Last updated June 30, 2026

In this article

• Why students enter the workforce immediately
• What you need to apply for jobs
• Need help building your resume? 
• Job search strategies
• The reality of career advancement without a degree
• Finding good-paying jobs without a degree
• Your path, your success
• Final thoughts

While long-term studies show that higher education increases the likelihood of completing a degree and achieving long-term career success, we recognize that some students may choose a different path, such as entering the workforce. If you’re considering finding a job after high school, use the resources we list below to make an informed decision about your future.

Why students enter the workforce immediately 

Some common reasons for entering the workforce right after high school may include:

• Immediate financial need – The urgency to earn money quickly is real for many students.

• Burnout from school – After years of education, some students feel exhausted and need a break.

• Uncertainty about career goals – College is a significant investment, and not knowing what to study can make the decision overwhelming.

• Gap years – Some students may take a gap year to work and save money or explore different careers. 

It’s okay if you want to take a break from school or pivot in a new direction—sometimes, life circumstances change, or you simply need time to reassess your goals. However, having at least a general idea of your long-term plan is crucial. A clear direction helps you stay motivated, make informed decisions, and avoid feeling stuck. Employers and industries value experience and consistency, so having a roadmap—whether it’s a degree, certification, or skill-building—can keep you on track for career growth. Flexibility is important, but without a plan, it’s easy to lose momentum or miss opportunities that align with your future goals.

What you need to apply for jobs

Before you start applying for jobs, make sure you have these essential documents:

• Resume – A clear summary of your skills, education, and experience.

• Cover letter – A brief letter explaining why you’re interested in the job and what you can bring to the role.

• References – Contacts who can vouch for your work ethic and skills.

Creating your first resume? Use one of our templates! Need a second opinion on your resume before sending it to employers? Send it to us for a FREE resume review! 

Need help building your resume? 

Create a job-ready resume in minutes with Resume Builder! No matter your job experience, our AI-powered Resume Builder will create a personalized resume for you! After a guided conversation, your skills and activities will be turned into a draft resume—no blank page, no stress. Click the image below to begin!

Job search strategies

Finding a job after high school requires strategic planning. Consider the following:

• Utilize job boards and career websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and local city and state job resources.

• Network with family, friends, and school counselors who may have job leads.

• Look into workforce development programs that offer training and job placement assistance.

• Research industries with high-growth potential in your area, such as healthcare, manufacturing, or technology.

The reality of career advancement without a degree

While it is possible to build a career without a college degree, certain barriers exist:

• Many high-paying jobs require certifications or specialized training.

• Career growth opportunities may be slower without formal education.

• Some industries have limited advancement opportunities for those without degrees.

• Jumping into the workforce may seem like the best option now, but think about the long-term payoff. A degree or certification often leads to higher wages, greater job stability, and increased autonomy in your career. If you need to work right away, consider employers who offer tuition reimbursement or opportunities for advancement.

It’s important to note that a degree is not the only path to a successful career. Many industries value skills, experience, and determination just as much—if not more—than formal education!

Finding good-paying jobs without a degree

If college isn’t in your immediate plans, look for jobs that offer stability and growth potential:

• Union jobs – Employers like Safeway and Fred Meyer provide benefits like tuition reimbursement and health insurance.

• Apprenticeships and trade jobs – Fields like electrical work, plumbing, and construction offer strong earning potential with proper training.

• Entry-level corporate jobs – Companies in retail, customer service, and administrative roles sometimes offer opportunities for advancement.

• Healthcare support roles – Jobs like medical assistants or pharmacy technicians require certifications and minimal college but offer room for growth.

Your path, your success

No matter the route you take, success is built through continous learning, adaptability, and perseverance. Whether through traditional education, hands-on experience, or self-directed learning, there are many ways to achieve your career goals. 

Final thoughts

No matter your path, the key is to keep learning and growing. Whether through work experience, trade certifications, or eventually pursuing a degree, investing in yourself is the best way to build a stable and rewarding career.

Do you have any questions about finding a job after high school? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

Keep going

Last updated December 3, 2025

In this article

• What is a gap year?
• How do I take a gap year?
• What are the pros of taking a gap year?
• What are the cons of taking a gap year?
• How can I make my gap year effective?

