Can't decide where to go or what to do after high school?
​Explore the checklists below to break down the steps you'll need to take towards college or a career!

Thinking about going to college?

A college degree can be a great stepping stone to success. It can help you land a job, advance in your career, and earn more money.

Types of degrees

There are two main types of college degrees:

• Associate degrees usually take two years of full-time college work, but some can take up to four years.
• Bachelor's degrees usually require four years of full-time college work, but some take longer.

Types of Colleges

Learn more about the different types of colleges and universities. Think about what would be best for you:

• Small or large
• Public or private
• Two-year or four-year
• A career, technical, or academic focus

FederalStudentAid offers good tips for choosing the right type of college for you.

What if I don't feel ready for college?

​Lots of people who think they aren't right for college end up being very successful at a college or university. Everybody has barriers—such as money, time, academic background, or other responsibilities—that can get in the way of earning a degree.
The key is to figure out what your strengths and challenges are—and to make a plan to succeed in spite of, or because of, your circumstances.

Check out some of these resources to help you make a plan that's best for you.

• Federal Student Aid's Prepare for College answers many common questions about beginning a college program.
• The College Scorecard helps you make the smartest college choices with information on total costs, graduation rates, and student success.
• You can look up schools and programs in your neighborhood at Local Training Finder. Look for contact information for admissions offices to ask questions in person.

How will I pay for college?

A huge price tag can be the number one fear when people think about college. The good news is that there are many sources of money and other assistance to help you begin and complete college. Visit Pay for school to learn more.

What if I need extra help getting into college and finishing?

Colleges want you to succeed as much as you do! Every college has student services offices to help you thrive, from tutoring and advising to reading, writing, and math labs. Disability services accommodate students' unique learning needs. Counseling services for both personal and academic success are offered at almost all colleges.
​
You will also find TRIO programs, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, at some public colleges and universities around the country. They can help you both get into college and succeed once you start. To find out what's available at schools you are interested in, look up the school in the Local Training Finder, and contact them to ask about TRIO and other student services programs.

EHS Arizona College Database

Community College Checklist

Take the ACT or SAT at least once

• ACT Testing Links:
  Registration Link  
  Test Date Link
  Test Site Link  
• SAT Testing Links:
  Registration Link
  

Research which school is best for you with the EHS College Database: 
​The goal is to help students and their families research and identify campus, online and hybrid learning opportunities in the state that fit their needs.  

• ​Community Colleges and Technical Schools
• Specialized Career Schools

Get admitted
Create an account on the college's website, apply for admission, and submit proof of identification.

Determine Placement
Use your high school transcripts, ACT score, SAT score, GED score, or placement test.

Register for Classes
Attend orientation, see an academic advisor, and register for classes.

Pay Tuition and Fees
Make payment arrangements and pay fees.

4-Year College Checklist

Take the ACT or SAT at least once

• ACT Testing Links:
  Registration Link  
  Test Date Link
  Test Site Link  
• SAT Testing Links:
  Registration Link

​
Research which school is best for you with the EHS College Database
​The goal is to help students and their families research and identify campus, online and hybrid learning opportunities in the state that fit their needs.  

• ​Arizona Colleges & Uiniversities
• Out-of-State Colleges & Universities

Find out costs
Many schools offer lots of ways to pay for school , especially for students from low-income families. Find the amount you might actually pay for tuition, room and board, by using the net price calculator available on college websites.

Apply
College applications are typically due 3-10 months before classes start, and applying early can improve your chance of being accepted. Check your college’s website for their deadline. Some public colleges accept all applicants, so you just need to apply. For selective schools, apply to 4-6 colleges. Many offer a free application, or scholarships for application fees for low-income students.

Request financial aid
To apply for financial aid, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Complete it online early in the year you plan to attend college. Check your college website for financial aid application deadlines.

Choose your best fit
Most colleges notify applicants whether they are accepted by April 1 of the year they plan to start college. Colleges also send a financial aid offer by that time, so you can decide which college will best fit your needs. You must confirm your choice by May 1.

​Tip:

• To save tuition and housing costs, community college can be an affordable way to earn a 2-year degree, or start your 4-year degree​​

Career Checklist

Use the Interest Profiler Survey from the United States Office of Labor to help you find what your interests are and how they relate to the world of work

• ​O*Net Interest Profiler

Explore Careers
There are lots of ways to learn about real life in different careers. You can:

• Learn some interesting, quick facts from the Occupation Profile. You can look up more than 900 different careers! Start by entering a career you’re interested in and your location.
• Check out career videos on hundreds of different occupations. Videos include typical tasks, work settings, education needed, and more.
• Explore major industries and the types of work they offer with career cluster / industry videos
• Explore careers in the military. Look under the military tab there to learn about military education opportunities and benefits.
• Check out your local American Job Center
  • Phoenix-West
  • Maricopa- West
  • Arizona@work: Avondale Youth Job Seekers Phone Number (602-372-4252)

Write a resume

• ​A resume describes your skills, experience, training, and education. Employers use resumes to quickly see whether your background fits their job opening. For a strong impact, include only the experiences that make you a good candidate for a job.
• Schedule a meeting with the College and Career Advisor at EHS to get help with writing your resume
• Attend resume workshops at EHS

Polish Your Interview Skills

• Attend interview workshops at EHS

Gather Documents:

School and employment records
Almost every job application will ask for your contact information, job history, and education or training. Use this Personal Data Record worksheet (en español) to keep track of all the details.

Birth certificate
A copy of your birth certificate is usually needed to get a driver's license or to prove you are eligible to work in the U.S. Get a copy by using the State Resource Finder. 

Driver's license
Some jobs require a driver's license, but many more use it as a form of picture identification. 

Social Security card
Almost all employers will require that you have a Social Security number. To get a Social Security card, you need to show proof of citizenship, proof of your age, and proof of identity. Documents needed vary based on your age and citizenship.

Under 18
If you are under the age of 18, check out the federal employment rules to make sure you are old enough to legally work.

Criminal record
To see what an employer would see on your criminal record, request a copy for yourself. That way, you can be sure it’s accurate and that you understand it. If needed, talk with a legal professional or someone from the probation or parole office to get it corrected.

Source: ​https://www.careeronestop.org/