Alternate Routes Taking A Detour From The 4-Year Path

Careers and Colleges, Sept, 2001 by Tracey Randinelli

The FINAL Word

Whatever you decide to do after high school, it's important to talk to people familiar with the decision-making process you're experiencing. Don't be afraid to explore all the options--including those that don't necessarily involve college right away. "There's no bad grade for going to a guidance counselor and asking what happens if I don't go," says Linda Lee.

And it might surprise you to hear that many adults--and many parents--don't think putting off college to do something else with your life is a bad idea. "It's the ideal time to do it. They don't have debts, they don't have families," says Lee. "What better time than at 18 to go out and find out who you are and if you can function outside your family?"

Tracey Randinelli is a frequent contributor to CAREERS & COLLEGES.

QUIZ: Is College Right YOU Right Now?

You're feeling a little uneasy about college. But is it just nerves--or is college really not for you right now? Take our quiz to get a better idea.

1. As college brochures and applications arrive, you

a. pore over them and fill out the applications as soon as possible.

b. choose a few you're interested in and send in the applications a few weeks before they're due.

c. shove them in a drawer until your parents force you to fill them out.

2. What do you see yourself doing for a career?

a. I'm going to be a lawyer, doctor, or other professional.

b. I'm not sure, but there are a number of areas I'd like to explore further.

c. I want to work with my hands.

3. How do you feel about living away from home?

a. I'm excited at the prospect of being on my own.

b. The idea is a little scary, but I think it's something I'm ready for.

c. No way--I'm not ready to move out.

4. When you think about college expenses, your attitude is

a. between my parents and financial aid, the money will be there.

b. I know it's going to be difficult to pay for college, but I really want to go, so I'll make it happen somehow.

c. There is NO way I'm going to be able to afford it.

5. When you think about going to college, what excites you most?

a. the opportunity to learn and grow academically.

b. the opportunity to live on my own in a more adult way.

c. the opportunity to have fun and party.

Scoring:

If you checked mostly A's, run--don't walk--to your guidance counselor's office, because you are SO ready for college. If you checked mostly B's, you have some healthy butterflies about the upcoming college experience, but it's probably something you'll benefit from. If you checked mostly C's, you could have some serious issues with college and may want to research some of the alternatives.

FIVE COOL ALTERNATIVES TO FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE

You're sure you don't want to spend the next four years in college--but you're not sure exactly what you want to do. Here are five options you may not have thought of--or even heard of!

* Digipen Institure of Technology (www.digipen.edu): If you're the type of person who's ever wished you could major in video games, this Redmond, Washington, school (conveniently located near Nintendo's U.S. headquarters) is for you! In addition to bachelor's degrees, the school offers associate degrees in real time interactive simulation and 3-D computer animation--both majors designed to teach you how to create the next Pokemon or Super Mario.