College doesn’t have to be rushed
Delaying higher ed can make sense for some. Time can offer chance to save money, clarify goals, get experience.
For many students, the financial burdens of education after high school can be daunting. Many take longer than four years to graduate from college, and some may have to delay their freshman year or skip semesters or entire years of schooling to make ends meet.
But, say some guidance counselors, that time out of the classroom can be an opportunity if used well.
“’Plan A’ is on TV, people graduate high school and then go right to college,” said Audwin Jones, associate director of undergraduate admissions at Wright State University. “The reality is a lot of people have to have a ‘Plan B’ or a ‘Plan C’ because life happens.”
It’s not uncommon for students to take time off between high school and college to work and build life experience, Jones said.
Still, that can be helpful for students to take time and look into their next career move, he said.
“It’s not a bad thing to be away from college,” he said, “You can educate yourself about the career you’re pursuing — so when you do get back into college, you can hit the ground running.”
A plan is important for a student to have, Jones said, noting many who aren’t organized end up staying in college longer than four years, or taking expensive classes that aren’t relevant to their majors.
David Elliott, career technical counselor at Kettering-Fairmont High School, said the first step is to make sure a student has completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, as many may not know they are eligible for financial assistance.
“Few people attend college at ‘list price,’ ” Elliott said.
Many academic scholarships Associate director of undergraduate admissions at Wright State University require the FAFSA anyway, he said. However, the funds start to dry up later in the year, so he suggested applying as soon as possible.
Elliott also suggested trying to work for the university part time, as students can seek loans as they make some money.
Even so, for those who can’t avoid delaying entry or dropping out for a time, it’s a good idea to try to get in touch with other people in the prospective career fields to get a view for what the outlook will be for that job, Jones said.
“It’s as close to the test-driving experience as you’re going to get,” Jones said. “You’ll find out which careers you like and don’t like. You’ll find out which careers won’t be hiring in five years, which ones won’t exist in five years.”
He said there are many free resources online to help students compare careers, and their high school guidance offices can help also. Most will need education eventually.
“I know some people have experienced success while dropping out of high school, unfortunately the vast majority of us don’t have the gifts and skills to do that,” he said.
Elliott noted high school graduates not going to college have opportunities to get a career off the ground quickly, as well, but it requires a plan.
“Probably even then it’s a good idea to go to a community college or trade school,” he said.
But, he also said large numbers of apprenticeships are often available for technical fields through unions, particularly in the Dayton area. He noted journeymen who have begun their careers often contribute a portion of their salary into new apprenticeships.
Elliott also noted the military remains an option. Though it has been more selective in recent years amidst budget cuts and larger numbers of prospective recruits, it still offers various training opportunities. Fifteen to 30 Kettering Fairmont students enlist out of high school each year, he said.
However, Elliot said the biggest mistake students often make is not realizing that their efforts in high school matter from day one.
“Those grades and attendance records they get at the very beginning will impact what opportunities they have as seniors,” Elliott said.
Because of this, he suggested an emphasis on performance should begin during one’s freshman year of high school.