Figuring out what to do for a career can be a challenge. Our guide helps you identify skills and interests, allows you to consider your future lifestyle, and aids you in using a variety of tools to figure out the best career for you.
Written by Sasha Blakeley
High school is a time of rapid change and personal exploration for many students. It's also a great time to start thinking carefully about graduation and potential future careers and taking steps to work toward those careers. While considering a career might seem daunting, career exploration for high school students doesn't need to be stressful. By breaking the process down into easily manageable steps, students can consider their options and start preparing for future opportunities.
It is also important to keep in mind that while career preparation in high school can be highly valuable, not everyone chooses and then pursues a single career starting in adolescence, and that's okay too. This article is about how to consider your options, learn about your interests, and get a head start on your future.
Identifying Skills and Interests
The first thing to consider when engaging in career exploration is your skills and interests. What do you enjoy? What do you want to learn more about? There are lots of ways to go about this process, but the most important thing is to ask yourself questions about your interests and desires with an open mind. Consider the following questions to get started:
- What school subjects do you enjoy? Why?
- What extracurricular activities do you enjoy? Why?
- What are you passionate about?
- What kind of lifestyle do you want to have in the future?
- What major goals do you have for your life and career?
Take a little time to brainstorm potential answers to these questions before moving on to the next sections, which will go into more detail about your skills, interests, and lifestyle goals. Taking a personality test can also help you work through these questions.
Skills
Any career assessment for high school students worth its salt is likely to start by discussing skills. Simply asking yourself, 'What am I good at?' might be somewhat helpful, but that's a limited line of inquiry. Instead of asking such a broad question, consider different kinds of skill sets and how they connect to each other. It is important to think outside the box and consider skills that are not just academic in nature. Check out the following list and evaluate where you think your own skills lie:
| Area | Skills | Career Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Writing | You have excellent grammar and spelling skills. You know how to organize your ideas into an essay. You can edit your thoughts to make them more streamlined. | Television writer, creative writer, editor, journalist |
| Mathematics | You know how to think logically. You understand number systems and formulas. You can find and correct your mistakes in a math problem. | Mathematician, research scientist, engineer, coder |
| Organization | You're always on time and you never miss a deadline. Your notes are clear and concise. You're amazing at planning events and parties. | Project manager, human resources manager, CEO, project administrator |
| Public speaking | You're a natural in front of a crowd. You know how to answer questions clearly and effectively. You might be part of your school's debate club. | Lawyer, motivational speaker, news anchor, personal trainer |
| Arts | Music, dancing, painting, or theatre is your passion. You love to create in the medium of your choice. You have a great visual eye, and you understand the power of stories. | Singer, dancer, artist, actor |
| Teaching | You might already be a tutor for younger students. You're great at explaining concepts to your friends when they struggle with homework. You understand how to help others learn. | Teacher, college professor, teacher's aide, childcare practitioner |
| Problem-solving | You think creatively to work out solutions to problems. Complex puzzles aren't daunting but a fun challenge. You understand how to look at issues from various perspectives. | Creative director, business advisor, entrepreneur, filmmaker |
| Teamwork | You understand people's individual skills and attributes. You are a great team leader and with your help, your peers always produce great results. | Human resources specialist, hospitality manager, recruiting manager, film or theatre director |
| Self-motivation | You don't struggle much with procrastination. Self-directed projects and time management are easy for you. You don't need much oversight to get work done. | Executive assistant, life coach, craftsman, chef |
The sample careers given here are just a tiny representative sample; they are not your only options based on a given skillset. Knowing where your skills lie can help you consider jobs that might suit you, but it should not restrict you to a particular subset of jobs by any means.
Interests
Understanding where your interests and passions lie is at least as important as your skills. Your career is going to take up an enormous portion of your life, so finding a career that matches up with your interests can make a big difference to your overall happiness later in life. Just like with your skillset, your interests do not have to be academic in nature for them to be valuable to your career planning. Some questions you can ask yourself about your interests include:
- What do you most enjoy doing in your spare time?
- What subjects or concepts make you light up?
- When do you feel your curiosity sparked?
- What are your favorite movies or books? What are they about?
- What questions do you wonder about?
Maybe your favorite school subject is chemistry. Maybe you love knitting in your spare time. Or you never feel alive like you do when you learn about bugs. Several of your favorite books are poetry collections. You've always wanted to learn more about black holes. You love to play video games. All of these interests are valuable, and they can lead you toward different careers (even video games). Consider researching careers or college degrees that focus on your interests to see what kinds of opportunities are available.
Lifestyle
Different careers come with different lifestyles and align with different goals. While having a career that interests you is important, taking on a career that gives you the lifestyle you want can be just as rewarding (if not more rewarding) in the long term. Think of the following lifestyles and potential careers:
| Your Goals | Potential Careers |
|---|---|
| You want to travel the world | You want a job that gives you travel opportunities, like a nature photographer, diplomat, or pilot |
| You want to be a parent | You want a job that you can do partially from home, like a children's author or software developer |
| You want a lucrative career | You want a high-powered career with room for advancement, like a doctor, COO, or dentist |
| You want free time in the summers | You may want to consider becoming an elementary school teacher, high school coach, or recreation worker |
| You want stability | Look for jobs in growing fields, jobs with tenure, and jobs with opportunities for in-company advancement |
A job that you enjoy, that suits your skills, and that gives you the opportunities that you desire might sound like a tall order, but with careful consideration and planning it is something you can work toward.
Getting Experience
One of the most important aspects of career planning for high school students is experience. After all, how can you know what kinds of jobs you will enjoy without having experience? More than that, experience can make it easier for you to get the kinds of jobs that you will enjoy in the future. In addition to helping you prepare for a career, experience can provide boost your resume, help with college applications, and allow you to learn about yourself. Look into work experience, volunteer experience, mentorship, and self-directed research and learning. Make sure that you understand and are prepared for the required education for your chosen career.
Work Experience
Career activities for high school students almost always mention the importance of having a job. Getting work experience as a teenager is important because it will make getting jobs in the future much easier. It can also help you get a sense of what working in different kinds of jobs is like. As a teenager, you are likely to get entry-level jobs in the customer service and retail industries. While these may not be the kinds of careers that you want to pursue later in life, they can help future employers see that you have experience and can help you learn how to function in a professional environment.
While you shouldn't worry if the jobs available to you aren't in your chosen field, you should also be open to any opportunities that may arise in areas of interest. All high school work experience is valuable, but unusual or particularly interesting jobs might give you an edge later on.
Volunteer Experience
Volunteer experience can be a great source of career exposure for high school students, as well as a great thing to add to a resume. Volunteering can also give you the option of working in your chosen field to a greater extent than getting a job will. Finding volunteer opportunities is a matter of looking around at the available options and figuring out what kinds of volunteer jobs would suit you best and help you pursue your personal goals. Volunteering can also help you connect to your community and make a difference independently of your own career goals.
Research and Learning
A great way to get experience related to your desired careers is to do your own research. Read about careers that interest you online or find books on the subject at your local library. Learn about the history of your chosen field and learn about how that job is changing today. Is the industry growing? Is it shrinking? What kind of education is typically required? Knowing as much as possible about your interests can help you have a realistic and informed view of your prospects.
Another way to learn about careers that interest you is to speak to people in those careers. These people might be able to act as mentors for you, teaching you about their own experiences and giving you invaluable insights into your potential options.
Finally, cultivate your own experiences in your field of choice. Visit relevant museums and institutions. Develop your own passion projects or build a portfolio of material to prove that you are passionate about a given topic. Do your best to make time in your schedule for this kind of exploration and engagement; it might prove to be a big help in the long run.
Required Education
The last kind of experience that you will need to seriously consider is education. What kind of education is required for your career of choice? You will need to start planning for college before the end of your high school career. That might mean taking the right kinds of courses in high school; many colleges will expect certain math or science courses for applications to certain faculties, for instance. If your career requires you to apply to college, make sure that you make your application as good as it can be.
It is important to think carefully about which colleges to apply to. You will need a school that meets not only your career and academic needs but also your personal needs. You might also have chosen a career that does not require a college degree; such careers can be lucrative, stable, and interesting for many people. In that case, you may want to look at applications to trade and vocational programs.
No matter what education your chosen career requires, make sure that you are prepared for the application process. If you feel you need it, consider pursuing career counseling for high school students through your school or community center.
Elements to Consider
Everyone has different life circ*mstances and needs that will impact their career and their options. By fully understanding your own needs, you can design a career for yourself that is personalized to who you are. You will also need to consider the job market when making your choice; some careers have a brighter future than others, which might impact the kinds of jobs you decide to pursue. Effective career evaluation for high school students means being honest about your wants, needs, obligations, and options, as well as the jobs that might align with those factors.
Personal Circ*mstances
Different circ*mstances in a person's life, both good and bad, can impact career choice. This is not to say that if you have a particular life, there are certain jobs that you could never do; that is certainly not the case. What consideration of your circ*mstances means is that there are factors outside of your control that you will need to keep in mind when making plans and choosing jobs. If your ideal career poses challenges because of factors outside of your control, then being aware of those factors is the first step to finding ways around them so that you can live the life that you desire. Circ*mstances to consider include:
Finances: Do you have the money to attend college? If not, what kinds of financial aid are available to you? Mitigate the cost of tuition by studying in-state or by looking into online degree programs. Similarly, how much money might your chosen career pay you? Will that be enough to cover your living expenses, dependents, debts, and other expenses?
Family: Do you have any dependents or family obligations? This might impact where you are able to study or what kind of schedule would work for you. Consider studying near home, studying part-time, or distance learning. The same could go for the kinds of careers that might suit you best.
Disability: Do you have a disability? Some campuses are more accessible than others. Do your research into college resources for students with disabilities to find a school that works for you so that you can thrive in your college experience and your future career.
Language: Do you speak any languages besides English? If so, your linguistic skills might be in high demand and might open doors for you when it comes to choosing both a college and a career. Consider your skills carefully.
Timing: Do you want to go directly into college after high school? Do you want to start a career immediately? Do you want to take a gap year? Do you want a career that takes six months of post-secondary education, or one that takes seven years to prepare for?
None of these factors should limit you in your goals or careers, but they are all important things to consider so that you can make the choices that work best for you.
The Job Market
The job market is not the same today as it was when your parents entered the workforce. Things are changing all the time, which also leads to changes in the kinds of careers available. It is in your best interests to do some research on in-demand jobs to see what the wisest career moves might be. If a career that you wanted is no longer viable, there are ways for you to get creative and fulfill your interests in other ways. For example, perhaps you always wanted to be a travel agent but you know that travel agencies are becoming a thing of the past. You might want to look at becoming a travel writer instead. Perhaps you have a great idea for how to revive travel agencies for the modern day and you want to start your own business. Understanding the current job market can make all of these decisions clearer and more effective.
Types of Jobs
There are many types of jobs and careers to consider. Each one will have its own skillset and educational requirements. This guide will discuss a few general groupings of jobs that can help you refine your search and get a better sense of what a career might entail. Major job types include:
- Education and teaching
- Health care
- Property development
- STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)
- Business
- Arts
- Environment
- Law
There are other kinds of jobs not listed here, because there are hundreds of thousands of potential jobs, so make sure to get creative in your search to find what works best for you.
Education and Teaching
Working in education is an essential career field for the functioning of society. Becoming a teacher is by far the most obvious entry to education. If you want to become a teacher, you will need to explore certification options that are specific to your state or region, as all teachers need to become certified to teach at the K-12 level. This might mean taking one or more certification tests, such as the Praxis, CSET & CBEST, or TExES, in addition to working as a student teacher in a classroom.
Becoming a K-12 teacher is not the only way to work in education. You might also be interested in becoming a college professor, a curriculum writer, a special education teacher, or a principal. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), teachers at all levels are expected to experience 4% job growth from 2019 to 2029, which is about average for all jobs in the U.S.
Careers in education are good for those who work well with kids, who are passionate about a particular subject, and who enjoy helping others learn. Good teachers have strong public speaking skills, high empathy levels, and the ability to be flexible in their approaches to various problems. All education-based jobs require an understanding of the cultural and personal differences that students might have and the ability to approach those differences in a positive and constructive way.
Health Care
Health care workers are some of the most important workers in contemporary society. If you are interested in health care, you might be considering working as a nurse. It is possible that you will chose to specialize in a particular area of your field, such as a nurse practitioner, traveling nurse, or surgical nurse. Becoming a healthcare professional requires extensive training and can take several years. You will need to take exams to become a nurse, including the TEAS, HESI, and NCLEX, to test your proficiency both before and during your education.
The BLS predicts that health care professions on the whole will grow around 15% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the national average. If health care interests you and you are a compassionate and motivated individual, this field could certainly use you.
Working in health care is great for those who have excellent attention to detail, who have a thirst for knowledge, who are very empathetic, and who work well under pressure. Medical professionals often work with people who are having some of the worst experiences of their lives, and they need to approach those interactions with compassion and care. Medical research analysts and lab technicians are examples of careers in the medical field that might interest you if you want to be involved in science but are less interested in interacting with patients on a daily basis.
Property Development
Everybody in the world needs places to live and work. Property development can involve careers like real estate, contract construction, and architecture. Prospective realtors are needed everywhere but may have more success in some cities that have a greater need for realtors and a higher average salary. Realtors are required to pass a real estate exam in order to earn their license.
The BLS does not project much job growth for realtors or architects from 2019 to 2029, but this depends greatly on region. Construction workers, however, are set to experience around 4% job growth, which is average for all jobs.
Property development jobs are good for people who are good at problem-solving, want to create positive living environments for people and families, and in the case of construction, people who like working with their hands. A good understanding of construction practices, sustainable design, and economics are all excellent skills to cultivate if you want to get into property development.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
There are many different jobs that fall under the STEM umbrella. Virtually all of them require a college education. Examples of STEM jobs include:
- Computer scientist
- Physicist
- Biologist
- Engineer
- Geographer
- Forensic scientist
- Accountant
- Geologist
- Psychologist
- Mathematician
Because STEM is such a broad employment area, it is impossible to give a single figure for job growth in the coming years. However, the BLS does note some of these jobs that are set to grow quite a lot between 2019 and 2029; mathematicians/statisticians are predicted at 33% growth, forensic science technicians should experience 14% growth and the outlooks for physicists, astronomers, and computer scientists are 7%, 7%, and 11%, respectively.
STEM jobs are often good for those who have a thirst for knowledge, are good at logical and systematic thinking, and can find creative ways to solve problems. Jobs in the sciences help humanity advance its understanding of the world and the universe. Technology jobs are more and more essential to the way that people live their daily lives, given how prevalent computers and phones have become. Engineering is a good fit for those with excellent math skills and attention to detail who want to be part of the construction of systems, buildings, and infrastructure in their communities.
Business
Business is another broad category of employment that can provide lucrative and fast-paced job opportunities. Careers in business include things like:
- Accounting
- Finances
- Human resources
- Management
- Business ownership
- Logistics
- Advertising
- Taxes
Typically, these jobs require at least an undergraduate degree in business. However, there is a lot of room in the business world for self-starters and entrepreneurs who are interested in running their own businesses.
The BLS estimates that professions in the field of business will grow by 5% between 2019 and 2029, which is slightly faster than the national average. There is certainly room in the business world for many kinds of opportunities, especially for individuals who work well in teams and are good at problem-solving.
Business is one of the most popular majors in colleges and universities around the world today. A strong understanding of the economy can open up a wide variety of careers. To go into business, you will need to be able to evaluate and take risks, have a strong grasp of how the world economy works, and have ideas about how to grow a business or industry. Those who are successful in this field are often resilient in difficult situations and highly adaptable to unexpected circ*mstances.
Arts
The arts and humanities can refer to both a variety of fine and applied arts and to careers that come from several fields of study that fall under the arts and humanities umbrella. Fine and applied arts careers include:
- Visual artist (painter, sculptor, illustrator, etc.)
- Dancer
- Actor
- Musician
- Poet or writer
- Filmmaker
These creative careers are not known for being lucrative, but they can be fulfilling and interesting for those who do them. An exception to this rule is filmmakers, many of whom have very high-paying jobs in their field. Film workers (including camera operators and video editors) also have high projected job growth: between 14% and 22% according to the BLS, compared to little or no job growth for visual artists.
Becoming an artist is an important way of contributing to your community and to the human experience in general. Almost everyone consumes and appreciates art in some form, and most would agree that doing so enriches their lives. Artists need to be observant, attuned to aspects of the human experience, and prepared to put time and effort into cultivating their talents. They need to have an original way of expressing themselves that contributes something new to the artistic landscape of their culture or community.
The humanities has its own set of jobs not directly connected to fine arts. Jobs in the humanities include:
- Writer
- Social worker
- Historian
- Sociologist
- Librarian
- Publisher
- Research assistant
- Journalist
These jobs typically require good writing skills, a strong understanding of human cultures and history, and research abilities. The BLS predicts faster-than-average growth for some jobs in the humanities, including technical writers (7%), social workers (13%) and librarians (5%).
Jobs in the humanities require various skills. These jobs are good for people who are self-directed and passionate about the world around them. They often require the ability to learn on the job and adapt to new circ*mstances. Critical thinking and the ability to find creative approaches to problems can be helpful in these jobs, as can the ability to lead teams and speak to groups of people.
Environment
One of the biggest challenges facing humanity is climate change and environmental degradation. While this is a major problem that can and does have serious consequences for life on earth, there are many people who are passionate about the world around them and who are working hard in a variety of careers that help protect the environment. If this sounds like a field you are interested in, you might want to consider the following careers:
- Conservation officer
- Environmental consultant
- Environmental or urban planner
- Sustainability policy analyst
- Biologist
- Tree planter
- Oceanographer
- Forestry consultant
- Horticulturist
- Waste management specialist
All of these and more are essential environmental jobs. Because of the necessity of taking action to protect the environment and ecosystem, many of these jobs will grow and develop in the future. Urban planners are expected to see 11% growth; and foresters 5%; and environmental specialists should see 8% growth according to the BLS's 2019 to 2029 projections.
Working with animals, working in nature, doing advocacy work, and doing hands-on research are just a few of the ways that environmental careers can connect you with the world around you. Research skills, resilience, and physical fitness are all important to many environmental jobs which, after all, often require a lot of outdoor work.
Law
Becoming a lawyer is one of the more education-intensive career choices you can make. Lawyers first need an undergraduate degree before also pursuing a law degree and passing the bar exam. While the process is long, becoming a lawyer can be a rewarding career. First, many lawyers receive high pay. Lawyers also provide essential legal services to members of the public. If you want to become a lawyer, you may also be interested in specializing in a particular kind of law like criminal, family, or immigration law.
The BLS states that lawyers should experience 4% job growth between 2019 and 2029, which equals the average for all occupations. Legal assistants and paralegals, who often require less training, are projected at 5% growth. These are also good options if you are interested in a legal career but might not be willing to invest such a lot of time into your education.
Working as a lawyer requires good public speaking skills and exemplary writing skills. Lawyers need an extensive knowledge of legal codes and need to be able to find strong arguments to help their clients' cases. They also need to be quick thinkers who work well in high-pressure environments; after all, their clients put a lot of faith in them.
Resources
As a high school student, you are in a great position to explore your options and consider your future career. The following is a list of resources that can help you make this important decision. You will find career aptitude tests for high school students and other free career exploration activities for high school students and college students. These resources go beyond the typical high school career test; a career exploration test is a great place to start, but it is not necessarily enough to fully inform you about your options. These resources can help you take your research to the next level:
Skills Matcher. This resource helps you match your existing skills with potential careers. In addition to letting you self-report on your skills, the quiz gives tangible examples of the kinds of levels of expertise involved for each skill set. It then provides a list of careers that match your skills, in addition to the average annual salary for each job, the level of education required, and the job's outlook.
Interest Profiler. Rather than helping you understand your skills, this quiz helps you understand where your interests lie through a series of 60 questions. It then gives you the chance to evaluate how much education and training you would like to pursue for your career before giving you a list of jobs that suit your interests and needs.
YouthRules! Run by the U.S. Department of Labor, this is a great resource for any high school students who are entering the workforce. It can help you learn about labor laws in your state and helps you learn about your rights in different employment opportunities. You can find information about what jobs you can work at what age, what hours you can legally work, and what wages you are entitled to. The site also provides resources for parents, employers, and educators to make sure that young workers are safe and that they receive protection under the law. Resources like YouthRules! can help you make a smooth and safe transition to the workforce.
BLS K-12. This is a resource hub for all K-12 students who want to learn more about potential career opportunities. It features games and quizzes that can help students learn about the job market and BLS's services. It also has a selection of articles and activities for students, including extensive career exploration tools that can give you direct access to employment data for a wide variety of jobs. This data includes median salary, job descriptions, job outlook, state and area data, similar occupations, and detailed information on how to pursue a given career. It's a great resource if you're researching potential future careers.
Federal Student Aid. The U.S. government has put together a detailed guide for students to help pay for college. The guide also has several features that can help you explore career options, including a career quiz and a database of over 900 career options that are listed alongside their potential outlook and their environmental impact. This is a great way to look into educational options while also looking further ahead to potential careers.
Expert Answers to Common Questions About Applying for College
Meet our Expert Contributors
Paying for college is a challenge nearly all students. We asked several counselors and professors for their best college preparation advice, as well as a few of the most common questions we've encountered from students like you.
Read on for their answers below!
Breegan Arnett, University of Western States
Breegan Arnett is an admissions advisor at University of Western States, a graduate and professional university in Portland, OR. Breegan is originally from Vancouver, WA. She attended college in Idaho, graduate school in Ohio and has permanently relocated back to the beautiful Pacific Northwest. While living in the Midwest, Breegan enjoyed exploring the East Coast and southern states with her husband. Breegan holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in music and is a professional freelance saxophonist in the Portland area. In her free time, Breegan enjoys being outside, specifically in the Columbia River Gorge and on the Oregon coast, cooking, baking and playing board games with her family.
What common issues do you see with graduate students, whether it be with their application or college research process?
The most common issue we see is students applying to graduate programs before they're ready. Be sure you read through the prerequisite information for the degree you're considering before you start your application process. If you have any questions about what a specific program entails, reach out to an advisor! Advisors are here to help you navigate your application process and recommend institutions where you can complete prerequisite requirements. We also advise students on career opportunities, can connect you with alumni, and assist you throughout your entire application process.
How can graduate students find out if a school is a good fit for them?
To find out of a school is a good fit for you, talk to an advisor over the phone. You might find the perfect program by simply reading through a school's website, but if you think you need something more, connect with us. We will discuss your interests and career goals, and help you determine if a program, and university, is the right fit for you.
What is something you wish students took more advantage of when it comes to college advising?
I wish students took advantage of all the resources available to them when it comes to college advising. Don't be shy about putting in the time, effort, and research to get answers to your questions. Be sure to be communicative with your advisor and ask your questions! We are here to help you find the best fit for you.
What is the largest piece of advice you have for graduate students going through the college application process?
Our largest piece of advice we have for graduate students going through the grad school application process is to understand everything the program, and university, stands for. Read through the university's mission statement, be sure it's an inclusive campus. Read through the curriculum and understand what you'll be learning in the graduate program. Having a clear picture of what you're learning will help pave a path for success as you start, and ultimately graduate from, your master's or doctoral degree.
Leah Ferguson, Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Leah Ferguson attended Millersville University for undergrad and graduate degrees. She is now working as an admissions counselor.
What advice do you have for new students navigating college life?
College is not the best four years of your life it it the first four years. College is a time for you to make who you want to be in world and find your niche.
What is something that you encourage all students to do while on-campus?
Get involved in students organizations that is the easiest way to begin networking. Coming from a background where networking may not be first hand it is definitely the easiest way to get your hands dirty by doing so. This can look like academic clubs, students leadership clubs, etc. seize every opportunity that may be given to you.
What makes a student's application stand out?
A great comeback story. Most counselors will look at your GPA. Let's say 9th grade was not for you at all and you failed almost every class. That will standout on your application then the comeback of seeing your grades spike positively will be worth it. Telling your story in your essay is what we are looking for.
What common issues do you see with students, whether it be with their application or college research process?
Go and visit. You absolutely have to go and see the campus for yourself and be able to picture yourself there as student.
What is the largest piece of advice you have for students going through the college application process?
Students not thinking about college until it's October of their senior year is an issue. You must apply earlier. The earlier you apply the better chance of receiving money from schools.
Jocelyne Jerez, University of California - Riverside
I am currently a UCR Freshman Admissions Counselor. My role is to share all the great resources UCR has to offer to prospective students. I love supporting students and families as they narrow down their college selections.
What advice do you have for new students navigating college life?
I would strongly encourage students to familiarize themselves with resources/programs on campus. Many times, students don’t know about specific programming which makes them miss out on great opportunities. If they are actively looking for resources that could support them, they can participate in many of them and network with students and faculty.
What is something that you encourage all students to do while on-campus?
I would encourage students to become part of student organizations. Being involved on campus enhances the college experience for many students. It also provides leadership opportunities for students and could help them figure out what they enjoy doing. Being part of an organization also helps students create strong relationships with others and the ties they make can go beyond graduation.
What common issues do you see with students, whether it be with their application or college research process?
Students can find out if a school is a good fit for them by researching everything they have to offer. They need to make sure that they offer their academic interests and research the programming they have for it. They also need to make sure to research the financial assistance they provide for them in order to make sure the student could afford it. For example, students should see what academic and health resources they have for them to make sure they have the support they need when they are struggling. The school the select should have organizations that intrigue them as well, internship opportunities that benefit them and much more. The location of the school also matters to some students so figuring out what your desired location is could help as well. The best school for a student is one that meets all their academic, personal, and social emotional needs.
What are one or two of the most important factors you consider in a college application?
The largest piece of advice for students going through the college application process is to make sure that they are happy about the schools they are selecting. Sometimes, students have social or family pressures and they are unhappy about the schools they are applying to. Making sure to always put yourself first during the college application process is important. At the end of the day, you need to weigh the pros and cons for yourself and make sure you are happy about the schools you are selecting.
Owen Marcus, Westmont College
As an Admission Counselor at Westmont College, there are different parts to my job. One part is being on an admissions team, rather than a group of gate-keepers, we are a team of bridge builders that help find ways for prospective students to gain access to higher education. As a counselor, it is my job to help others make those big decisions. It isn't easy to make them with so many varying factors. If I can be a resource to get those questions answered, then I have done my job well.
What advice do you have for new students navigating college life?
Find healthy balances. This comes in all shapes and sizes. You don't want to be saying yes to every single social activity to only be left tired and unable to complete your studies. While your parents/grandparents might not be checking up on you regularly, remember to reach out because they miss having you around and hearing your voice! Most importantly, take care of yourself, get plenty of sleep, fight the "freshman 15", and get outside!
What common issues do you see with students, whether it be with their application or college research process?
I encourage visits to all the schools you apply to. This is the best way to feel the 'magic' that each school can offer! There is no *right* school out there waiting, but visiting each school will help you decide which school has the best community to keep driving you towards your future hopes and dreams!
What are one or two of the most important factors you consider in a college application?
Keep it simple, keep it fun. While this is such a huge transitional period, theres no reason why it should be fun to find the next place to call home! Talk to students during your visits, talk to professors of classes you can sit on, ask good questions that will leave you feeling confident in which school might be best fit.
What is the largest piece of advice you have for students going through the college application process?
Reach out! Not only do Admissions Counselors love hearing from you, but so do coaches and Professors! Getting to know them and ask them questions about your future at whichever college you are interested in can help propel you through the admissions process and make you standout among others applicants or recruits!
Elizabeth Schwanke, Winona State University
Elizabeth Schwanke earned a B.A. in Sociology at Winona State University and will complete her M.S. in Organizational Leadership in May 2022, also from Winona State. She has worked in higher education over the past eight-years, both in student and professional roles. She is passionate about helping students move forward through their college search journey to make the best postsecondary plan for them!
What advice do you have for new students navigating college life?
The top three things I share with students is: (1) live on campus - at least for your first year, (2) get involved - join at least one student organization on campus, and (3) know - and use -your resources. Living on campus is crucial for a smooth transition into college life. You'll find an instant community in your residence hall between your Resident Assistant (RA) and other students living on your floor. Plus, you won’t have to worry about paying rent or for utilities because everything should be wrapped up into your student bill and your financial aid can help pay for that. In addition to your residence hall community, you’ll want to branch out and get involved on campus. Join at least one student organization (but no more than three groups until you figure out your time management and what your classes will look like) so you can meet people from across campus. Most colleges and universities will hold a club fair within the first two weeks of classes so you can see all of the options available to you. Remember nothing says you have to commit to the first club that catches your eye. Go to a meeting and see what it is about. If you don’t like it, nothing says you have to go back for the next meeting; try a new student group instead. Finally, know your resources. Campus resources are designed to make your college life easier and help you stay happy, healthy, and successful throughout your student experience. Taking advantage of these resources doesn’t mean you’re failing at college, rather it means you are advocating for yourself to get your needs met so you can continue to progress towards your degree. Remember every student needs a little extra support at some point and campus resources are available and ready to provide that for you when you need it.
What is something that you encourage all students to do while on-campus?
Talk to other people. Ask questions to the Admissions Staff, to your student tour guide, to the other families on your campus visit, the students at the table next to you when you're trying out the dining hall.... Ask them what their favorite thing about this college or university is, why they choose to attend/work for this school, and why they are excited to keep coming back day after day in addition to any other questions on your mind about the school you're at. This will give you more insight into what college life is like at this campus and help you get information on a bigger picture that will help you determine if you can visualize yourself on the campus as a student.
What common issues do you see with students, whether it be with their application or college research process?
Visit! Visit! Visit! You can look at pictures, website, interactive virtual tours, do video meetings with professors and admissions counselors, but I firmly believe the best was to decide if a college or university is the best fit for you, is to actually set foot on the campus. Experience the school first-hand - go on an official campus visit through the Admissions Office and give yourself time to wander around the campus and surrounding community too. Be open minded, stay off your phone, and let yourself be immersed in the experience.
What are one or two of the most important factors you consider in a college application?
Remember to ask your questions - seriously there is no such thing as a bad question. The Admissions Counselor working with you wants to help you make the best decision for you, but they can't give you the information you're curious about unless you ask the questions.
Nolan Arasato, Western Oregon University
I am a first generation college student and now work as an admissions counselor for the past 4 years.
What advice do you have for new students navigating college life?
Don't put too much pressure on yourselves. This is your first time going through the college process. Every school has online resources that you can use to contact the school directly. Ask us questions, it is our job! Don't feel like you are alone.
What common issues do you see with students, whether it be with their application or college research process?
The best way is to ask questions to the school. You can also take a tour OR do a virtual tour if the school has that resource.
What are one or two of the most important factors you consider in a college application?
Apply for as much scholarships as you can. College can be very affordable and free if you can receive enough scholarships.
What is the largest piece of advice you have for students going through the college application process?
Students think that if they are missing 1 class or doesn't meet the GPA requirement they shouldn't even bother applying. You can submit supporting documents such as a personal statement and letters of recommendation to add to your file to help your application.
Renee Cortez, Winona State University
Renee has worked in the Student Affairs field for over four years in the state of Minnesota. She has her Bachelors degree in Communications and her Masters in Leadership in Student Affairs. She has worked in such fields as Residence Life, Orientation, Registration, and Admissions. Currently, at Winona State University she leads the Alumni Volunteer Road Warriors group and is responsible for the Twin Cities, MN territory. She has extensive experience planning small to large scale events and public speaking.
What advice do you have for new students navigating college life?
Always find a college staff member or your high school counselor to ask questions. As a first generation student myself, there was so much I didn't know.
What is something that you encourage all students to do while on-campus?
Make time to make good relationships with your professors. Visit them during office hours. Introduce yourself after class.
What makes a student's application stand out?
Honestly. Be honest about your story, your background. If you've had struggles, talk about them. If there is something different about you, talk about that! Like I love polka music. That's different!
What common issues do you see with students, whether it be with their application or college research process?
Visit campus! Most students can just feel if a place is right for them by visiting the campus.
How can students find out if a school is a good fit for them?
Winona State University does not require an essay for application, but many schools do and that's usually very important. For Winona State we look at GPA mostly right now. However, if a student id denied for having a low GPA, that is when they can appeal. Our appeal process includes a personal essay and two letters of recommendation. These essays and letters are very important.
What are one or two of the most important factors you consider in a college application?
Don't be afraid to ask questions!
What is the largest piece of advice you have for students going through the college application process?
Many students don't know what to ask because it is just all so new and scary. Find your admissions counselor at a school you may be interested in. Find your high school college and career counselor! We can help and we are happy to!
Leonie M Walters, Lincoln University
I have been working in Higher Ed since 2010 in different positions. I started as a Professional Reading Instructor and later my role changed to Learning Support Specialist. I then moved to becoming a First Year Experience Professor and Academic Advisor. This latter position allowed me to move into the role function of First Year Class Dean and now I am an Academic Advisor/Academic Success Coach.
What advice do you have for new students navigating college life?
Be very open -minded, and do not be afraid to ask questions because you have began your Career Journey.
What is something that you encourage all students to do while on-campus?
Get familiar with where buildings are located; you will be attending classes so get to know where the classrooms are.
What are some of the most common issues or problems you see with students when it comes to college planning?
Most college students do not practice Organizational Skills, so they lag behind in submitting assignments on time, or ever being informed of campus events.
What is your largest piece of advice for students communicating with their advisors?
Know your Advisor's name and how to address the individual correctly; either Professor, Dr. or Mr/Mrs etc
What is something you wish students took more advantage of when it comes to college advising?
I wish that most student get an understanding of their intended Major. They need to take deep dives in understanding what the Major offers, trends, is a professional certification required. Also, take advantage of selecting courses on time.
What advice do you have for students who are struggling to choose a major?
I usually suggest taking a Myers Briggs to identify strengths and weakness. Also, find a Peer Mentor and have a dialogue that will to make a decision.
What adjustment(s) do you find new students struggle with as they transition to college?
Most, have to adjust to living with a stranger and that is a real struggle. Another adjustment is to Time manage.
Tyvon Kareen Moore, University of South Carolina - Upstate
I am a graduate of the University of South Carolina Upstate. I am the loan counselor, here at the university. It is my job to educate students and parent on the variety of loans that are in place for students who are unable to pay out of pocket, but wish to further their education.
What advice do you have for new students navigating college life?
The advice that I have for new students navigating college life, is to use their resources. A simple conversation with someone, can open doors to many different opportunities.
What is something that you encourage all students to do while on-campus?
I encourage all students to join at least 2 organizations. I also encourage students to take advantage of the different support systems in place to help them succeed and enjoy their collegiate experience.
What are the most common errors (or oversights) you see when someone is applying for financial aid?
The most common error is students thinking because they completed a FAFSA, that school is taken care of.
What is the largest piece of advice you have for students going through the financial aid process?
The biggest advice that I can give to students is staying on top of their financial aid. Each student should check the status of their aid, throughout the summer to make sure everything is completed.
What advice do you have for students who are applying for scholarships?
Be sure to ask you financial aid department about the different scholarships, they may have for incoming freshmen. Be sure to execute a plan to ensure that you meet the requirements to sustain the scholarships that have been awarded to you.
Rachel Beach, University of South Carolina - Beaufort
Rachel Beach is the new Transfer Admission Counselor at USCB. She is a South Carolina native and lives in the beautiful Lowcountry. She has a B.A. from Clemson University, an M.A. from the University of South Carolina, and a graduate certificate from Colorado State University. She has worked in Higher Education since 2007 and for the University of South Carolina Beaufort since 2012 in a variety of roles including academic advising, athletics eligibility, admissions processing, and as an adjunct instructor.
What adjustment(s) do you find new students struggle with as they transition to a new college?
I think many students are unfamiliar with new school policies, such as how or when to get advised, when to register, etc. Many students assume all schools function exactly the same, which is not the case.
How can students find out if a school is a good fit for them?
Do some research! We have had many students apply and show up for advising as “undecided” majors only to say they plan to study Criminal Justice or Architecture or something else that we do not even offer. Don’t transfer to a school when you haven’t even looked to see what majors it offers! Call the Admissions Office, ask for a tour. Find out if the school is big or small, what they value, and what their “selling” points are.
What is something you wish students took more advantage of when it comes to college advising?
Actually coming to the appointments in a timely manner and using the degree audit tools we have available so they can keep up with their own degree progress.
What is the largest piece of advice you have for students going through the college transfer process?
Students should really take the time to make sure the school is a good fit, and not choose a school based on things like location alone.
Tyrell Austin, Ferris State University
I am an admissions counselor and college advisor. I am also a first generation college student who earned a B.S in Applied Speech Communication and minored in Integrated Marketing Techniques at Ferris State University, and currently a Master of Business Administration student at Ferris State University who is also obtaining a certification in Performance Metrics. My job in admissions is to help students throughout the college process but more importantly throughout the application process. I am also a proud Brother of Sigma Lambda Beta Int. Fraternity Inc.
What advice do you have for new students navigating college life?
College is for everyone. Don't be scared to start college. Everyone is in the same boat as you. As young students, no one knows what to expect or what they are doing. You will figure it out. I promise you.
What is something that you encourage all students to do while on-campus?
Join three organizations on campus. Employers could care less about your degree as everyone has one that they are interviewing. Since everyone is getting a degree similar to yours, what's going to make you stand out? What's going to make you letter better than the other applicants in the pool?
What makes a student's application stand out?
Great Grades and AP/Dual Enrollment courses.
What are one or two of the most important factors you consider in a college application?
Do the research, apply early, and get your ducks in a row by December of your senior year so you can then choose which college you'd like and get your housing situated by January as that's when housing seems to open up.
What is the largest piece of advice you have for students going through the college application process?
The common issue I see with students is either they never seem to request their transcripts from their high school or college if they are transferring. The other would be FAFSA. Fill out your FAFSA even if you think your parents make too much money. You won't be able to apply for other scholarships on campus if there is no FAFSA on file.
Aiyana Dancy, Towson University
Aiyana Dancy is an alumna and Assistant Director of Freshman Admissions at Towson University. She works with students who attend high schools in PG county, MD and Washington, DC. Her passion is within education; helping students develop inside and outside the classroom.
What makes a student's application stand out?
An application that is genuine and informative always stands out for me. During the application review season, counselors can read anywhere from tens to hundreds of applications with essays. The easiest way to be remembered is to be true to yourself and to skillfully use the essay to share information about yourself that we wouldn’t ordinarily have from the other documents. An application that has strong academics with involvement and a genuine essay is a winner in my eyes.
What common issues do you see with students, whether it be with their application or college research process?
Common issues that I’ve recognized is that students aren’t taking enough time to read the application and its prompts before submitting it. The application for some institutions can be seen as a legal document, so it’s important that you read, reread, and review it thoroughly before you submit it. If you have questions about the application, the admissions team is a great resource.
How can students find out if a school is a good fit for them?
You may have heard that visiting campus is the only way to know if a school is a good fit, but that’s not always true or an option. Most institutions offer virtual events, so take advantage of that, but also do your research. That means two things: consider who you are and what you like and get to know the different types and offerings of universities. Naviance (among other sites) allows you to search and compare schools. That means you should research and consider your findings about the size, academic offerings, location, and cost of more than one institution to see if it meets your individual preferences and interests.
What are one or two of the most important factors you consider in a college application?
A big part of our holistic review is a student’s transcript. At TU, we consider what classes you took, how well you did in those classes, and if there were any significant trends, all in the context of the high school. We first and foremost want to ensure that we’re admitting students to TU who are prepared for the academic rigors of our university and this is one method of measurement among others.
What is the largest piece of advice you have for students going through the college application process?
Use your resources! You may have to look for it but there is support around you in your educators, counselors, mentors, family members and college support staff too. You aren’t expected to do it all on your own, so don’t try to-ask for help and take advantage of free assistance.
