When you're in high school, it seems as though there are not many options. Most people go directly on to college if they intend on completing their higher education degrees in order to become professionals in any given field. Otherwise, high school graduates will work in businesses in a variety of positions including manual labor, administrative and clerical work, or food service. While these are the most common options, there are quite a few alternatives to going straight to college after high school.

One of the most valuable and beneficial things to do after graduating high school, particularly if you'd like to post pone college for a year or two, is to engage in some form of community service or volunteer organization. Becoming actively involved in a volunteer organization or even volunteering overseas also looks great on a college application because it shows dedication, discipline, and responsibility. All three of these are character traits that college admissions councils look for when making the decision about whether or not to admit a student. Not to mention the spiritual and emotional benefits most people receive from their time doing service to the less fortunate.

If you simply cannot afford not to work while doing community service, you can also opt to go into the workplace directly out of high school. If you are still considering pursuing higher education and simply want to take a break from school, consider attempting to obtain a position in a field that you are interested in. If you'd like to go to technical school, try working as a mechanic. If you'd be interested in becoming a lawyer one day, think about becoming a file clerk or receptionist at a law office. This will help you maintain networking contacts and can even help you with college admissions references.

The armed forces, branches of the United States Military, all offer great opportunities for individuals to make money, learn, and earn scholarships toward their higher education goals after they've completed their service. A position as a solider in any one of the US military branches certainly pays well enough and also offers a number of benefits for soldiers, including academic scholarships.

Another alternative for beginning college immediately after your high school graduation is to travel. If you've never traveled extensively before and have the opportunity to do so before you get caught up in careers, responsibilities, and deadlines, definitely travel before you go to college. Not only will you learn more about the world, you'll also be exposed to different cultures and points of view that you may have never been able to encounter if you had gone straight to college.

There are many different options for students graduating from high school. College is not the only path, and it may not be the path for you. If you think that college is not for you, or you simply want to take a break from school before continuing your education, then definitely consider one of the aforementioned options.

Learn more about this author, Kristy Novoa.
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