If you’re considering taking a gap year, it’s important to be informed about your options and any potential consequences so you can make an informed decision. We’ll break down what you should know about taking a gap year, like pros, cons, and ways to make it effective.

What is a gap year?

When a student takes a gap year, they do not attend college for a year between their senior year of high school and freshman year of college. There are many reasons a student may take one, like saving money, focusing on family, defining their educational and professional goals, or traveling. 

How do I take a gap year?

If you’re thinking about taking a gap year, it’s best to make a decision as soon as possible, as it may affect your college and financial aid plans. If you’re certain you want to take one, you may want to consider not applying to college your senior year or deferring your admission to the college you want to attend.

What are the pros of taking a gap year?

Earn and save money

The high cost of attending college means that most students take on debt to receive their education. Working and saving money for a year can help reduce the overall amount of financial aid you need to apply for or borrow. 

Determine your college, career, and life goals

Taking some time off before starting college can bring students clarity about what they want to do after high school. Time is money in college, and taking a break from school can help you save both while deciding what college, career, and life paths you are interested in pursuing. 

What are the cons of taking a gap year?

You might lose momentum

During your gap year, it’s possible that you may lose the desire or momentum to attend college altogether. When considering taking one, set a timeline and stick to it as much as you can. Setting an end date to the year will help you prepare to take the necessary steps to begin college.

Note: If you decide to take a gap year, be sure to stay in touch with someone at your college’s admissions office throughout the year. They can keep you updated on what you will need to do in order to start school when you’re ready.

You will lose the help of a school counselor

If you decide to take a gap year, your high school counselor won’t be able to support you through the college application process (if you decide not to apply while you’re a senior). This means that it will be completely up to you to keep track of college application requirements and deadlines, find scholarships and understand your financial aid options, and navigate any issues that may arise throughout this process. 

How can I make my gap year effective?

Take classes at a community college

Committing to four years of college can be intimidating for some. If you still want to work toward a degree but aren’t ready to commit to a four-year university, deferring your start and earning credits at your local community college is a great way to do so! Community colleges are great places to receive an education at a more affordable cost. 

Save money and build your resume by working

Saving money by working for a year can help you build your resume, network, and professional skills that can be used in any job or career. 

Give back through service programs

CityYear places volunteers in schools working directly to support students. You’ll earn a living stipend and build education-related professional skills.

Travel to experience other countries and cultures

Here are two examples, but you can search “Gap Year Programs” online to discover even more:

• World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) is a program that connects farm owners with volunteers looking to live abroad and work in exchange for free room and board.
• Australia’s Work and Holiday Visa Program offers a year-long travel and work visa to Australia for young adults (18-30) willing to work in high-need industries like conservation, construction, brush fire rehabilitation, and tourism/hospitality.

Before making a big decision, it’s important to talk with a parent or guardian. They can offer you advice and perspective, and together you can make a decision that works best for you.

Do you have any questions? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

Keep going

Last updated September 15, 2025

In this article

• Deferring admission
• Leave of absence

If changes to your personal or financial circumstances lead you to consider taking a break from attending college, it’s important to know that you have options. We share what you should know about the differences between deferring your admission and taking a leave of absence, and what steps to take if you’re considering either.

Deferring admission

Deferring your admission to college means accepting your offer letter to attend a school, and then requesting an extended period of time off before starting. It’s important to know that you must accept your offer of admission before requesting to defer it. This way, your school can hold your spot for you; and in most cases, you will not have to re-apply when you’re ready to start.

Here are some important questions to ask your college before deferring your admission: 

1. What is the deadline to defer?
2. Will deferring affect my financial aid package?
3. Will I need to document my time spent away from school?
4. What will I need to start school next year?

Leave of absence

Students who are already attending college and want to take time off can take a voluntary leave of absence. During a leave of absence, students are not enrolled in any classes but are still considered students of their school.

Here are some important questions to ask your college before taking a leave of absence: 

1. How often do I need to update you about when I plan to return?
2. Will I need to re-apply for admission when I’m ready to return?
3. Will I have to pay back the financial aid I’ve already received for the following term or year?
4. What will show up on my transcripts while I’m not in school (an “incomplete” or “withdrawal from classes”)?

