I already knew postsecondary options go beyond four-year colleges, but this module made me think harder about how we actually communicate that. We say "all paths are valid" but spend most of our time on college apps. There's a gap.
The financial aid piece stood out. We push FAFSA, but students and families don't always understand EFC or net price calculators. That's a gap I can close. Also, starting postsecondary planning in eighth grade—we have ICAPs but I'm not convinced we're using them for real conversations, not just checking boxes.
Going forward, I'll make sure students and families understand the full range of options--apprenticeships, military, two-year degrees, industry credentials. I'll bring in reps from apprenticeship programs and technical centers, not just universities. I'll do a better job explaining FAFSA, SAR, and net price calculators. And I'll make sure ICAP reviews actually drive postsecondary planning, not just course selection.
