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What are the best options for after high school for those unsure on if college is their best option?

Currently debating if college is the best option, as deciding on a major has not been the easier process.

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Andrew’s Answer

There is no better way to figure out your path than in service of others. I just retired from the Coast Guard. 20 years. The military saved my life, gave me skills to lead, a college degree, a career, and a family. The travel and work put in was enough for many lifetimes and so many great friends. If you are interested, GoCoastGuard.com.
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Hope’s Answer

If you are unsure what your next steps should be, find out what you are passionate about. This can help decide your path.

If you are passionate about animals, you can look for a job as a receptionist at a Vet to see how the day-to-day would be, ask Vets about the steps for schooling, what they like about the profession, and so on.

Another step would be to try out community college. Community college offers many different classes from your regular English, Math, and Science, but also very niche and fun classes (Fables and Tales, Oceanography). This path is also a great transition to a four-year college if that's the path you would like to take.
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Christine’s Answer

Onet interest profiler can help you identify (or rule out) some professions you might enjoy looking into.
You have lots of options (military, employment, trade/vocational school, college/university education).
If you have an idea of what to go into then start looking into cost and payment options. Is there a way to get trained for free? Can you qualify for scholarships or grants? What would fit your situation the best?
Remember you don’t have to have it all figured out completely right now - but you should be learning about options and gathering info so you can make an educated decision. And remember if you gain knowledge later you can always pivot as needed. But definitely make SOME sort of plan because failing to plan is a plan to fail.
Use your resources (parents/professionals/school staff/this website…)
Best of luck

Christine recommends the following next steps:

Gather ideas of what you wanna go into
Learn options for education cost and timeline
Make a plan
Run plan by someone you trust for tweaking
Execute and follow through
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Emma’s Answer

It is wonderful that you recognize your own uncertainty. Many kids begin college with no understanding of why they are there other than for reasons like believing that's what they are supposed to do, or that they have to go to college to succeed, or that college is just what people do after high school. None of these are good reasons, and many people struggle, get deeply in debt, waste time in doing majors not suited to their interests or strengths, merely because they feel obligated. If you aren't sure, the first thing I would suggest is to take at least one semester off before you think about starting college. Don't begin your studies until you are certain you want to be in school. During your semester off, explore the options. What kind of work do you enjoy? What are your interests? Is there a vocational program that aligns with your talents and interests. Vocational and community college programs are far more affordable than traditional 4 year college programs. Vocational schools often lead to well-paid jobs heavily in demand. If you are the sort of intellectually curious type of person, who will thrive in an environment devoted to "higher learning," perhaps traditional university is for you. But don't do it unless you are certain. It's exorbitantly expensive and will not help you if you are interested in something like becoming an electrician, or a medical assistant. If you aren't certain, ask a few professors of classes that intrigue you if you can audit a few classes. But please please, if you aren't certain, take a break, find out what you really want and what your options are before taking the plunge.

Emma recommends the following next steps:

Research vocational programs, community college offerings and trade schools to learn all of your options
Meet with an academic advisor to help figure out your best options
Audit several university classes to see whether the experience is for you
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Martina’s Answer

Hi Alex, think about what you enjoy doing and is passionate about. There are options such as learning a trade and earning a certificate.
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Courtney’s Answer

I would say while you are still in high school, explore volunteer opportunities and things that will help you discover what you passion is or what things you are truly interested in. Everyone will not know immediately if college is for them or not but it could benefit you to give it a try. Attend college fairs or maybe even job fairs and learn about things that may spark your interest. Once you know what you are truly interested in or what your passion is in life, that will make deciding on a college a little bit easier.

Sometimes exploring a trade is a good option and can be the better option for people as well. In most cases, you spend less time in school and the focus is on the exact trade you're working on versus extra classes that won't relate to your chosen field at all. Also think about whether your ultimate goal is to own your own business or just work for a major company.
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