GEAR UP
Preparation Timeline
Get ready for your future.
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After high school, you have options like apprenticeships, military service, on-the-job training, community college certificates, and two- or four-year degrees. Exploring these paths can help you follow your interests and make smart choices for your future!
Guide to Your Future
After high school, you have a variety of paths to choose from depending on your interests. It's important to consider your priorities, preferred learning style, the type of work you’re seeking, whether you're seeking direct or indirect service, and the financial support available to you as you navigate your options.
- 2-Year & 4-Year Degree Programs: Most community colleges offer certificates or associate degrees, which typically take two years to complete for full-time students. Students can then pursue a bachelor's degree, which typically takes 4 years.
- Apprenticeships & On-The-Job Training Programs: Most technical colleges offer certificates, and some award associate degrees. After graduation, you can pursue an apprenticeship or enroll in a 2-year college program that leads to one.
- Gap Year: A “gap year” is a break between high school graduation and further education, often spent volunteering, working, or traveling.
- Military or National Service: Both the Military and AmeriCorps offer a chance to serve and offer help paying for higher education.
- Undecided: Explore your interests, skills, and possible pathways.
- Workforce and Career Exploration: People who go straight into the workplace usually do not have formal credentials beyond a high school diploma. Consider your current needs and interests and understand the difference between a job and a career.
After high school, different paths lead to different types of credentials. You may need one (or several) of these credentials depending on your career interests and goals.
- Certificate
- Associate Degree
- Bachelor's or Baccalaureate Degree
- Graduate Degree
- Doctoral and Professional Degree
Explore different types of credentials.
Discovering your options early on empowers you to shape a brighter future!
- Campus visits offer a genuine glimpse into vibrant college life.
- Volunteering allows you to connect with meaningful causes you're passionate about.
- Job shadowing provides valuable insight into everyday work experiences.
- Internships give you hands-on skills that prepare you for success.
Exploring various paths helps you identify your interests and preferences. All these experiences not only boost your confidence but also make major decisions more manageable and exciting!
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Having a plan for life after high school is key. It helps you set goals and make smart choices about your future, whether it’s college, work, or something else.
Plan the Next Steps
Preparing for life after high school is vital. A High School and Beyond Plan helps you reflect on your interests, explore career paths, and identify necessary coursework.
Whether you're aiming for a four-year college, a two-year program, or the military, preparing for standardized exams like the SAT or ACT is important.
This proactive approach equips you to make informed decisions about your future. Embrace this transition by setting clear goals and seeking guidance!
- Prepare for Pathway. Before graduating, students need to complete a High School and Beyond Plan outlining their interests, classes, and future goals. This plan helps identify the required courses for their post-high school path.
- Prepare for Exams. Students planning to attend a four-year college may need to take the SAT or the ACT. Other standardized tests are available for those planning to enlist in the military or attend a two-year or technical college.
Applying is one of the first steps on your path after high school. Different pathways have different application processes.
Fit/Match
- College and Career Pathways: You Have Options
- Considering A Gap Year?
- How to Become an Apprentice
- Military Pathways
- Technical and Specialty Colleges
- What Do We Mean When We Say College?
- DCYF: Resources for foster youth
- SchoolHouse Connection: Resources for students experiencing homelessness.
- Think College! Resources for students with intellectual disabilities.
Admissions
- 12th The Year Campaign Student Workbook
- ACT/SAT Test-Optional 101
- Admissions and Financial Aid Information for LGBTQ+ Students
- The Guaranteed Admissions Program
- Family Resources
Free Essay Review
- Get Schooled Essay Review. Submit your personal statement, supplemental college application essays, and scholarship essays for feedback. They will provide actionable suggestions and feedback within one week.
After applying for admission to pursue education and training, file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA).
The 12th Year Campaign can help you with two important steps to going to college: applying for admission and applying for financial aid.
- Find a free, in-person, or virtual 12th Year Campaign Event near you to help with your financial aid and admissions applications. View the Padlet: Financial Aid Resources for Students for resources to help you navigate the financial aid and admissions process.
