High school graduation is right around the corner. Graduation is a time of both excitement and anxiety. It’s a time when you finally get to step out into the world on your own, but it can also be scary not knowing what comes next. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed about graduation, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we will give you 5 tips for making the transition from high school to college or the working world as smooth as possible.
1. Start preparing early. The earlier you start preparing for graduation, the less stress you will feel when it actually comes around. Most college planning begins junior year of high school, so hopefully, you are well on the way. If not, starting with building a school list is a good first step. Make a plan for what you need to do in the months leading up to graduation, and set deadlines for yourself to ensure that everything gets done on time.
2. Talk to your guidance counselor. Your guidance counselor can be a valuable resource as you navigate this transition. Granted, sometimes guidance counselors are overwhelmed and overworked. However, they can help you with everything from choosing a college to figuring out what career path is right for you, and can connect you with other resources in your community that may be helpful along the way.
3. Take advantage of your high school’s resources. Many high schools offer resources and support that can help you prepare for graduation, including tutoring programs and test prep courses. A local library is also a good option; many have free test prep resources to help you get a great score on the ACT or SAT. Take advantage of these offerings to help you get a head start on your college or career plans.
4. Learn about the process of applying to college. Applying to college can seem like a daunting task, especially if it’s your first time. Luckily, there are many resources available to help you navigate the application process and select the right school for you. Many resources are freely available online, and high schools typically have helpful events such as FAFSA nights. If you still feel overwhelmed, we are here to help, too!
5. Start looking into career options early on. Whether you’re still deciding on a major or want to explore different career paths, it’s important to start researching potential careers as early as possible. Some great resources for learning more about different careers include online databases, job fairs, and informational interviews with professionals in your field of interest. Also, parents, don’t forget to ask your friends and work connections for job shadowing opportunities for your college-bound children.
6. Take advantage of any opportunities to gain work experience or volunteer in your community. School-sponsored internships, part-time jobs, and extracurricular activities are all great ways to develop professional skills. Volunteerism also looks great on admission and scholarship applications.
Graduating high school is an important milestone in any young person’s life. It’s a time to celebrate your accomplishments, but it’s also the beginning of a new chapter. Now is the time to start preparing for graduation, preparing for college, and exploring your career options. We hope these tips will help you make the most of this exciting time in your life! Also, you can schedule a consultation with us to learn more about how Gradmetrics can help you plan for the next step in your future.
