The Winter of 2026 signifies the end of an era for Granada Seniors as applications are due. With many different paths after high school, picking one is very challenging. Whether it be wanting to go to a four year college, a Community college, a trade school, or even taking a gap year. It can be confusing for Granada Seniors to consider what the benefits and drawbacks are for each option and how to pursue them.Â
A four-year college is a very solid option to pursue after high school, students are given a new freedom that they have never had before. They are able to do whatever they want whenever they want. This also comes with a plethora of clubs and groups to join which makes socializing much easier. This accompanied by harder, more tailored classes means that college can be a very solid option. A four-year college does come at a much higher cost though as tuition costs more but books and rent must be paid for.Â
A community college can be a very strong path for students who are either lost on what they want to do after high school or struggle being able to afford higher education.
“A community college is a great option. You can still go to a four year college including, UC’s, Ivy league schools. It is actually much easier to get into a four year college as a transfer student from a community college,” said Danielle Watson, College and Career specialist at Granada high school.
Trade school similarly can be a very strong pathway to take after high school. It offers a very high job placement at a very low cost. Trade schools also tend to be much shorter than a community college or college only lasting for a few months to a year. Depending on what trade is picked there is also an extended apprenticeship period which is paid. The social experience for a trade school is much worse than both a community college and a four-year one as there are no clubs to join. Most students only attend trade school to get their certificate and leave
There is also taking a gap year, which is a very good opportunity for students to be able to take some time away from school and focus on themselves. A student could work on making money, travel, even just take some time to find themselves mentally.
“If you really aren’t sure what you want to do whether it be going to college or whatever career you want to do I’d say taking a gap year is a viable option to kind of figure that out,” said Watson.
Seniors may be wondering how to even start preparing for college. With applications open for UC’s and out of state schools right now, and applications opening October 1 for California state schools. Getting a head start on the application process would be very beneficial to students and alleviate a lot of added stress. It would also allow students more time to fine tune their essays.
“Seniors should definitely start making their college list if they haven’t already and that’s deciding what four year colleges they want to attend… the counseling and career center is going to be hosting a variety of events in the next couple of months. So we are going to have college application overview workshops, essay workshops, and overview sessions. We are going to have senior information night on September 18, so we want all seniors to come to that with a parent or guardian.” said Watson.
Depending on what colleges that the student wants to attend, the application process might differ a little bit. For example UC and Ivy League schools require students to write college application essays and acquire letters of recommendation. Most state schools and community colleges do not require essays as they only require a transcript or a SAT score to apply.
Most colleges don’t require the best grades to get in either. For example, San Francisco State requires a minimum GPA (grade point average) of 2.5 to be accepted if residence is in California. Students don’t need a 4.0 GPA just to get into college. A higher GPA does make it easier if the student applies to schools such as ivy leagues or UC schools. Students are being given many different opportunities to be able to prepare for college and college applications especially. The granada website has more information about essay and college prep or visit Mrs. Watson in the Counseling center.
