It’s no secret that getting more education after graduation can help you earn more money later in life. Studies show that you can earn 50% more than if you stop with a high school diploma. Florida has hundreds of education options, and one is just right for you.
Questions to ask yourself while considering what school to attend after graduation
1. What do you want to be?
Make the connection: School can be the ticket to a great career. What careers are you considering? Knowing your goals can help weed out schools that don’t offer the programs or degrees you need. Pick a school that offers classes for a couple majors you are considering. Then if you change your major, you won’t have to transfer to another school.
2. What do you like about high school?
Something to think about: The classroom environment that you like now can give you a hint to the type of class settings you want in your next school. Are you a hands-on type of learner? Consider a technical school or a certificate course. Gotta have sports? You may want to see if the school offers opportunities to join intramurals.
3. Where do you want to be?
Here’s a tip: Close your eyes and picture yourself at your next school. Is it close to home? A big, green campus? In a fast-paced, downtown or business area? Think about what, besides classes, goes on at your dream school.
4. Do you know what your options are?
Do your homework: Get as much information as possible about the schools you are considering. College fairs and websites are great tools for finding out what’s available. Check out the “Get Smart Guide” on page 90 to view schools by type. Talk to students who have attended the schools and try to visit the campuses you’re considering in person.
5. What can you afford?
Don’t forget: What you can’t afford is to overlook scholarship, grant and financial aid opportunities. (Check out scholarship opportunities on page 67.) Consider how some options will be easier on your wallet. A school close to home can mean less money and time spent traveling home for the holidays.
Types of Schools
• One-year certification training schools specialize in teaching the skills that can lead to jobs in areas like computers, massage, construction trades and much more.
• Technical, trade or vocational schools offer a hands-on learning environment that focuses on real world skills for a particular career. Most programs take two years.
• Community colleges offer A.S. degrees that will allow you to enter the workforce and A.A. degrees that will help you transfer to a four-year institution.
• State colleges and universities give students the traditional college experience, a wide range ofdegree programs and a ton of extracurricular and social activities.
• Independent colleges and universities can be small colleges or big universities. Tuition is usually more expensive because they aren’t state-funded. But don’t forget to look into scholarships just for students attending these schools.
Web Bonus: Students Who Found Their Perfect School
Dakota Dunn, 19
Senior, Zoo Animal Technology
Santa Fe Community College”
When I heard of about Santa Fe’s Zoo Animal Technology Program the summer before my senior year of high school, I knew it was perfect for me. I called the school, got as much information as I could about the program and sent in my application. A few weeks later, I received an acceptance letter — all before the first day of my senior year. I’ve always enjoyed working with animals and knew that Santa Fe’s program is the only one of its kind in the country. When I graduate, I will have an Associate of Science(A.S.) degree in Zoo Animal photography oranimal conservation.”
Zach Crotty, 19
Sophomore, Undecided Major
Valencia Community College
“I’d recommend that other student s think about attending a community college and then transferring to a university because it offers a nice transition and saves money. I chose to attend Valencia Community College because it was close to home. I plan to transfer to the University of Central Florida and study political science or psychology. I think Valencia does well in preparing us for attending a university and for life in general. I love the community environment.”
Janette Bandel, 19
Sophomore, Pre-Medicine
Barry University
“It’s all about taking the initiative. Instead of mailing in my application, I personally went to Barry and introduced myself to an admissions officer. I asked for her feedback to strengthen my application. I felt that it was important for Barry to know who I was, not just my GPA and test scores. I chose Barry because the people there are very kind, warm and very giving of their time. For other colleges, I had to make an appointment to see them way in advance. Not Barry. They were ready to receive me and were willing to help.”
Stephen Chin, 20
Sophomore, Game Design
International Academy of Design & Technology – Orlando
“I became interested in studying game design when I first heard about it in high school. After I turned in my application, I concentrated on passing the FCAT and passing all my classes so that I could graduate. In my classes, I get to draw and animate characters for my games in a program called 3D Studio Max. Ialso get to enjoy a ‘game room’ to try out several other gamers. I encourage anyone who’s interested instudying game design to go for it.”
http://www.floridanext.com/higher_ed/article_view.asp?id=554
–Ashley Cisneros
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Ashley Cisneros is a co-founder of Chatter Buzz Media, an Orlando Internet marketing firm that helps companies and organizations engage with their target markets through inbound marketing via the Internet. Chatter Buzz Media, which won the Social Madness competition for the Orlando small business market, is a full-service digital marketing firm specializing in website design, search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing and content creation. Prior to founding Chatter Buzz, Ashley worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine editor, technical writer, marketing manager, public relations practitioner and freelance journalist. To see Ashley’s content writing, visit www.ashleycisneros.com. You can also reach Ashley on her Google profile.
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