Lower Stress Options for College
For some families, college stress can start almost as soon as a child is born — and in some cases even sooner. Some parents search desperately for the right preschool, which they hope will lead to opportunities for their child to go to excellent elementary and high schools that will boost the child’s chances of getting into the right college.
The College Elephant
Even when the push is not quite that strong, a child’s life is often molded with college in mind. There’s an early focus on getting good grades, being involved in sports and other activities, and contributing to the community. Throughout the child’s childhood, there is the proverbial college elephant in the room.
For students themselves, the big stress often starts their junior year in high school. They begin to take college preparation exams, sign up for advanced placement classes, narrow down possible majors, and compose college admissions essays. Many spend their school breaks traveling to schools around the country from a Greeley, CO college to Ivy League schools looking for the right fit. After all that, there are still no guarantees.
Combining Career Options and College Experience
While many people certainly get a lot out of their four plus years’ worth of college experience, it doesn’t mean this is the right path for everyone. In the end, whatever the college experience is, it needs to provide the person receiving it with skills that will allow them to make a living, and hopefully get some enjoyment out of the work they do.
What About a Trade College?
For more students, a trade college in Greeley, Colorado is becoming a real option. There are a variety of options to choose from in fields such as business, accounting, medical assisting, technology, cosmetology and more. Most programs take somewhere between six and 19 months to complete and put the student on a focused path.
The admissions process for trade schools is less complex and less stressful as well. While it’s always nice to have decent grades, these schools don’t put as much stock on a person’s past as they prepare for the future. There’s no stress over trying to get high SAT or ACT scores, or presenting a 3.8 GPA and a couple Lacrosse trophies. There’s no essay needed on how the student plans to change the world. There’s no need to lobby teachers and other authority figures for letters of recommendation.
Generally, admission means
- Graduating from high school or obtaining a GED.
- Talking to an admissions representative and exploring the school
- Passing a basic admissions test
- Paying a modest application fee
- And being accepted.
From here students are in control of their futures. They can also gain work experience at a career college through internships. This is a major advantage, versus earning a four year degree, and having little or no work experience under their belt when it comes time to search for a job. The ultimate benefit that career colleges offer is outstanding job placement assistance services. Placement offices cultivate relationships with local employers, and can help students learn how to market themselves for a successful job search.
