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The transition from high school to a successful higher education experience can be either invigorating and exciting, or draining and stressful. Sometimes it can start off fun and end up, well, not so fun. Deciding what to study after high school is easy for some, and hard for most, and choosing a program or a school, or indeed a part of the country in which you want to live after high school, can be pretty terrifying. If you're not one of those, "I want to be a doctor when I grow up," types, you may be wondering how you're going to make that decision.
And yet this transition happens for all teens regardless of IQ, SAT scores, GPA, socio-economic background, race, religion, personal lifestyle preferences. It is an inevitable transition, one that must occur in order to move towards independence.
Who is helping you with this transition?
Parents can be a huge help during this transition, or, let's face it, an additional cause of stress and distress. Sometimes they are too close to be really helpful, and you may find that they seem to be speaking a different language. "When I was 17 we had to... etc. etc." They made their transition in a different time, some time in the 70's and 80's in fact. Back then there were far fewer education and career options. The shelves from which you now must choose are just more packed, and that can make decisions harder.
What questions are you asking yourself?
Should I take a year off between high school and college or the working world? Maybe I should play a sport; maybe not? Do I have the fortitude for a double major? Is college even for me? Do I need an accelerated, pre-professional program? Is a travel abroad option really necessary? Will I be ready to declare a major? Can I rely on my parents to find me an internship, or should I look for a school that has a guaranteed program? Will I need academic assistance when I get to college? Do I really want to live on campus, or in the city? Do I want to fly to get home, or stay closer? What options, other than college, do I have?
What are Transition Advisory Services?
They are a colorful and multi-dimensional blend of guidance, mentoring, teaching and advocacy, so that the trip between high school and what comes next is fun and productive. Think of it as having your own personal coach: on your side, providing wisdom, insight, practical ideas and cheerleading, whenever you need them. Answers to your questions aren't given without thought and research. Conversations may be easy, and sometimes hard, but they'll always be productive, and you'll always feel like you're making progress towards what it is that you want.
Practically, how do TAS work?
Our clients meet with us one on one, via Skype, phone or in person. Sessions may be weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, with assignments given in between meetings. When the transition has been successful, relationships tend to continue. Our clients love having someone who knows them well, in addition to a family member, to check in with, bounce ideas off, and generally share concerns and successes. Sometimes they reach out to us for an internship question, a personal issue on the job or in college, or simply to give them some guidance about a program they're considering.
