7 answers
Krystal
Student
Oxnard, California
1
Question
Asked
294 views
When is it to late to think about attending college?
I am in my final year of high school and have no idea what to do after I graduate. Should I still pick out a college in case I find something I want to study after high school.
Login to comment
7 answers
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
202
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Krystal, you are asking an excellent question. And I agree with Brandon's suggestion about talking with your high school counselor, especially if you already have a relationship with him/her.
But I see the value of college a little differently. During college, I identified areas of interest and potential job opportunities that I did not know about before. So I think it is fine going to college not knowing exactly what you want to do afterwards. But, before you list jobs, identify your strengths and ask your family what they see as your strengths. If you are good at a subject, but don't like it, you don't have to include that topic in your list. Then map your strengths to potential majors or to potential careers (and then work backwards to a major). In most colleges, you do not have to declare a major until the second part of sophomore year so you have time to decide that. For many colleges, you apply overall and can switch majors once you are there. Be careful, though, about places where you apply to a specific "school" within the college, e.g., business or engineering. It may not be so easy to switch later.
Some students in your situation take a gap year between high school and college so they can explore their options. During that year, they may take classes at their local community college, gain work experience in a potential field, earn money toward paying for college, participate in travel learning programs, etc. I am not saying that you should do this, only that it may be an option. You don't need to decide now; you could apply to college and then defer attending for a year.
Good luck!
But I see the value of college a little differently. During college, I identified areas of interest and potential job opportunities that I did not know about before. So I think it is fine going to college not knowing exactly what you want to do afterwards. But, before you list jobs, identify your strengths and ask your family what they see as your strengths. If you are good at a subject, but don't like it, you don't have to include that topic in your list. Then map your strengths to potential majors or to potential careers (and then work backwards to a major). In most colleges, you do not have to declare a major until the second part of sophomore year so you have time to decide that. For many colleges, you apply overall and can switch majors once you are there. Be careful, though, about places where you apply to a specific "school" within the college, e.g., business or engineering. It may not be so easy to switch later.
Some students in your situation take a gap year between high school and college so they can explore their options. During that year, they may take classes at their local community college, gain work experience in a potential field, earn money toward paying for college, participate in travel learning programs, etc. I am not saying that you should do this, only that it may be an option. You don't need to decide now; you could apply to college and then defer attending for a year.
Good luck!
Neil Irvin
Plumber\Arborist
2
Answers
Beaufort, South Carolina
Updated
Neil’s Answer
Maybe community college would be a better chance to find out what field you are drawn to. But it is a doubled edged sword. They will let you take what you want as long as your pay for it. I only needed 60 credits to transfer to university. I left community college with over 100 credits. I spent a lot of my parents $$$.
Take some career quizzes.
Job shadow someone
Now a days it’s smart to get an education from university and master a trade.
Neil recommends the following next steps:
Sarah Carmon
Commercial Interior Design
10
Answers
New Orleans, Louisiana
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
I guess it depends on what other options you have. If you have the luxury (meaning someone else is supporting you) of taking a year, I would volunteer at a few different types of places, and meet professionals that are actually doing the work you might find interesting. The department of labor has a website that lists expected salary, projected growth rate, and required education for every career. Take a look and see if anything appeals to you.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1180
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
When is it too late to think about attending college ? It's never too late, really. You mention that you are a senior, so that means you are either 17 or 18 right now. But your question is regarding the thought of attending (going to )college. So you will need to hear advice from different points of view. You are quite fortunate to be in California as there are numerous community colleges, State Universities and Universities of California as well as private, specialized schools. Do not feel pressured to "pick out a school" since you are still figuring out which career you'd like to do in the future. It's best to be sure that you will benefit from the structure of a long term university or college experience, a focused shorter term specialized school or something that would be on the job training for now. Situate that first. How much time and book work and hands on work would you want to dedicate to college study ? Do you think traveling for a year would suit you upon graduation instead of attending classes ? People I knew that didn't know what to focus on went for a degree in Liberal Arts, but they knew they wanted to attend college.
