So you didn’t go back to school: Now what?

Back-to-school season is a big deal in our culture. Who hasn’t stood on their front steps grinning for the camera in their first-day-of-school outfit? And who doesn’t get nostalgic at the whiff or crayons and freshly sharpened pencils? Here’s a weird feeling: That first time you don’t go back to school. If you graduated high school last spring and didn’t go to college this fall, you may be feeling everything from serious FOMO to jubilant freedom watching siblings and classmates return to classrooms near and far. Whatever your situation and state of mind, here are some tips from our team for making the most of the months ahead.  

• Set clear goals. Taking a bona fide gap year? Sitting out a year to save money? Hitting the workforce right out of the gate? Whatever the reason you’re not headed to the classroom, it’s important to know what you want to get out of the year ahead. Ask yourself who you want to be a year from now and what it will take to get there, said Marielle Starrett, an Education and Career Specialist at Granite Edvance. Then make a plan to reach your goals.  

Unsure where to start? We offer an Exploring Future Options appointment for students who want to discuss college, career prep, and/or financial aid, as well as a Career and Aptitude Exploration appointment for students to identify their strengths and discover best-fit careers. Make an appointment here.   

• Get support. Now that you’re out of school, you may not have access to your former teachers and counselors, and even if you do, you’ll want to be mindful of their time. It’s probably time to find new mentors and a new support system. Yes, it can be difficult to reach out to people for help, but networking is a critical skill in today’s world. Start with family friends, co-workers or managers, and other people you see regularly. And take it from us, most people love to share their knowledge!  

Hey, speaking of which, we can help with this step, too. We offer events and appointments throughout the year, as well as free resources to guide you, wherever you are in your journey.  

• Beef up that application. If you’re planning to enroll in college next year – or even considering it – you’ve now got extra time to polish up your college application. Not only that, but you’ll have new experiences to add to it, explained Sharleigh Thomson, an Education Funding Specialist at Granite Edvance. As you’re planning out your year, think about which experiences could bolster your application or provide new material for your college essay. “And make sure to document everything,” Sharleigh said.  

• Test the college waters, or take the plunge. If you’re thinking about two-year or four-year college but not ready to make a commitment, why not enroll in one class at a community college in a field that interests you? “It’s a great way to try out the college framework and see if it’s good for you,” Marielle said.  

Or, maybe you’re ready for college but missed the deadlines. It’s not too late to apply to community college, as well as some four-year colleges, for the spring semester.  

• Save money. Money is a key reason people delay postsecondary plans. Marielle took time off from school twice, in part to save money. Sharleigh came close to having to sit out a semester due to finances. Here’s what they recommend:  

First, create a realistic budget and stick with it. If college is part of your plan, be sure to keep your college savings in a separate account – and don’t dip into it for other needs!  

Next, use our College Financing Calculator so you have a clear idea how much money you’ll need for college or trade school.  

Finally, be on the lookout for free money. Use your extra time to get a jump on your scholarship search. And be sure to check out our own scholarship! If you’re applying for jobs, look for companies that offer tuition benefits or tuition assistance.