What should I do after high school?

05/13/25 5:04pm

This post was sourced from submitted reader questions and posted by wikiHow Editorial Staff, based on our article: What to Do after High School .

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wikiHow Editorial Team

05/13/25 5:06pm

If you don't know what to do after high school, then consider taking a gap year so you can work, travel, or learn a new skill. By taking a little extra time after school, you can save money and figure out what you're passionate about so you're able to find a life or career path that you enjoy. If you find a job you like and can get training or an internship, then you can keep doing that without going to college.

If you want to go to college but you're not sure what you major in, then you can always take your general courses at a community college or technical school for a fraction of the cost of a standard university. After you finish your courses there, you can transfer the credits to another school to continue your education, if you want.

Alternatively, you can join the military after high school if you want to serve your country. After your years of active duty, the military will pay for your tuition if you want to go to college.

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Jennifer Kaifesh
Founder, Great Expectations College Prep

05/13/25 5:27pm

While finances play a key role in what you do after high school, don’t let the sticker price of a particular college discourage you from applying. Many colleges offer a TON of financial aid and scholarships, so more students end up paying a fraction of the advertised cost. Apply to the schools that feel like a great fit for you, and then compare your options in the spring; if your dream school didn’t offer you enough money to make it a viable option, talk to them. Schools will often match financial aid packages from other institutions to encourage you to enroll.

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