All good suggestions. I would add critical thinking to the list, along with the basics of filling out college loan apps and how to apply and interview for a job.
YES on filling out the college paperwork! I was so unprepared for doing all of that, because I fell through the cracks in high school regarding that. The school counselors were so overloaded with students, that unless you were a discipline issue, you rarely if ever saw a counselor. Because of that, and not knowing to ask so early into senior year all the right questions, I missed the boat on getting the scholarship and other paperwork for college filled out. I'm sure I could have received some kind of assistance for college, but did not know to apply sooner. Because of that, I just ended up at the local community college, which was of course less expensive, but not the route I would have chosen.
Good point on the job preparation too! Never too early to start learning how to apply for work!
Another one I would add too, is my high school was a college-preparatory one (I know, oh the irony in not preparing me for college!
). Because of this, I am assuming, they never talked about trade jobs. I would have liked to have known about going into a professional trade job. Those skills are always going to be in demand, can be very fulfilling, and if you're union, the pay and benefits are excellent.
Oh, and MUCH more exposure to different types of careers available! I took all the tests they had, which are supposed to steer you in a certain direction. Problem was, I scored pretty even across the board in all the subjects, so nothing stood out as a special strength, and therefore interest. One example to me is engineering. I think I would have enjoyed a career in engineering, but I knew nothing about it in high school nor knew to ask. I don't know how they could cover more career opportunities, but it sure would have helped!
