In the past, many high school graduates viewed college as a traditional goal, considering it just one of several steps towards higher education. Lately however, signs suggest that this tendency has changed. A recent survey reveals that only half of recent high school graduates are excited about attending universities or colleges.
Talker Research conducted a survey with 2,000 participants: 1,000 recent high school graduates and 1,000 parents of public high school students.
The results revealed that only 22 percent of students felt ‘very ready’ for life after graduation. In contrast, 43 percent of parents believed their children were prepared for post-high school challenges. The survey also explored the graduates’ future plans and their thoughts on the type of high school experience they wished they had.
Close to a quarter of high school graduates (25%) aim to kick-start their careers right after they finish school. On the other hand, 21% think about enrolling in a two-year college or university. Additionally, 9% of students consider trade institutions or certification courses, 7% plan a gap year, and 4% seek military service.
Even as students increasingly choose non-traditional education like two-year colleges or vocational programs, public schools still focus on standardized testing. This focus aims to meet college entry requirements. A recent study reveals that 36% of young people who recently left school wish their secondary education had focused more on life skills.
Additionally, 37% of people want to expand their job skills, while 20% seek better real-world application of classroom learning.
Shellie Hanes, Superintendent of Schools at Learn4Life, says traditional public high schools prepare students mainly for four-year colleges or universities. However, there’s a growing trend of students exploring diverse career paths and objectives after high school.
Schools must adjust teaching methods and lesson plans to meet students’ individual needs and future goals.
Additionally, more than one-third of graduates expressed a desire for increased time between classes and greater schedule flexibility, particularly for student-athletes and those balancing work commitments.
On average, graduates reported that only 43% of their school day was dedicated to subjects they were passionate about. Ideally, they would prefer to allocate 65% of their time to exploring their interests and passions.
Encouraging students to pursue their passions boosts their love for learning and improves performance and life skills.
