Career/College Planning
As a high school student, you probably think about graduation and what comes next. You’ve got many important decisions ahead of you. What are you going to do after graduation? What are you going to study in college? What do you want to do with your life? These are just a few of the many questions high school students face.
Do you have a few plans in mind? Visit My Next Move, to find out how much and what type of education is required for a particular career.
Below, students and families can find some helpful links to use when researching information about college and careers, preparation, and application processes.
Career Exploration
Understanding your careers goals and options (and their earning potential) will help you find career school or college that meets your needs. Some people simply have “jobs,” while others have “careers.” What's the difference? With a career, the kind of work you do is based on your interests. It’s a path you've chosen.
- Choices
- Site ID- 0058876
- Password- lovell
The Bureau of Labor tracks statistics about these things, and while you could get a job straight out of high school, it’s pretty clear that any postsecondary (post-high school) education or training will make your chances even better. This isn’t just talking about four-year colleges: graduates from occupational programs (like auto mechanic training programs or culinary school) and two-year colleges (community colleges grant associate degrees) have far higher average earnings and far lower unemployment rates than those who just stop at high school.
As you look through LHS Course Catalog, think about which courses apply to the careers that catch your attention – electives and CTE credits especially are great opportunities to explore how your interests and passions can overlap with your education and your future.
College Searches & Planning
You can search for colleges based on their type, location, degrees and/or programs/majors offered.
BigFuture® is a free, comprehensive set of digital resources that helps all students take a productive first step after high school. How to use BigFuture.
Factors Influencing College Admission
Each year, the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) surveys colleges and universities to determine the top factors influencing admission decisions. According to the 2014 “State of College Admission Report,” the following factors in order of importance, were:
1. Grades in College Prep Courses
2. Strength of Curriculum
3. Subject Test Scores (AP, IB) & ACT Scores/SAT II
4. Admission Test Scores
5. Grades in All Courses
6. Essay or Writing Sample
7. Volunteer
8. Class Rank Work
9. Demonstrated Interest
10. Counselor Recommendation
11. Teacher Recommendation
12. Interview
13. Extracurricular Activities
14. Work
Recommended College Preparatory Classes
Colleges vary in individual requirements. It is the responsibility of parents and students to become familiar with the requirements of the particular college to which they plan to apply. Students should see their counselor if they need assistance in this area.
Major universities require or recommend the following areas of study during grades 9 through 12:
- Language Arts 4 credits
- Social Studies 3 credits
- Mathematics (Including Algebra I, II, and Geometry) 4 credits
- Science 4 credits
- Foreign Language (min. 2 years of the same language) 3 credits
- Fine Arts Courses (Music, Art, Drama) 1 credit (at least)
- Computer Related Courses
Extracurricular:
• Find activities, both in and out of school, that you enjoy and that provides an outlet for your non-academic side.
• Go for quality rather than quantity. Colleges admire students who put significant effort into one or two activities rather than students who put little time into many activities.
