Post-Secondary Information & Planning

The post secondary planning process is an 18 month journey beginning in January of the junior year and continuing through Spring of senior year.  School Counselors work with students and families throughout this process to support each student's individualized plans.  Through group & individual meetings, parent evening presentations, and resources available on this website, the MHS Guidance department provides comprehensive support.  Although we emphasize that this is a student centered process we recognize that families play an integral role. 

A great question to ask is "Why am I going to college?" Too much of the focus in post-secondary planning is seemingly about "getting in."  Students should remember that they want to have a positive experience while in college, and that in many ways, college is a "means to an end."  The most important goal is that everyone ultimately finds a job or a career that they love and a campus where they can excel.  

Post-Secondary Philosophy

• MHS School Guidance Counselors are here to help all students with their post-secondary plans, college or otherwise.

• All post-secondary planning is a student-centered and student-driven process.

• Good post-secondary planning requires thought, reflection, and action.

• There are colleges available for every student.

• College is a match, not a prize or a trophy.  Financial match is just as important as academic and social match.

• Find the fun in the process.

What are my options?

In any given year, approximately 90-95% of Melrose High School graduates attend a 2 or 4 year college, and begin in the fall immediately following graduation.  That is not, however, the only option students have.   

• 4-year college

• 2-year college

• GAP year

• Military

• Trade School

• Employment

• College online (Accredited online colleges) 

• Post-grad (PG) year