What Can I Do After High School Besides College?
You have so many choices for what to do after high school, and we understand that can feel overwhelming. Here’s a list of some pathways you can explore. We’d love to help you take your next steps to find a good fit for you.
GENERAL EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT TEST (GED)
Eligibility
Be at least 16 years old.
Take 4 exams (Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies) online, over one or more days.
You may take GED prep classes to help you pass.
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Next Steps
Register to take the test on the GED’s main website, and learn more about the steps you need to take.
Search for a local school or site to take GED prep and the test at a location near you.
APPRENTICESHIPS or INTERNSHIPS
Earn a paycheck while you learn a trade
Get valuable on-the-job training
Leads to high-wage, high-skill, high-demand jobs
Next Steps
Set up an account on Indeed.com, and search internships in your area.
Ask if your school has an internship program or career services office that can help you explore options for internships in jobs or industries that interest you.
Check out internships and fellowships in Washington DC or in other countries working for the State Department.
MILITARY
Eligibility
17 years old
High school diploma or GED
Pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) exam
Pass a medical exam
Next Steps
Contact a military recruiter for more information
JOB CORPS
Free residential hands-on career training, includes room and board. Benefits and programs include GED completion and high school diploma, free room and board, and career certification programs in a wide variety of industries including (but not only): nursing, construction, welding, automotive, and culinary arts.
Eligibility
Is a legal U.S. citizen; a lawfully admitted permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or parolee, or other immigrant who has been authorized by the Department of Homeland Security to work in the United States; or a resident of a U.S. territory.
At least 16 and not more than 24 years of age.
Meets low-income criteria.
Meets specific barriers to education and employment.
Complies with the requirements of the Military Selective Service Act.
Other eligibility categories are detailed on the Job Corps site.
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Next Steps
Explore the Job Corps website for more information or to call 1-800-733-5627 to speak with a counselor to explore the best plan for you and your family.
Complete the eligibility quiz.
What Can I Do After High School Besides College? by Iman Moore and Dyana Valentine is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0