Finding your path after high school
Q. I graduate next week! I can’t believe it. I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but now that it’s over, I feel like the last four years flew. Will you please put this in your column? I know teens read it. I want to tell them that they need to enjoy high school. Stay away from drama and gossip. Be kind to everyone. Take time to talk with the quiet kids. Pay attention to what a disabled student might need. Respect your teachers. Be grateful to your parents. I suddenly feel old! Thank you Mary Jo. – 18-year-old
Mary Jo’s Response: Thank YOU. I’m printing your text verbatim. Great advice and wisdom. I appreciate you. Best of luck. May all your dreams come true.
Q. I hated studying from elementary school on. In high school I started going to Vo Tech and I found my place. I’m graduating with certifications in auto mechanics. I have a great job lined up for after graduation that pays well and includes a 6-month paid apprenticeship. My friends who are going to college think I’m making a mistake. Do you? – 18-year-old
Mary Jo’s Response: No, I do not think you’re making a mistake. Each of us is unique. You’ve found your path and you’ve taken responsible steps to begin your career. Not everyone needs to attend college. I’m proud of you.
Q. Is it too late to apply for college? I thought I didn’t want to go but now that graduation is soon and I’m hearing so many of my friends talk about it, I feel left out. I’m not a scholar, but I got by with Bs and a few As. I haven’t taken SATs. Is it too late? – 18-year-old
Mary Jo’s Response: You have several options. I connected with two of my friends/colleagues who work with seniors as they apply for college or trade schools. These are their suggestions.
You could take a gap year. Take your time finding the college you’re interested in, get your high school transcript and letters of recommendation in order, and, maybe, take those SATs.
Apply to an SAT-optional college. They suggested you google the list of colleges that do not require an SAT test and see if any of them fit your needs. I did a quick search myself and was surprised at the number of schools that are test-optional. This is just one website I found that offers guidance ACT/SAT Optional List for Fall 2025 – Fairtest.
Attend an online college to start. My friends reminded me that this will not provide you with the important college experience of living away from home and meeting new people. If you select this route, you should check to make sure any credits you take would transfer to a traditional college later (if that remains your goal).
Consider the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). For most programs at CCAC, there is no set deadline for admission — CCAC is an open admissions institution and does not require college entrance exams. However, the college strongly advises completing the application process at least one month before the start of each semester to ensure you can register for classes on time. CCAC credits may transfer to another college as well.
Good luck with your decision.
Have a question? Send it to Dr. Mary Jo Podgurski’s email podmj@healthyteens.com.