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What Now? Students consider their options after high school. Reported by Regan Johnston and Emma Stauffer Design by Ashley Tindall and Alyah Craig Deciding what to do after high school is something every student must face, however difficult it can be. There are many options for students nearing graduation, such as attending a four year or two year college, going to a trade school, joining the military or entering the workforce. There are many factors that play a part in a student determining which one is best for them, and there are many resources available at LHS to aid in the decision making process.
Two and Four Year College In a poll sent out to eleventh and twelfth grade LHS students, 51% of the students responded that they were planning on attending a four year college after high school, while about 10% replied that they were planning on going to a two year college. It’s important that students find a school that’s a perfect fit for them. Senior Audrey McBride plans on attending the University of Kansas, a four year college, to study biology and medicine. “The pros would be that it’s definitely easier to jump into a career or get into the job market,” McBride said. “It’s definitely very expensive, especially if you are going out of state.” For some students, a two year college is a better fit. At two year colleges, students are able to earn an associates degree, typically at a lower price than four year schools. LHS offers the A+ program, which is very beneficial to students, and makes the option of a two year college very appealing. Once students finish the required 50 hours of tutoring, they can use their A+ hours to pay for tuition at any Missouri 2 year college, and can earn scholarships at four year colleges.
Senior Lillian Gaither is using the A+ program to attend Maple Woods for two years, before transferring to a four year college to complete her degree. “I want to become a veterinarian technologist first, so that’s what I have to go through Maple Woods to do, and then eventually go to Mizzou and become a veterinarian pathologist,” Gaither said. “I decided to do the A+ program because it is a way for me to get the A+ scholarships at many colleges that I was looking at.” Career Navigator Tim Anderson offers advice on decision-making. “When you think about college options, two year college is going to be a much smaller setting, and it’s going to be a lot less expensive,” Anderson said. “Then you get to four year colleges, and my experience has been that they are very large. If you are not very focused on what you are looking for in a four year college, it’s easy to get lost in that, and that’s just something to think about.” All students can make an appointment with Anderson in the counseling office to discuss college choices.
“A+ is a great opportunity for students planning on attending a two year college or trade school after high school as well as for those who intend on enrolling in a 4 year university. It is a great back up plan and I really encourage all students who are eligible to enroll to do so.” -Counselor Trilaina McCallum
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the bell February 2020 Indepth
Photo by Pearl Pritchard
A+ Information The A+ program is a statewide program designed to give financial assistance for students who want to go to college or have a pathway to college. To receive the A+ benefits, they must complete 50 hours of tutoring. To become a part of the A+ program, a student must fill out an application. For more information...
