What Comes Next?
Post Secondary Resource Guide
This is not a year off. This is a year taken between high school and college, during which a student engages in advanced academic coursework, non-academic course work of personal interest, volunteer work, internships and other explorations. This is used to improve one’s resume before going to college, improve one’s self in knowledge, maturity, decision making, leadership, independence, and more. You can plan a semester or year that will result in great learning experiences.
Gap Year
Tips
-Plan! Research your opportunities and see which are most desirable (travel, internship, etc.) Think about your goals and what you want to accomplish.
-What are your options? Explore the idea of travel, internships, volunteer work, academics, or work.
-What about college? The college search process is easier while you are in high school because you have access your school’s college resources. Have your plans in place so it is easier after your gap year. You can also contact colleges you have been accepted to and have your admission deferred for a semester or year.
What factors should you consider?
What do I want to learn?
How much structure or guidance do I want or need?
What location?
What kinds of things do I want to do?
What is my emergency plan?
What is my budget?
How to make the most of your gap year, and avoid spending it on your couch.
NextStepU: Consider a Gap Year
13th Year/Post Grad
This is a fifth year of high school for students who were late academic bloomers or hit their academic stride later in their high school career. This is a good option for students that are young for their grade, or students who have a significant academic gap due to a family situation or other circumstances. Athletics may also be a reason if families believe that the student is one year away from being recruited. This can be a big gamble and should be discussed thoroughly. A 13th year at a private prep school is very expensive and students will not qualify for federal or state student aid.
What factors should you consider?
Will the work be challenging?
Will the student fit in at the school?
What is the distance like? Commute or board?
How many other post-grad students are at the school?
Is a community college program less expensive and more beneficial?
The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
*search for boarding schools in the U.S. including those that offer a post-grad year.
Employment
While most professional careers require additional education or training before hiring, there are some employment options right out of high school. Even these options may require additional training to become certified. Not all jobs are dead ends, with some entry level positions offering opportunities for advancement with experience. Take time to consider your personal interests and goals and the education requirements of the position you are interested in.
Jobs Requiring Only a High School Diploma
Customer Service Representative
Maintenance/General Repair Worker
Truck Driver (need commercial driver’s license)
Subway OperatorPostmaster
Mailman
Retail Cashier
Sales Associate
Restaurant Cook
Landscaper
ACT WorkKeys is a job skills assessment that helps employers select, hire, train, develop, and retain a high-performance workforce. These tests measures foundational and soft skills such as communication, teamwork, applied technology, reading for information, and general talent.
Successful completion of ACT WorkKeys assessments in Applied Mathematics, Locating Information, and Reading for Information can lead to earning ACT’s National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC).
13th Year/Gap Year/Employment
Check out the information below to learn about other post-secondary options.