It's never too late. When I was in college, I had many classmates that were in their 30's and 40's in most of my classes. That may have been indicative of the particular era in which I went to college, but still, a few of my high school friends went to college in their 30's and 40's. Since college is a financial investment, it may be a good thing to base your decision on what you can handle financially and the resources you may have.
Instead of the stress of picking out a college to go to at this time, visit several schools and have an orientation and familiarize yourself with their programs and campuses. This will give you a sense of the environment, location, which school's program you think is the best for you and will help you make your decision whether or not to go to college is right for you at a time you choose. This will all become easier when you pinpoint one or two types of work you feel drawn to and this happens at different times for everyone. In the meantime, enjoy your favorite recreation activity, hobby and pass times. You will figure it all out in your own time. I do hope this was helpful. Do not hesitate to ask more questions. Best wishes in all you do !
It's never too late. When I was in college, I had many classmates that were in their 30's and 40's in most of my classes. That may have been indicative of the particular era in which I went to college, but still, a few of my high school friends went to college in their 30's and 40's. Since college is a financial investment, it may be a good thing to base your decision on what you can handle financially and the resources you may have.
Instead of the stress of picking out a college to go to at this time, visit several schools and have an orientation and familiarize yourself with their programs and campuses. This will give you a sense of the environment, location, which school's program you think is the best for you and will help you make your decision whether or not to go to college is right for you at a time you choose. This will all become easier when you pinpoint one or two types of work you feel drawn to and this happens at different times for everyone. In the meantime, enjoy your favorite recreation activity, hobby and pass times. You will figure it all out in your own time. I do hope this was helpful. Do not hesitate to ask more questions. Best wishes in all you do !
Brandon Dang
217
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Brandon’s Answer
I would suggest speaking to a high school counselor about what you want to do for your future. They can give some valuable advice on what would be suited for you.
One piece of advice I would give you would be to not rush the process. Maybe you should take your time to think about what career you would want to get into? Colleges can specialize in certain fields over the other, so if you just apply for a college and get in but not know what you want to do won't be worth your money. If anything, if you do choose to go this route, you could apply as undecided, meaning that you don't know what major you would want to do yet only to realize that you want to have a career not offered at your current school.
You should make a list of jobs that you find appealing and jobs that you most likely not want to do and narrow it down from there.
One piece of advice I would give you would be to not rush the process. Maybe you should take your time to think about what career you would want to get into? Colleges can specialize in certain fields over the other, so if you just apply for a college and get in but not know what you want to do won't be worth your money. If anything, if you do choose to go this route, you could apply as undecided, meaning that you don't know what major you would want to do yet only to realize that you want to have a career not offered at your current school.
You should make a list of jobs that you find appealing and jobs that you most likely not want to do and narrow it down from there.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3833
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Krystal,
It is never too late to think about attending college. While many students start planning for college during their high school years, there are still options available for those who are unsure about their future after graduation. Whether you have a clear idea of what you want to study or not, it is beneficial to consider attending college and explore the possibilities it offers.
Choosing a college in case you find something you want to study after high school can be a wise decision. College provides a structured environment where you can gain knowledge, develop skills, and explore various fields of study. Even if you don't have a specific major in mind, attending college can expose you to different subjects and help you discover your interests and passions.
One advantage of selecting a college before deciding on a major is that it allows you to take general education courses that are required by most degree programs. These courses cover a wide range of subjects such as English, math, science, and social sciences. By completing these general education requirements, you can keep your options open and have a solid foundation for any major you may choose later on.
Additionally, colleges often offer resources such as career counseling services and academic advisors who can assist you in exploring different majors and career paths. They can provide guidance based on your interests, strengths, and goals. These professionals can help you navigate through the process of choosing a major and ensure that your college experience aligns with your aspirations.
Furthermore, attending college provides opportunities for personal growth and development. College campuses are vibrant communities where you can engage in extracurricular activities, join clubs or organizations, participate in internships or research projects, and build valuable connections with peers and professors. These experiences can shape your character, enhance your skills, and broaden your perspectives.
