College and Career Readiness: Preparing Students for the Next Step

At St. Joseph Academy, we understand the importance of preparing our students for the next phase of their academic and professional lives. College and career readiness is not just about guiding students to college but also helping them develop the skills, mindset, and tools to navigate the choices ahead. Recently, we hosted a virtual event on this very topic, with Dr. Michael Colbert, a licensed counselor and professor at Camden County College, leading the discussion. We would like to share highlights from the presentation to help you better understand the college and career readiness process.

The Many Paths to Success

As parents, we all want what's best for our children, but each student has their own unique journey. Dr. Colbert began by sharing his personal experience as a parent of six children, each of whom followed a different path after high school. His family’s experiences reflect the diversity of paths that students can take—whether it’s enrolling in college, pursuing a trade, or starting a career right after high school. What all of his children had in common was the early experience of earning college credits during high school, a strategy that helped them get ahead and make more informed decisions about their futures.

Part 1: Assessments and Testing

One of the first steps in preparing for life after high school is understanding the assessments and tests that will shape the college admissions process. At St. Joseph Academy, students engage in career exploration and personality assessments to help them begin identifying their interests. Additionally, students will encounter tests like the PSAT, SAT, and ACT, which are essential components of college readiness. Understanding which test to take—and how to interpret the results—is vital. Students should take the PSAT as a practice test and decide whether the SAT or ACT is the best fit for their goals.

Part 2: High School Timeline

Understanding the timeline for each year of high school is essential to staying on track. The key to success is starting early, even in ninth and tenth grade, when students should begin focusing on academic courses, extracurricular activities, and college readiness. Dr. Colbert emphasized the importance of extracurriculars and community-based leadership opportunities, encouraging students to align their activities with their passions. It's not about doing everything; it’s about having a cohesive narrative when applying to colleges.

In the junior and senior years, students should focus on taking more challenging courses, such as AP classes, and starting conversations with their families about financial planning for college. Researching scholarships and understanding college costs can significantly impact future decisions. As Dr. Colbert pointed out, college fairs and visits are invaluable for students to ask questions and gain insight into what different schools offer.

Part 3: Post-Secondary Options

While college is a common path, it's not the only option. Some students may choose to pursue trade schools or community colleges, where they can earn certifications or associate degrees in fields like medical coding, culinary arts, or automotive technology. These options allow students to enter the workforce quickly without the long-term commitment of a four-year degree. For those considering a two-year college or trade program, there are many benefits to starting at a community college, including financial savings and flexibility in scheduling.

For students interested in earning a four-year degree, Dr. Colbert discussed the importance of dual credits and AP courses in advancing toward a bachelor’s degree. Students can often transfer credits earned at community colleges to four-year universities, helping to save on tuition costs and reduce the time it takes to graduate.

Part 4: High School vs. College

The transition from high school to college can be a challenging adjustment for many students. In high school, students are often closely guided by teachers and parents. In college, they are expected to take more responsibility for their own learning, manage their time effectively, and engage more deeply with the content. College professors expect students to think critically, participate actively, and manage their workload independently.

Dr. Colbert shared an important tip for parents: Encourage students to reach out for help when they’re struggling. In college, professors won’t chase down students who are falling behind. It’s up to the student to seek help, whether that’s through office hours, study groups, or additional resources.

Part 5: College Readiness Components

Finally, Dr. Colbert discussed the cognitive strategies and academic behaviors that are essential for college readiness. These include developing intellectual openness, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and self-monitoring. Students need to be able to reflect on their own learning process and adapt when something isn’t working. Dr. Colbert also stressed the importance of effective study habits, time management, and seeking help when needed. These skills will be essential not only in college but throughout life.

Conclusion

The process of preparing for college and a career can be overwhelming, but it is also a time of opportunity and growth. As Dr. Colbert emphasized, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether a student is planning to attend a four-year university, a community college, or pursue a trade, what matters most is making informed decisions and being open to the possibilities.

At St. Joseph Academy, we are committed to guiding students and families through this process. We are proud to partner with families to provide the support, resources, and opportunities that will help our students succeed in their future endeavors.