62 percent of high school seniors choose to go to college. Is it the right decision for you?

Credit: CUSD Insider

By Milena Brodowicz ‘26

Seniors must make a big decision right now about what they will do after high school. It might feel overwhelming, but there are people to help. With advice from counselors, teachers and friends, you can make the decision that is best for you.

I want to start by talking about trade school. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 16 percent of high school seniors enroll directly into trade school after high school. There are many benefits that come with going to trade school, including faster entry into the workforce, less debt, in-demand jobs and good job security. You should consider trade school if you like hands-on work.


To apply to trade school, conduct research on what would be a good fit for your profession. A trade school application requires a high school transcript and a placement exam. Trade school can range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on which school you attend and how long you are there. Like college, it is important to look at different trade schools and figure out what you are looking for.


Mr. Martin, an English teacher at WHS, spoke about his experience as a senior making his decision. “This is the first time the world asks you to make a decision on your own,” he said. “Think about what you're paying for,” he added. Martin touched on his unique experience, and how he put down his deposit for a school and ended up having to switch due to financial issues.


When all was said and done, he said that he very much enjoyed his college experience, even though it wasn't what he first imagined. Some important factors he discussed when choosing a college included school spirit, finances and size.

When it comes to choosing a college, price is one of the most important factors. You want to make sure you are making a smart financial decision that you won't regret.

Most colleges are expensive, but there are other options to lower the cost. You can apply for financial aid and scholarships. Another option is community college, which is free of cost. A perk about community college is that you can transfer to a state school after two years.


Mrs. Lindsay, a counselor at WHS, spoke about ways to reduce the cost of college. “The best bets are always local scholarships,” she said. She advised students to look on Naviance and Dollars for Scholars, but also to look a little deeper. “I encourage students to talk to their families because sometimes families are involved in civic organizations that offer scholarships,” Lindsay said. In addition to outside scholarships, Lindsay said to make sure you compare the merit money you receive from each college you applied to.


Another major factor in making your decision is location. It's important to know what you want and why you want it. Some students prefer big-city schools due to their access to resources, while other students want a smaller town for the community feel.
As a student who has already made a decision on where to go after high school, location was a big deal for me. Before starting my college search, I already knew I wanted to stay closer to home so I could see my family when I needed to.

With May 1 coming up fast, it is important you consider all factors when choosing a path after high school.

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