It is important to note that while attending college immediately after high school is the traditional path for many students, it is not the only option available. Some individuals may choose to take a gap year or work for a period of time before pursuing higher education. These alternative paths can provide valuable life experiences and help individuals gain clarity about their interests and goals.
In conclusion, it is never too late to think about attending college. Even if you are unsure about your future after high school, selecting a college and exploring different majors can be a beneficial step. College provides a structured environment, resources for career exploration, and opportunities for personal growth. Whether you have a clear idea of what you want to study or not, attending college can open doors to new possibilities and help shape your future.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names:
1. The College Board (www.collegeboard.org)
2. U.S. News & World Report - Education section (www.usnews.com/education)
3. The Princeton Review (www.princetonreview.com)
It is never too late to think about attending college. While many students start planning for college during their high school years, there are still options available for those who are unsure about their future after graduation. Whether you have a clear idea of what you want to study or not, it is beneficial to consider attending college and explore the possibilities it offers.
Choosing a college in case you find something you want to study after high school can be a wise decision. College provides a structured environment where you can gain knowledge, develop skills, and explore various fields of study. Even if you don't have a specific major in mind, attending college can expose you to different subjects and help you discover your interests and passions.
One advantage of selecting a college before deciding on a major is that it allows you to take general education courses that are required by most degree programs. These courses cover a wide range of subjects such as English, math, science, and social sciences. By completing these general education requirements, you can keep your options open and have a solid foundation for any major you may choose later on.
Additionally, colleges often offer resources such as career counseling services and academic advisors who can assist you in exploring different majors and career paths. They can provide guidance based on your interests, strengths, and goals. These professionals can help you navigate through the process of choosing a major and ensure that your college experience aligns with your aspirations.
Furthermore, attending college provides opportunities for personal growth and development. College campuses are vibrant communities where you can engage in extracurricular activities, join clubs or organizations, participate in internships or research projects, and build valuable connections with peers and professors. These experiences can shape your character, enhance your skills, and broaden your perspectives.
It is important to note that while attending college immediately after high school is the traditional path for many students, it is not the only option available. Some individuals may choose to take a gap year or work for a period of time before pursuing higher education. These alternative paths can provide valuable life experiences and help individuals gain clarity about their interests and goals.
In conclusion, it is never too late to think about attending college. Even if you are unsure about your future after high school, selecting a college and exploring different majors can be a beneficial step. College provides a structured environment, resources for career exploration, and opportunities for personal growth. Whether you have a clear idea of what you want to study or not, attending college can open doors to new possibilities and help shape your future.
Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names:
1. The College Board (www.collegeboard.org)
2. U.S. News & World Report - Education section (www.usnews.com/education)
3. The Princeton Review (www.princetonreview.com)
Molly Hollingsworth
HR Clerk
80
Answers
Coppell, Texas
Updated
Molly’s Answer
Hello Krystal and good question!
I feel that it is completely up to you. After a certain point, there is a deadline when to apply to colleges. What I would recommend is that if you don't feel completely confident in going to college after you graduate, you can always take a gap year! Take some time to yourself and figure out what you want to do in the future! If you find that you realize you want to go to school at a point in your life, I would definitely recommend to apply. Like I mentioned earlier, it may be a cutoff date depending on when you do apply, but community college may be a good start. From there, you are always able to transfer once you have been attending that specific college for 1 year.
I hope this helped, and good luck in your future endeavors!
Thank You
Molly H.
I feel that it is completely up to you. After a certain point, there is a deadline when to apply to colleges. What I would recommend is that if you don't feel completely confident in going to college after you graduate, you can always take a gap year! Take some time to yourself and figure out what you want to do in the future! If you find that you realize you want to go to school at a point in your life, I would definitely recommend to apply. Like I mentioned earlier, it may be a cutoff date depending on when you do apply, but community college may be a good start. From there, you are always able to transfer once you have been attending that specific college for 1 year.
I hope this helped, and good luck in your future endeavors!
Thank You
Molly H.