According to the 2006 American Community Survey, nearly 40 percent of Americans have some level of college experience. Although college is a popular option for high school graduates, private colleges can be very expensive, and admission to top colleges is very competitive. For some careers, particularly in medical or legal fields, college experience is required. Community colleges, which offer one or two-year programs, are popular for students looking to get some higher education and begin their careers early. Similarly, trade or technical schools are often chosen by students who are certain of their career path and looking for education in a particular field but do not desire a broader liberal arts education, which may require a larger time commitment.
Joining the military is an option for high school graduates looking to gain leadership experience or those who are simply devoted to serving their country. The military is also a popular option for high school graduates looking to attend college, since in many instances it offers to pay for future college education in exchange for several years of service. The military also provides training in a wide variety of professions, most of which have civilian counterparts. Although the military is all-volunteer, it may not be willing to accept certain high school graduates, including those with medical conditions or criminal records.
Some jobs do not require any additional training beyond a high school level education, and as such, many high school graduates choose to go directly into the workforce. According to CareerBuilder.com, careers that do not necessarily require a higher education include automotive service technicians, accounting clerks and carpenters.
For high school graduates who are unsure of their future plans or with a desire to give back to the community, taking some time off to volunteer is an option. Volunteer work is often beneficial to a college or job application and, in some cases, can provide valuable on-the-job training, especially for education or public service fields. A list of popular volunteer-oriented websites and organizations is available on the official website of the CollegeBoard.