In less than a year, the class of 2013 will be saying their goodbyes to Colton High and hellos to college, the military, or some type of vocational school. Do you know what you want to do after high school, and most importantly, do you know how to get there?

Many of us want to go to college once we graduate, and it’s important to know the steps to admission. Do you know whether you want to go to a community college or a four year university? A community college is a school within your area in which students take classes to get college units and then they eventually transfer to a four-year university. A four-year university is a college in which students take classes to receive their bachelor’s degree.

In order to go straight into a university, there are some requirements that vary by college. Most universities require that the applicants send in SAT or ACT scores, which are tests that evaluate how ready you are for college. Some colleges also require personal statements, essays, or letters of recommendation. Every university has a minimum GPA requirement and require that the applicants take a certain amount of courses. As seniors, be sure to go to your counselor to talk about colleges and financial aid; do research on schools on wish you’d like to attend, and take the SATs or ACT.

Of course, not all seniors plan on going to college after high school; instead, some want to honor their families and country and enlist into the military. If you’re interested in enlisting, be sure to take the ASVAB this October—it’s given here at Colton High. Go to the counseling office and sign up to take the test because there is limited seating. Be sure to talk to a recruiter to get more information about what branches you’re interested in and if the military is really for you.

Senior year is so exciting with constant events and the fact that after this year, the real world starts. Make sure you take advantage of the extra time you have now to get life after high school started.