1. What Does It Mean? Understanding the options open to you after you graduate from high school.

2. What does it mean? All those options… All those words… All the pressure… I CAN’T TAKE IT!!!

3. Choices CollegeInternshipsUnionsState CollegeGraduate SchoolApprenticeshipsWorkTravelCouch Potato

4. Work Pros – Make money – Can move out sooner – Can buy stuff – More responsibility Cons – Less lifetime earnings – Less lifetime options – May not reach potential – More responsibility

5. Travel Adventure and Fun Learn independence & self reliance Money issues Experience cultures, art, history, etc. Will influence your life!

6. Couch Potato Pros – Napping – Learn movie lines – Get to know the characters from soap operas – Meal experimentation – No need for showering – No need for money Cons – Parental nagging – No money – Lethargic – Gain weight & loss of muscle tone – Nothing good on tv during the day

7. College Pros – Better lifetime earning – Better job prospects – Self respect – Financial aid – Lots of support – You are smart enough – Adventure – New friends – Move out Cons – More school – Costs money – Scary – Not sure what you want – Complicated – Not smart enough

8. Degrees Certification Associates Degree Bachelor of Arts or Sciences Graduate School – Master’s Degree – Doctorate Degree

9. Private Vs. Public Private – No government funding – Often affiliated with a religion or race – Often includes religious/race studies – Often offers more financial aid Public – Often called “State” – Funded by government – Includes CC and universities

10. Types of Schools University Community College Trade/Tech School

11. Universities Accredited by national organization Four year programs Graduate programs Research vs. Liberal Arts Public or Private Offers general degrees Focus programs/areas of expertise

12. Community College Usually state funded and supported Offers two year programs Offers certification programs Offers community enrichment and GED Often has satellite programs from universities for specific degrees. Close to home Offers general degrees and will focus on specific programs that are dispersed throughout area

13. Trade/Tech School Focus on specific skill set or area Offers degrees based on skill set Private or Public Usually smaller student body Offers internships State of the art

14. Apprenticeships/Unions Learn a trade or craft Attend school while working Hands-on education 1-4 year programs Mentorship or support systems Usually connected to a community college Limited spaces

15. In-state vs. Out of state In-state – Closer to home – Less cost – Near friends – Great schools in WA – Programs Out of state – Further away – More cost – More financial aid – Higher chances for entrance – Programs