If you are considering college and haven’t worked through the college research process, please go to that page here. Now that you know you want to pursue college, it’s important to follow the steps outlined by your school counselor.

Now that you have reached senior year, you are ready to apply to the schools you are interested in attending. (Again, if you haven’t worked through the college search process yet, start here). Most applications open on August 1st. Before you apply anywhere, check with your school counselor to see how they have your school set up for college admissions. Most of our students use CommonApp and we use SCOIR to send documents to schools. There are several great application and document portals, so again, check with your counselor.

Pay close attention to deadlines. Some schools have a rolling admission process where they work through applications as they come in and accept students along the way. Others have deadlines where the applicant is in the same pool as other students who apply by their date. Simply search “Name of University Undergraduate Admissions Deadlines” and you will see how their process works.

We highly recommend Early Action applications where you are not bound by accepting their admission like Early Decision that means you commit to going to a school and will remove your application from all other places you are applying to.

Pay close attention to the admission requirements for the schools you are applying to. Some schools require just a student’s transcript and SAT/ACT scores. Others want extensive information including a college essay, resume, and letters of recommendation from teachers. Your school counselor will help you navigate your school’s particular process.

You may want to take the SAT and/or ACT again for college admissions. See this page for your college testing strategy.

Most schools require a fee for applying. Some may offer a fee waiver based on a promotion for applying. If you qualify for a SAT fee waiver, you may be able to apply to a school without a fee. Here are the qualifications for a fee waiver: SAT Fee Waiver Eligibility. Please work with your school counselor if you think you qualify.

All students should apply for Financial Aid with the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This opens every year late in the fall of senior year. To get an idea of how much aid you could expect, you can use the FAFSA Estimator.

Local scholarships from organizations that are around you can be some of the best ways to get small sums of scholarship money. Your school counselor should have some great ideas for organizations that provide opportunities for scholarships.

Choice of school is one of the most important factors, so please go to the college search page that goes into this in great detail.

Some states offer scholarships based on grades and test scores. Here in Florida, we have the Bright Futures program that awards students who achieve a high GPA and test score. We encourage our students to work really hard on this to earn a high GPA and test score for this amazing scholarship.

College/University Based Merit Scholarships are another major source of potential funding. Again, a high GPA and test score can pave the way for significant scholarship funding. Some universities publish their scholarships based on their scores. University of Alabama, for instance, publishes their scholarships for out-of-state students here.

College isn’t the only route to a fulfilling and successful career. Many students thrive by choosing vocational or technical paths, which offer hands-on learning, faster entry into the workforce, and excellent long-term growth.

If you enjoy working with your hands, solving real-world problems, or building things that last—this might be your ideal path.

Fields to explore:

• Construction, electrical, plumbing, HVAC
• Automotive and diesel technology
• Information technology and coding bootcamps
• Welding, machining, and industrial tech
• Culinary arts, cosmetology, and healthcare support roles

Think of vocational careers as roots that grow deep in your community, offering stability, strong income potential, and real-world impact.

🧰 Where to Start:

Apprenticeships: These programs let you earn while you learn, combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apprenticeship programs are available in many skilled trades and are often free or low-cost.

Technical Colleges: Many states offer affordable public technical colleges with certificates and associate degrees in high-demand fields.

Career Fairs & Local Employers: Ask your school counselor about local career events or connections with companies that hire and train recent graduates.

⚠️ Watch out for for-profit programs that promise quick results but may leave you with debt and no clear career path. Always research the school’s reputation and talk to your counselor before enrolling.

Choosing military service after high school is a deeply honorable decision—and one that can open many doors. The military offers:

• Career training in over 150 fields
• Leadership experience and discipline
• Travel and service opportunities
• Education benefits like the GI Bill and tuition assistance

Each branch—the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force—has its own culture and mission. Your choice will depend on your goals, interests, and the type of service you want to pursue.

📌 Next steps to explore:

Talk to a Recruiter: A recruiter can explain roles, training paths, and benefits for each branch.

Take the ASVAB: The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery helps identify where your strengths align within the military.

Interview Veterans: Talk to someone who has served or is currently serving to get a real sense of military life.

Military Service Pathways:

• Enlistment right after high school
• Reserve or National Guard service (part-time commitment)
• ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) while in college
• Military Academies (for those pursuing officer training)

Whether you serve for a few years or make it a career, the military can provide a solid foundation for your future.

🌐 Branch Websites:

• Army
• Navy
• Air Force
• Marines
• Coast Guard
• Space Force