Choosing a path

Selecting the Path that is Right for You Deciding on a plan or path to take following high school graduation can be confusing and sometimes frustrating. You can learn about your options by talking with your School Counselor, but below is a list of options most often chosen. You can learn more about how to pursue these options on the pages following this list.

Will you be able to afford the lifestyle you want?  It's difficult to predict the future, but it's never too early to start planning for it. Texas Reality Check will show you how much your living expenses will cost, and the amount of money you will need to earn to pay for them.  

College 

Colleges are institutions that offer educational instruction beyond the high school level in a two year or four-year program. Colleges may: 

• Offer on-campus housing 

• Offer associates, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees 

• Have more rigorous admission standards 

University 

Universities award undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of fields, and offer a wide range of academic choices. Universities: 

• Have on-campus housing 

• Have a variety of admissions standards (some more rigorous, some less – be sure to check the university’s website for full information on admission requirements) 

• Offer associates, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees 

Liberal Arts College

Liberal arts colleges are four-year institutions focusing on undergraduate degrees. Liberal Arts Colleges: 

• Offer more personal attention - based on smaller admission than universities, classes tend to be smaller 

• Emphasize courses in humanities, social sciences, and sciences 

• Often have specific area(s) of study that is their college “major” 

Community College 

Community colleges are two-year institutions of higher learning that can: 

• Offer the first two years of a liberal arts education 

• Provide career and vocational training 

• Offer associate degrees as well as certificates 

• Sometimes offer on-campus housing 

• See Dallas College website

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) 

HBCUs were established specifically with the goal of increasing African American students’ access to a college education at a time when they were systematically denied access to most other colleges and universities. Students attending these schools can and should feel empowered by the fact that they’re actively defending and taking advantage of their rights, while experiencing: 

• A supportive atmosphere 

• Classes and extracurricular activities tailored to African Americans 

• Faculty mentors who encourage student success

• See HBCU First website

Military Academies 

The five U.S military academies (U.S. Military Academy-West Point, NY (Army); U.S. Air Force Academy-Colorado Springs, CO; U.S. Naval Academy-Annapolis, MD; U.S. Coast Guard AcademyNew London, CT; and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy-Kings Point, NY) are federal academies for the undergraduate education and training of commissioned officers for the United States Armed Forces.  

Military Academies:

• Require a nomination by a US Senator or US Representative (U.S. Coast Guard Academy does not require a Congressional nomination) 

• Help build qualities of character and leadership 

• Provide a structured environment with firm boundaries and daily routines

• See RISD Military Readiness website

 Trade, Technical, and Professional School

These institutions emphasize preparation for specific careers and enroll students who have made clear decisions about what they plan to study. 

These schools: 

• Offer programs and certificates in many areas without requiring associates or bachelor’s degrees 

• Often do not have a core curriculum.  Students have classes related to the career choice only

• Often have quality programs with high success rates.  Check school accreditation to ensure you are choosing a quality school 

• See Dallas College Guided Pathways website

U.S. Military Service 

Enlistment in U.S. Military service can offer an unparalleled sense of patriotism, duty, honor, and selfless service. Talk to a recruiter for specific information on each branch of the U.S. Military. Some of the benefits to enlistment include: 

• Guaranteed paycheck 

• Educational benefits (you can earn college credit while in the U.S. Military) 

• Option for full-time or part-time service 

• Travel

• See RISD Military Readiness website

Workforce 

Attending college directly out of high school isn’t for everyone. Some students may want a break before they return to full-time education, and for some high school graduates, working instead of attending college is a monetary decision.

Whatever the reason, it is important to remember that it may be difficult to go back to school after you’ve been out for a while, so be sure to consider this option carefully. There are some benefits to taking a break: 

• Taking a year off can help you learn to appreciate school, especially if the job is tedious 

• Gain life experience

• Have time to put more thought into your future career

• See Texas Career Check

For more information, please see the RISD Paths to Post-Secondary Hub