- Understand your financial aid options, including state financial aid programs, private scholarships, and student loans, at the Washington Student Loan Education site. Estimate your award with the financial aid calculator.
- Need more help? Contact Otter! Otter, the OtterBot, is a free texting service designed to help Washington high school seniors navigate financial aid for college and career education. Access OtterBot by texting “Hi Otter” to 360-928-7281.
Check out the 12th Year Campaign Student Workbook and the handouts below for high school juniors and seniors. They will guide you through the college admissions and financial aid application process.
- Admissions and Financial Aid Information for LGBTQ+ Students
- Award Letter Key Components | Award Letter Worksheet - Living off-campus | Award Letter Worksheet - Living on-campus
- Financial Aid & Unaccompanied Homeless Youth
- Financial Aid 101 and Financial Aid 201: How to Pay for Education After High School (Available in Arabic, Chuukese, English, Marshallese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese)
- Financial Aid Information for Youth in Foster Care
- Understanding Your Financial Aid Award Letter: Information on Student Loans
- Which Financial Aid Is the Best to Accept?
About:
Advocating for yourself and seeking support is key to getting what you need to succeed. Don't hesitate to ask for help! Life after high school graduation marks an exhilarating new chapter filled with endless possibilities and challenges. Remember, support is available to help you navigate this journey.
Life After High School
Life after high school is an exciting time full of new beginnings and challenges. The first year of college can be a big transition for everyone. Here are some common challenges many often face:
- Financial: Learn to manage your money wisely to avoid credit card debt. College can be expensive, but students shouldn’t have to choose between education and basic needs. If you’re enrolled in the College Bound program, you might qualify for extra support, like grocery funds. Check Washington Connection for food benefits and explore campus resources for help. Find campus support here: Student Resources for Basic Needs | WSAC.
- Academic: School work/training is usually tougher than high school. Successful students use resources like tutoring, study groups, and office hours with professors for help.
- Social: You'll need to build a new social circle, make friends, and you may need to adjust to living with roommates.
- Independence: You have more freedom, but with that comes more responsibility. Balancing school, work, and a social life is key.
- Time Management: Expect to study about two hours for every hour of class.
Successful students use a variety of available resources to build support systems. There are many free resources to help students transition to education and training and get personal, health, financial, and academic support. There is no shame, embarrassment, or anger in asking for help. You belong there, and the staff wants you to succeed. They have experience helping students overcome obstacles. Self-advocacy is a major key to success.
- Get organized. Stay on top of assignments and tests with a planner or calendar, and keep loose papers in a folder or binder so nothing gets lost.
- Get help. Ask your teachers, classmates, parents, and siblings for support if there’s something you don’t understand.
- Sit front and center. Students who sit in the front have been shown to achieve higher average test scores.
- Attendance matters. Be sure to attend classes regularly.
- Hang out with friends who work hard in school. Research shows that good (and bad) grades are contagious, so choose your friends wisely.
- Have a growth mindset. Transitions are challenging for everyone.
Resources
- Considering A Gap Year?
- Graduate Handbook: Next Steps for First-Year Students.
- A Family Guide: Supporting Your Child After High School. Available in Arabic, Chuukese, Marshallese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
- Handout: Make Your College Plans a Reality. Available in Arabic, Chuukese, Marshallese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
- Handout: Resources & Support Services to Navigate Your Way
- Handout: Resource Scenarios
- Handout: Differences Between High School and College
- Handout: Information for First-Year Students
- Growth Mindset for College Students
- WOOP
Graduates from the Washington State GEAR UP program may be eligible to receive career and college support for one year after high school graduation! Learn whether you qualify and which services you may be eligible to receive.
WAGU Scholarship: See if you qualify.
Find out about Scholarships:
Explore our curated database of scholarships, which includes opportunities tailored for various backgrounds, interests, and academic achievements. We've got you covered whether you're seeking merit-based awards, need-based assistance, or specialized scholarships.
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