2-Year College
This type of college typically offers associate degrees and certificates, often serving as a stepping stone to a four-year university.
What is a 2-year college or community college?
Completing studies at this type of institution typically leads to a bachelor's degree.
What is a 4-year college or university?
The five main branches of the U.S. Armed Forces are the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and this one, which protects our coastlines.
What is the Coast Guard?
This is a period of time, typically a year, taken by students between high school and college or between college and graduate school, for personal growth or exploration.
What is a gap year?
This pathway combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction, allowing you to earn money while learning a skilled trade
What is an apprenticeship?
A common reason students choose a 2-year college is its significantly lower tuition compared to a four-year institution, often making it a more ______ option.
What is affordable/cost-effective?
Beyond grades and test scores, this essay is a crucial part of your application to a 4-year college, allowing you to showcase your personality and experiences.
What is a personal statement or college essay?
The initial period of service a person commits to when joining the military, typically ranging from 2 to 6 years.
What is an enlistment or term of service?
During a gap year, students often engage in activities like travel, volunteer work, or this, to gain practical experience.
What is an internship or paid work?
Unlike traditional college, a major financial advantage of an apprenticeship is that you typically incur little to no student loan debt, and you also receive this while training.
What is a wage or salary?
Many 2-year colleges have agreements with 4-year universities, allowing students to seamlessly transfer their credits and continue their education, known as a ______ program.
What is a transfer program or articulation agreement?
A form of financial aid that does not need to be repaid, often awarded based on academic merit, talent, or financial need.
What is a scholarship or grant?
To become a commissioned officer in the military, one might attend a service academy, complete ROTC in college, or go through this intensive training program after earning a bachelor's degree.
What is Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Officer Training School (OTS)?
Taking a gap year can help students mature, clarify their goals, and avoid this common issue where students feel unmotivated or burnt out, especially after intense high school years.
What is burnout or academic fatigue?
Name one skilled trade you could learn through an apprenticeship, such as plumbing, electrical work, or this profession that builds structures.
What is carpentry, welding, HVAC technician, etc.?
Beyond academic degrees, 2-year colleges often provide hands-on training for specific careers, leading to a certificate or associate of applied science degree, often called ______ programs.
What are vocational or technical programs?
Beyond academics, 4-year colleges often emphasize a holistic experience including clubs, sports, and living on campus, contributing to a vibrant ______ life.
What is campus life or student life?
Beyond a salary, military service often provides comprehensive healthcare, housing allowances, and this significant benefit for higher education after service.
What is the G.I. Bill?
ome structured gap year programs focus on specific areas like outdoor adventure, language immersion, or this, where students contribute to community projects.
What are service-learning or volunteer programs?
Upon successful completion, apprentices often receive a nationally recognized credential that certifies their mastery of a trade, making them a ______ worker.
What is a journeyman or certified skilled worker?
High school students can sometimes earn college credits by taking courses at a 2-year college while still in high school, a program commonly referred to as ______.
What is dual enrollment or early college?
After earning a bachelor's degree, students can pursue advanced studies in fields like law, medicine, or business, leading to professional or ______ degrees.
What are graduate or professional degrees (e.g., JD, MD, MBA)?
Within the military, individuals train for highly specific jobs, from intelligence analyst to aircraft mechanic, known by this acronym.
What are Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) or Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSC) or Navy Ratings?
If a student is accepted into a 4-year college but decides to take a gap year, they must typically request this formal permission from the college to hold their spot for a year.
What is a deferral or deferred admission?
Apprenticeship programs are often developed and sponsored by these groups, ensuring the training meets industry standards and leads directly to employment.
What are employers, labor unions, or industry associations?