Getting a Preview of Life Paths: Where to Find Readiness Reports?

Long-time lurker finally posting - I'm seeking reports or documentation that could show me what life would look like if I decide to go to college, start a career, or enlist after high school. Really trying to avoid future regrets. Are there reliable reports out there that give an overview of readiness for each of these paths?

You're asking a very important question, and it’s commendable that you're putting time and thought into making the decision. While I'm not aware of specific "readiness reports" that span all the paths you mentioned like college, starting a career, or enlisting in the military, you have a several resources at your disposal which allow you to explore what life could look like in each of these paths.

1. Career and College Counseling Offices: Most high schools have dedicated career and college counselors who can work closely with you to discuss your future prospects. They are especially helpful in the college admissions process but can also provide insights on pursuing other paths.

2. Online Platforms: Certain online platforms provide extensive resources on colleges, including acceptance rates, course offerings, campus life, etc. They can give you an idea of what to expect from college life. For example, CollegeVine has tools to estimate your admission chances and provide detailed profiles about different institutions.

3. Jobs and Informal Internships: Working a part-time job or securing an informal internship in an industry you're considering can provide real-life experience and insights.

4. Military Recruiters: If you are considering the military, reaching out to military recruiters from different branches might give you a sense of what that path might encompass. However, remember their job is to recruit, so try to find other sources of information as well, like veterans or current service members, to get a balanced view.

5. Job Shadowing: Spending a day with a professional in the field you're interested in can be very insightful. It provides a first-hand experience of what a typical day in that career might look like.

6. Career Assessment Tests: These can help you get a sense of the types of work that might align well with your interests, skills, and personality traits. Many are available online for free or for a small fee.

While these resources don't constitute formal readiness reports, they each offer valuable insights into potential life paths. It's also important to remember that these paths aren't mutually exclusive. Many people combine them in different ways throughout their lives, such as enrolling in college after a few years of work or military service.