While walking down the hallway to class one day, I couldn’t help but notice a peculiar bulletin board posted on the wall. On it depicts what is meant to be the paths that are available to us after high school. The three measly routes shown to us are: Attend a community college or technical school, enlist in the military, or attend a 4-year university.

More young adults are choosing to attend college than ever before. High schools and parents push for kids to earn a college degree in hopes that it will better their future. But is college really the best choice for everyone? And if it’s not, is military really the only other option?

There are actually plenty of alternatives after high school besides attending college. Getting a job is a great way to become more mature and responsible. Becoming an intern can get you experience and help you decide which field you would like to work in. Some careers such as real estate, nursing, and piloting only require a certification which just takes a few months to obtain. A talent or hobby you have could also be turned into a career such as baking, painting, or music.

Even though more students are attending college than ever before, college dropout rates are also rising. The students who are urged to attend college may not have any desire to be there, may not be prepared for the work load, and may not yet know what they even want to study.

To avoid this, students need to decide for themselves if college is a good fit, instead of following others.