BCCHS COLLEGE OFFICE SCHOOL CODE: 333803
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Alternatives

There are many options other than college and a single career track. University immediately after high school — while a great choice for many — is not the best choice for everyone.
​

1. Volunteer Service- Opportunities are a fantastic way to get diverse skills and training while discovering what you’re passionate about. Taking some time to volunteer can yield benefits for your community.
  • AmeriCorps
  • Peace Corps
  • City Year
  • The Student Conservation Association

2. Gap Semester- Gain lifelong skills through an immersive semester in a foreign country while learning from experienced human rights advocates advancing social justice.
  • EF Gap Year
  • ​Go Overseas
  • ​Pacific Discovery

3. Travel- Whether or not you participate in a gap year program, taking a year or even a few months to travel can have real benefits. Self-discovery, learning about the world, picking up a new language, experience with different people and cultures — these are things that college alone won’t always give you. These are the perfect years to get a world education, before you get into a career and have more stable responsibilities.

4. Take action for a cause you care about- Is there a cause you are passionate about? A local issue that is specific to your community? Starting a non-profit or volunteer initiative may be easier than you think.
  • The Bowery Mission
  • ​New York Cares
  • ​City Harvest
  • ​Hearts and Hands for Humanity
​
5. Turn a hobby into a career- Do you love sewing bags? Have you perfected the chocolate chip cookie? Many high school students don’t realize that their hobbies have given them the skills to make money. Whether it’s on Etsy or through neighborhood bake sales, you can find a way to make cash doing what you enjoy.

6. Start a business or build an audience- Starting an honest-to-goodness business can sound intimidating. You may feel like you need a perfect idea or have to understand complex accounting; that’s not true! And, if you can get a strong audience- you can monetize it. Start a blog, podcast, social media account and create quality content that people enjoy.

7. Vocational Schools- Technical colleges are a type of vocational school that typically has a little more classroom focus — but it’s all related to the job you want to get. (think IT, nursing, health science, or automotive technician.) Trade school is a type of vocational school that is much more hands-on. Trade schools commonly have degrees for things like electrician, cosmetologist, welder, etc.
  • More information:  https://www.bestcolleges.com/trades/trade-school-vs-technical-college/
  • Vocational school options: City Tech, NYIT, St. Paul's School of Nursing, Lincoln Tech

8. Online courses- If you know what you want to learn about, you may be able to find the education online through a free or low-cost course. In our times, you can pretty much learn anything you want if you have the dedication to apply yourself.
  • Affordable online course options: https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/online-education-websites/​


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  • Calendar
  • BCCHS College Process Timeline
    • Junior to Senior Timeline
  • Naviance
    • Naviance
  • Application Information
    • Application Process
    • College Essay
    • College Interview
    • Application Fee Waivers
    • Teacher Recommendations
    • FERPA Waiver Guide
    • Envelopes
  • TESTING
    • SAT vs. ACT
    • SAT/ACT FAQs
    • PSAT Information
    • Test Prep
    • Fee Waivers
    • Sending Your Scores
    • Test-Optional
    • Extended Time
  • Financial Aid
    • FAFSA/ TAP
    • CSS Profile
    • Opportunity Programs
    • Additional Information
  • Scholarships
    • September Deadlines
    • October Deadlines
    • November Deadlines
    • December Deadlines
    • January Deadlines
    • February Deadlines
    • March Deadlines
    • April Deadlines
    • May Deadlines
    • June Deadlines
    • July-August Deadlines
    • NY Specific Scholarships
    • Ongoing Scholarships
    • College Specific Scholarships
    • Scholarship Search Websites
  • EOP/HEOP/SEEK/ETC
  • Internships Opportunities
    • September Deadlines
    • October Deadlines
    • November Deadlines
    • December Deadlines
    • January Deadlines
    • February Deadlines
    • March Deadlines
    • April Deadlines
    • May Deadlines
    • Summer Programs
    • Summer Research Opportunities
    • Internship Search Sites
    • Get Involved in NYC!
  • Pre-College Programs
    • College Visits
    • Junior Preview Weekends
  • BCCHS College Acceptances
  • Alternative's to College
  • Helpful Videos
  • More
    • School Profile
    • Links For Parents
    • College Office Handbook