Google that!