Colleges and Trade Schools
During high school, students have to make decisions about how they will next prepare for their futures. For most this will mean a choice between college or a trade school. Though counselors and society at large tend to emphasize the benefits of college, there are also many benefits of going to trade school. The deciding factor between the two should be which one best prepares students for their career goals.
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Colleges and Universities
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A four-year college education covers two areas. The first is general education (GE). These are the courses that prepare the student to be "well rounded." GE requirements ensure that every graduate, no mater what her major, has a basic, college-level understanding of English, mathematics, history and culture. The second area is the major. Each student decides to focus his study on one discipline and must take certain classes within that discipline, as determined by the department. Finally, electives are the classes that students take for their own pleasure.
Trade Schools
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Trade schools, sometimes called vocational or technical schools, train students for a very specific occupation, such as an airplane mechanic. While it is not at all unheard of for a college graduate who majored in philosophy to wind up in a marketing manager job, it is less likely that an electrician school student will take a job as a plumber after graduation. This is because trade schools don't require GE courses. Every class is designed to train the student for one job and one job only. The degree of specialization also helps to make the course of study shorter than a bachelor's or even associate program.
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Deciding Factor
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While society in general promotes college education to high school students, the true deciding factor is how each course of study helps to achieve the student's career goals. If she is interested in liberal arts and social science subjects such as history or political science, college will be necessary. A college degree is also necessary for professional degrees in medicine or law.
The trade school option is most useful for those interested in jobs such as construction or automotive technology. Attending trade school does not, however, preclude future attendance at a college. In fact, those who begin their careers in the trades seek further education later in fields such as construction management and entrepreneurship.
Preparation
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Whether college or trade school is in their future, high school students should prepare by doing the best they can in their classes today. Math and English courses are important, regardless of which route they choose. If they are seriously torn about which route to take, students can attend local community college classes during the summer or talk to local people who work in the trades.
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References
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