Postsecondary Options

Based on the careers that interest you or your general personal goals for after high school, there are several postsecondary options available. Just be sure to pay attention to any requirements that must be fulfilled while still in high school.

Apprenticeships

Students who prefer a hands-on approach to learning may want to consider an apprenticeship program. Apprentices learn a skilled trade through a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Apprenticeship programs are considered by many to be the best way to receive training in the skilled trades.

Apprenticeships are agreements in which employers pay individuals while they are learning their trade or profession. The programs usually last approximately four years, but can last anywhere from one to six years.

Apprentices work under the supervision of journeymen and receive about 2,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training per year. Apprentices are also required to attend classes in addition to working.

Getting into an apprenticeship can sometimes be difficult. Applicants must have their high school diploma or HSED/GED, be 18 years of age, and be physically fit. Vocational training, good math skills, and job experience will give applicants the advantage when competing for apprenticeship openings.

Prior to graduation, sophomores and juniors on track for graduation can apply for the State Youth Apprenticeship Program. Learn more at gsdwi.org/o/ghs/page/course-program-options (click on the Work-Study Placements drop-down).

For more information, the following are helpful websites:

Technical Colleges

Technical colleges provide affordable, career-oriented programs which enable students to begin their careers after only one or two years of college. Students completing one-year programs receive certificates or diplomas, while students completing two-year programs earn associate’s degrees. Students may also start their education at a technical college, and then transfer to a four-year college to earn a bachelor’s degree.

Students in one– and two-year programs at technical colleges largely take those courses that are going to prepare them specifically for their career fields. However, students pursuing associate’s degrees are required to complete a certain number of general education courses. The tuition at technical colleges is generally very affordable and class sizes are kept small, with professors who have worked, or are working, in a related career field.

Students do not need to follow a college preparatory program in high school in order to be accepted at a technical college. In addition, technical colleges usually do not require the ACT or SAT. However, placement tests are generally required.

Get a head start while still in high school. Visit gsdwi.org/o/ghs/page/course-program-options, to view information about Opportunities to Earn College Credit (click the drop-down) and Dual Credit Programs.

Additional information about technical colleges specifically can be found at www.wtcsystem.edu/.

Four-Year Colleges

A four-year college education, or bachelor’s degree, is necessary for approximately 20% of today’s careers. All colleges hope to attract bright, well-prepared students. Colleges vary greatly, however, in their majors offered, admission policies, and costs.

Most four-year colleges require students to take 25% to 50% of their classes in general education courses such as English, math, science, and the social sciences. A wide variety of majors are offered at most four-year colleges.

Four-year colleges vary with regards to entrance requirements. Some will accept most high school graduates who apply; others have high GPA, class rank, and test score requirements. However, all four-year colleges want students to have followed a college preparatory curriculum in high school (i.e., four years of English, three years of mathematics, three years of science, three years of social studies, and a number of additional elective units). If students do not meet these curriculum requirements, they may have to take additional and/or remedial courses once in college or start at a community college and then transfer to a four-year college after a year or two.

Students planning to go to a four-year college should plan to take the ACT or SAT exam during the spring of their junior year or fall of their senior year. The costs of four-year colleges vary greatly, with private schools costing more than public schools. However, financial assistance often makes it possible for students to attend colleges they might have originally considered too expensive. All students are strongly encouraged to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which determines financial aid eligibility.

Academic Preparation Chart: View a comparison of what credits you are required to take to graduate vs. the minimum number of credits that are required for admission into some University of Wisconsin System schools and other selective postsecondary colleges and universities.

High School Opportunities For College Credit: Get a head start while still in high school. Visit gsdwi.org/o/ghs/page/course-program-options, to view information about Opportunities to Earn College Credit (click the drop-down) and Dual Credit Programs.

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA): Many college athletic programs are regulated by the NCAA, an organization founded in 1906 which created rules on eligibility, recruiting, and financial aid. The NCAA has three membership divisions—Division I, Division II, and Division III.

Students who are planning to enroll as college freshmen and seek participation in Division I or Division II athletics must be certified by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. To become certified, you must:

  1. Graduate from high school.

  2. Earn a grade point average of at least 2.300 (on a 4.000 scale) in a core curriculum of at least sixteen (16) courses for Division I and a 2.200 for Division II. Keep in mind that the NCAA GPA is calculated using NCAA-approved core courses only. For more information, click here.

  3. Earn a certain sum of scores on the ACT or SAT.

For more information, please view NCAA Division 1 Academic Standards. See Mr. Benz if you need further information regarding the NCAA Eligibility Center, or visit their website.

College Prep Checklists: Use the below checklists during your four years of high school to make sure you’re following the right steps to prepare for college, if that’s the pathway you’ve selected:

Military

The military trains young men and women so that they can protect the interests of our country. In order to do this, the military offers qualified high school graduates a good salary and free job training. The military also provides discipline and structure, as well as opportunities for career advancement and travel. The United States military is the nation’s single largest employer. It offers training and employment in over 2,000 job specialties, 75% of which have civilian counterparts.

The United States military is made up of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. Opportunities are also available in the Coast Guard, National Guard, and Merchant Marine Reserves. Students who take ROTC will enter the military as officers, and academically gifted students can find excellent educational opportunities at the four military academies.

In order for students to enlist, they must be high school graduates, earn a minimum score on the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery), and be of good character. They must also be healthy, in good physical condition, and be able to pass a physical exam.

Students who enlist are usually obligated to fulfill two to six years of active duty. Enlistees must also go through six to ten weeks of basic training.

The Montgomery GI Bill provides enlistees with an opportunity to earn money for college while they are in the military.

Learn more:

Employment

Employment is the most appropriate postsecondary option for some. However, high school graduates with no vocational training will probably find that they have limited career options. In most cases, they will not be making much more than minimum wage and will find that their opportunities for advancement will be limited. On the other hand, business and industry are always anxious to find employees who are hard-working, polite, punctual, well-groomed, willing to learn, and able to get along with others. Students with talents in sales, art, computers, etc. can be very valuable to employers.

High school graduates should try to find a job in an area that might interest them as a career. Students who choose employment as their post-high school option should have a five-year plan. This will help ensure that they do not get trapped in a dead-end job. These students should realize that they can go back to school any time, even if it is only to take a course or two.

Helpful resources of information: