PLANNING FOR LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

It’s graduation day. Hopefully students have a solid plan in place for their immediate futures. At BTC every effort is made to ensure students have taken the necessary steps to meet their goals of attending college, entering the workforce, or entering the military. BTC instructors consistently invite college representatives into their classrooms to educate students regarding post secondary offerings that align with BTC programs. Students also have the opportunity to job shadow, participate in internships and paid job experiences. The guidance coordinator meets with all students to encourage them to follow a timetable leading to their post secondary goals. Parents are encouraged to assist students with their planning. Guidance counselors, teachers and VSAC can be excellent resources for parents and students.

The following is an abbreviated checklist for students planning to apply to postsecondary schools: (Contact Sandy Simonds for a complete check list)

Junior Year
 Fall—Check your credits and courses taken to be sure you are meeting college admissions’ criteria. Take the PSAT.
 Winter—Decide when to take the ACT, SAT I and SAT II Subject Tests and register. Plan a challenging schedule for senior year. Start researching colleges.

 Spring—Develop a preliminary list of colleges and schedule visits. Attend high school and VSAC college planning workshops.
 Summer—Work on college essays and request applications from schools who do not accept the common application.

Senior Year
 Fall—Register for the ACT, SAT I and SAT II or TOFEL test if English is not your primary language. Meet with your guidance counselor to finalize your college list. Ask teachers, counselors or administrators to write letters of recommendation. Complete and mail applications if you are applying early.
 Winter—Complete and mail applications. Complete the FAFSA with parental help via web or U.S. mail any time after January 1.
 Spring—Register and take any AP tests. Be sure you received your FAFSA acknowledgement. Review acceptances and financial aid offers. Notify college of your intention to attend.
 Summer—Graduate! Congratulations and best of luck!

If you do not plan to go straight to college and are starting your career, the following are some suggestions:

Junior Year
 Indicate to your teacher and the COOP coordinator that you are interested in employment or internships.
 Start to create a professional portfolio which should include a cover letter, resume' and work samples.
 Seek summer employment in your area of interest.

Senior Year
 Remind your teacher and the COOP coordinator that would like to be placed on a job or internship in your field.
 Consider taking courses at CCV following graduation.
 Apply to businesses and agencies that you wish to work for upon graduation.

More and more students are planning to continue their educations following high school. Last year 56 % of BTC graduates were enrolled in post secondary schools. Of those who entered the work force, 20% were employed in fields related to their BTC programs, 15% were employed in unrelated fields and 2% entered the military.

Every BTC student is encouraged to have a plan that meets both short and long term goals.