Colleges and Trades
There are so many big decisions that you have to make when it comes to college. Ultimately, it is up to you if you go or not. It is said that college graduates make almost double that of people who don't go to college. It is no doubt that college can be a great step towards a successful life.

Some people already know what they want to do and it requires no college education. That is fine. College is designed to provide knowledge in various areas that can help people choose a career. If you already know that you don't need college, then it is your decision not to go. There is no rule that you have to go to college to be successful, and even if you don't go now you can always change you mind later.

University, trade school or community college?
A trade school provides education and instruction for people preparing to enter the labor industry or who need training in techniques for a specific profession. School can last only ten weeks or as much as two or three years depending on classes.

A university provides training for people interested in professional careers. The focus is on student creativity, insight, and individual opinions/ideas. It offers classes for a diverse range of professions such as medicine, computer technology, communications, etc.

A community college offers the first two years of general undergraduate education. It offers adult education programs, technical classes, and vocational education. It is typically cheaper than a University. Credits can be transferred from Washington State community colleges to universities.

The best way to find out the differences between each school of education and determine which is right for you is to first consider what you would like to learn. Also think about what career you would like. You can talk to friends or acquaintances who attend one of these schools and ask them what it is like. Many schools offer tours of their campuses which may help you decide if it is the right place to pursue your interests.

 

 

 

1. Where can I find more information about colleges?

2. Why can?t people accept that I don?t want to go to college?

3. How can I get over the fear that if I attend college I will fail?

You may want to prepare for college now even if you are not sure if you want to go yet. This will leave the option open later for you to decide. Talk to your school counselor about Running Start programs, requirements for college applications and financial aid. Don't forget to take the PSAT and SAT tests as well so even if you wait to go to college for a few years, you will have these test scores to refer back to.