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Pathways 2 Purpose

Updated: May 4, 2024

Written By itscoolmom Founder Sara Edgar

Preparation for Life After High School


Many schools do provide a College and Career Readiness program that helps prepare your kids for life after high school. But also, many schools CAN'T afford to have a College and Career Readiness program. Either way, there are still a ton of things that need to be completed outside of school to help prepare your child for the real world. Below are 5 steps to complete to get you and your child started preparing for life after high school. It is never too young to get started, however, this particular information is good for 9th-12th graders in any school setting (public, private, homeschool).


Let's Get Started!



 

STEP 1:


Identify Your/Your Students Choices


1. 4 Year College

2. 2 Year College

3. Trade & Certificate Programs

4. The Military

5. Work

6. Travel


 

STEP 2:


Assess Yourself/Your Student


1. Identify your/your students strengths & discover your/your students interests

2. What is important for your/your students future job?

3. What skills have you/your student already acquired?


Have you heard of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)?

The MBTI® is a tool to enrich people’s understanding of themselves and others.

The MBTI® assessment is a psychometric tool that gives you insight into what makes you you. By developing a clearer sense of self-awareness and awareness of others, you’re able to better frame decisions, reduce miscommunication, and understand personal needs more effectively. And that’s a good skill to have.


To learn more about the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator go HERE!


To take the FREE self assessment go HERE!


 

STEP 3:


Explore Which Path Is Right For You/Your Student


1. Explore Pathways & Clusters

2. Explore Occupations

3. Explore Fields of Study

4. Explore College/Career School Preferences

5. Explore College/Career Schools

6. Explore Certification Programs


Check out different Career Interest & Personality Tests on Truity

You can take their FREE Career Aptitude Test HERE!


 

STEP 4:


Financial Preparation


1. What type of lifestyle do you/your student want?

2. What is the cost of college or your/your students program of choice?

3. What can you/your student afford?

4. What scholarships & grants are available to you/your student?

5. What about FAFSA?

6. Do you/your student understand school loans?


Have you heard about Going Merry?

Going Merry is a FREE scholarship search engine that has thousands of national, regional, and local scholarships. There is also an opportunities for every grade level from 9th-12th grade.


Here are some reasons why I recommend Going Merry above other scholarship sites: 

  • Scholarship bundles: You can apply to multiple scholarships using one application and the same essay prompt.

  • Vetted scholarships: The Going Merry team periodically reviews every scholarship listing, to ensure the scholarship program is still active and the information is correct.

  • Personal matching: Once signed up, you’ll answer a few questions to fill out a basic profile, and then get matched to scholarships that fit your background, academics, interests, etc. 

  • Clear organization: You can shortlist favorites and get deadline reminders about them. All drafts and applications are saved, and you’ll get updates on the scholarships you’ve applied to. 

  • Direct, auto-filled applications: You can apply to many scholarships directly on the site (with forms helpfully pre-filled). 


Sign up for your FREE account and get started earning scholarship money today!



Download pdf below




 

STEP 5:


Self Development


1. Positive Self-Esteem

2. Self-Motivation

3. Time Management

4. Organization Skills

5. Study Tips & Habits



 

Conclusion


Preparing for life after high school can be overwhelming. There can be a million different check boxes to mark. A million things to remember to do. So, let's make it as easy as possible. If you would like more in depth understanding, direction, and tools to complete these steps, make sure you buy the book "5 Steps to Become College & Career Ready". Also make sure you check out the additional checklists, grade specific, in the shop!





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