We have started second semester, and everyone is talking about their plans for next year. College is the next big step for many seniors, and there are many to choose from. There are also trade schools and community colleges. In a Google Form sent to some AHS seniors, 77.8% indicated they were planning to go to college or trade school next year. Some people may even want to take a year off before making a major decision about their future path.

For people planning to go to college, there are still decisions to make. There are large schools, small schools, public schools, or private schools, and of course the majors available at these schools are also important to consider. So many choices! In the survey of AHS seniors, 33.3% indicated they were planning to attend a larger university. At these larger colleges, some classes may be the size of our whole senior class, and there are organizations and activities for every interest. For our AHS seniors, 61.1% plan to go to a smaller college. These schools have smaller classes, offering students a chance to get to know their professors and fellow students.

Another factor in college choice is in-state or out-of-state. Staying in-state is a way to stay closer to family and friends, and 22.2% of AHS seniors plan to stay in-state for college.  Out-of-state schools offer students a way to broaden their horizons, try new things, and test their independence. Of the AHS seniors surveyed, 61.1% plan to attend an out-of-state school.  

Some AHS students are planning to attend trade schools or community colleges. There are lots of options on the trade school educational path, such as cosmetology, real estate, HVAC, electrician, or plumbing. Community colleges also offer a way to start college level work, possibly with an eye toward transferring to a four-year university, at a fraction of the cost.

But we cannot forget that there are many AHS seniors who are still not exactly sure what is next for them. Of the AHS seniors surveyed, 53.3% indicated they were still waiting on decisions regarding admission at some schools. It is still early in second semester, and there is plenty of time to nail down the plans. One thing we do know for sure is that most, yes just most, 87.5%, of AHS seniors surveyed are excited to graduate. There are apparently a few, 12.5%, not quite ready to leave AHS behind. In the end, whether headed to college, trade school, community college, or taking a gap year, the AHS seniors are starting to make plans for life after AHS.