Before you set out, you'd need to know which path offered what you were looking for. Before you can choose which Path you want to take, you have to know where you want to go and how each Path can get you there.
Below, we'll take a brief look at each of the 5 Paths.
The 4-year College Path
Attending a four-year college after high school is probably the most well-known Path students can take; it's a good Path for you if you enjoy school and want a career that requires a college degree. It's also a good Path to take if you're not sure what you want to do, as being in college gives you more time to try out different fields and decide on a career. However, this Path is also the most expensive of the five, and will require you to spend the most amount of time in school.
2- Year College Path
Almost half of students currently enrolled in college are enrolled in 2-year College. These local, low-cost schools are a great Path to take for careers that only require a two year degree. This is also a good Path for students who want to attend a 4-year school, but need to save money. You can attend most 2-year colleges for two years and then transfer to a 4-year college for a further two years to earn a full college degree. If you're not sure if college is for you and want to save money while keeping your options open, 2-year College could also be the right choice for you.
Career and Technical Education Schools (CTEs)
Going to a CTE, also called a trade or vocational school, is a good option if you enjoy hands-on work and training. Career and technical schools train you in the skills you need for a variety of careers, like plumbing, construction, medicine, or law enforcement. If you know what career you want, and you know that to get it you're going to need hands-on training, then Career and technical school might be the best choice for you.
The Military
Joining the military is another popular option for students leaving high school. There are tons of benefits: free housing, healthcare, a steady paycheck, and help with educational expenses. In the military you'll also get high-quality training that translates well into finding work after you serve. But service in the military does have downsides. As part of the military, you'll have to give up certain freedoms and may not have a full say in where you live or what you do. And of course, serving in the military means that you may also be placed in dangerous situations.
The Workforce
After high school, you have the option of forgoing more school and military service and diving right into the working world. The key to this Path is making sure you know what you're getting into. You'll have to be extra responsible; paying bills, and excelling at your job and dealing with a variety of obstacles not found on the other Paths. However, if you know what you want to do with your life and don't need education beyond high school to do it, getting a job right out of college might be the right option for you.
Making Your Decision
Now that you know the basics of the 5 Paths, it's time to find out more. Look through the section of each Path that interests you. Talk to your family about your choices and listen to what they think.
This is a big decision. You've got options. It's up to you to take them.