Selecting a college can be overwhelming for high school students. However, this can be an easy process for students who have a clear definition of where they want to go. Whether a high school student is still determining where they want to go, or if the student is laser-focused in their approach, it is still important to make a sound and well-thought-out decision. Helping students decide where to go to college should be a collaborative effort between parents, teachers, and school counselors. Strengthening parent and family partnerships is vital to establish trust with students and parents when deciding which college to go to.
When selecting a college, it is important to find a school that will support students from start to finish. Also, it is essential to find a school that is specific to the needs and interests of the student. Knowing how to select a school comes from a combination of researching the school, what location of the country the college is in, and speaking to admission counselors and current or former students of the college.
The Importance of Helping High School Students Select a College
For an educator, helping high school students find the correct college is an effective way to help narrow down specifics to help students make an effective choice. It is important to know what type of college the student wants to go to. Furthermore, it is important to see what academic history the student has had to see if the student qualifies to go to the school of their choice. Students who may want to pursue a specific trade or obtain an associate degree will benefit from going to a technical school or community college. Community and technical colleges give students the opportunity to obtain a certification or associate degree after two years.
Students who want to pursue a trade such as welding, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), carpentry, and building construction can all find programs either in an Early College Program, community college, or technical school. Oftentimes, community colleges and technical schools establish programs with Early Colleges so students can come out of high school with a trade, certification, or even an associate degree. For high school students who want to pursue a four-year degree going to a university is the route. There are multiple paths to completing a four-year degree.
Some students choose to go to a two-year school and then transfer to a four-year institution. Depending on the needs and interests of the students, the university may be a small private institution or a larger university in an urban center. Both small and larger universities have pros and cons when it comes to student experiences, class sizes, and effective academic advising. Understanding which major the student wants to pursue is important as well. Majors such as education, business, engineering, and social science are a few choices for high school students. Knowing which major students want to pursue can help educators determine where to go.
Helping High School Students Decide Where to Go
There are various ways high school educators can help high school students decide where to go. It is important to know the reasons high school students want to go to college. This can be due to friendships, family tradition, or if a high school student finds a particular degree program they want to go to. A few factors influence where high school students decide to go to college include life experiences, financial aid and funding, and future career opportunities.
Life Experiences
For many prospective college students, life experiences are a major reason for choosing a university to visit. Many students of color and first-generation college students may find it difficult adjusting to college life. Facilitating greater success among minority students is vital to establishing a support system and building confidence in students of color and first-generation college-bound students.
Students who attend college find new life experiences, meet people from diverse backgrounds, and learn new skills in communication and business. The TRIO Upward Bound Program is a federal grant-based program designed to familiarize first-generation college-bound students with colleges and universities. The program provides academic support, after-school, weekend activities, and summer residential programs to get students prepared for college placement.
Financial Aid and Funding
The U.S. News and World Report states that the average American owes at least $30,000 in student loan debt. When finding a college to go to, it is important to consider the best way to find funds for the college experience. Parents and students have the opportunity to apply for financial aid. The Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) gives families information on which grants, loans, and scholarships students qualify for to pay for college.
Consulting with school counselors to connect students with current state or federal scholarships is an effective way to learn about other financial aid opportunities. As the college process continues for the potential student, it is vital that the families and students are aware of the opportunities at various schools and future career opportunities.
Future Career Opportunities
Career opportunities for college graduates depend on sound advice from academic advisors, planning for the future, and understanding future job markets. There are multiple career opportunities available for college graduates, each specific to its major. Research.com has compiled a list of the best college majors in 2023 with data on salary and job growth expectations. Understanding how each opportunity can benefit the student is important to knowing what impact the degree will make on students and the community as a whole. Many college students go on past the bachelor’s level and pursue a graduate degree.
One example of this is for students who want to pursue a military career. Going to college and obtaining a degree is a plus for military personnel. Once a member of the military obtains a degree, they can be promoted to a military officer. This can potentially translate into higher salaries and opportunities for students in college and military personnel. Some high school students are in JROTC programs and work with military and college recruiters to find the best option for student success.
Whether the high school student wants to go to a community college, university, or expand their career in the military, going to college has benefits for each choice. Having knowledge educators, school counselors, and parental support are all major factors in finding the best choice for high school students. Analyzing life experiences, financial support, and career opportunities are all key factors determining a positive college experience. As students enter their schools of choice, there will be opportunities to make an impact at home, with diverse communities, and in the global environment.
Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.