Finishing college is an incredible journey to see through! If you have any questions about deferring your admission, taking a leave of absence, or returning to school after either, we’re here to support you! Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

Keep going

Last updated June 18, 2026

In this article

• You can still apply for financial aid
• You can still be accepted to college

If you are still weighing your post-high school options or are waiting to make a decision, know that you are not alone and you still have time to decide! In this article, we’ll break down different post-high school options to choose from. 

(Lee este artículo en español aquí!)

You can still apply for financial aid

Complete the FAFSA

If you haven’t yet completed the 2025-2026 FAFSA, there’s still time, but it’s important to do it soon. While the federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, colleges and states have their own individual deadlines. Completing the FAFSA is the most important thing eligible students can do to receive most forms of federal, state, and institutional financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, and loans. Completing the FAFSA is free, safe, and can open you up to even more financial aid and college options. If you need help completing the FAFSA, text us! We’re here to support.

Check your FAFSA status

If you’re unsure about whether your FAFSA has been processed, log into your StudentAid.gov account and check its status under the “My Activity” tab. The status of your FAFSA will fall under one of the following categories: 

• In Progress: Application has been started but not submitted.
  • Next step: Complete all required sections and submit as soon as possible.
• In Review: Application has been submitted but has not been processed.
  • Next step: No action needed, processing can take several days.
• Action Required: There is an error with the application that needs to be fixed. Errors can include missing a signature on the application or not consenting for tax information to be transferred from the IRS.
  • Next step: Log in immediately to review and correct errors to avoid delays.
• Processed: Application was successfully processed and information is being sent to the colleges listed on it. Colleges will now create and send financial aid offer letters to admitted and enrolled students. 
  • Next step: Monitor your emails and your college portals for financial aid offers or to submit any additional informations college(s) might require. 

Complete state-based financial aid applications

In addition to the FAFSA you should also apply for state financial aid. If you are ineligible to complete the FAFSA, you may be able to apply for state financial aid instead. If your state offers financial aid, be sure to complete and submit the application ahead of its deadline to be considered for financial aid. 

Apply for scholarships

Any free money you can get for college helps! Once you submit your FAFSA or state-based aid application, it’s a great time to find and apply for scholarships. Check out our Scholarship Finder for access to 21,000+ college scholarships!

You can still be accepted to college 

Wondering how you can be accepted to college later in the school year? Here are a few options to explore to determine your best path forward.

Colleges with rolling admission

Some colleges have rolling admission, meaning that they accept and review applications as they are received until all spots in a given year are filled. This means that you can apply to college later in the school year and still have a chance of getting accepted! Different colleges will have different time frames of when you can submit your application and how long it will take to hear back from them. Check with each school you’re interested in applying to for specific dates and deadlines. 

Community colleges

Generally, community colleges have much more fluid application cycles and timelines for new students compared to four-year colleges. This means that you can potentially apply and be admitted to a community college later in the school year. Community college is a great option to consider if you want to save money on tuition fees, are unsure about what you want to study, or weren’t originally planning on applying to college.

Additionally, community college may be a good option for students who experienced FAFSA-related challenges. If you were admitted to a college but haven’t received your financial aid offer letter, leaving you feeling unsure about whether it’s financially realistic to attend with aid, you may be able to defer your admission for up to one year. Your ability to defer will depend on your college’s policy, so check in with them to learn more before making a decision. 

If you are able to defer your admission and still want to make progress toward your degree, you may be able to take gen ed, or introductory, classes at a local community college. Once you have a better idea of whether the school where you deferred your admission will be realistic to attend, you can transfer there the following year with some credits!

Trade schools

If you’re looking for practical, hands-on training that can prepare you for the workforce in one to two years, consider enrolling in a trade school. Trade schools offer programs that prepare students for careers in fields such as healthcare, cosmetology, technology, and more. Also, with careful planning and preparation, students can continue their education toward a college degree after completing a trade school program. For example, you can attend trade school to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), then move on to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at a four-year college. No matter what your career interests are, it’s important to research trade schools thoroughly and consider whether the programs they offer align with your career goals.

Colleges with late application deadlines

Check out this list of colleges with late application deadlines or use BigFuture’s college search database to find colleges that are still accepting applications. Be sure to check in with the admissions office of each school you’re interested in to learn more about specific deadlines and application requirements. 

Do you have any questions about applying to college or navigating FAFSA challenges? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

Keep going