Find My Path
PATHWAYS: How will I reach my career goal?
1. Explore Career Preferences
What career do you want? Think critically about how your interests and skills line up. Career Matchmaker can help!
2. What Training Will I Need?
Does your chosen career require post-high school training? Research the type, location, cost, and enrollment details.
3. Plan Your High School Courses
Take the right classes to meet graduation requirements and admission requirements for post-high school training.
4. Change Your Mind?
If you discover a field isn't right for you, update your goals and course plan as needed.
5. Graduate High School
Complete all graduation requirements, plus any extras for your post-high school plan.
6. Pursue Post-High School Plan
Whether college, vocational training, or another path, follow through and keep working toward your career goals!
College Readiness
Math and English Language Arts (ELA) Proficiency
If you're planning for a 2- or 4-year college degree, here’s how you can demonstrate proficiency in Math and ELA:
1. State Assessments
- Smarter Balanced Assessment
- WA-AIM Assessment
2. Dual Credit Courses (Each worth 1.0 credit)
- AP/IB Courses (Earn a C+ or higher)
- CTE Dual Credit (Must earn high school credit in Math/ELA)
- College in the High School or Running Start
3. College Admissions Exams
- ACT: Math > 15, Writing > 13
- SAT: Math > 429, ELA > 409
4. Dual Credit Exam Scores
- AP: Score of 3 or higher
- IB: Score of 4 or higher
This flexible system lets you combine options to meet requirements!
Military Readiness
In Washington State, high school students interested in joining the military can take the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) as part of their pathway planning. Here’s what you need to know:
What is the ASVAB?
- The ASVAB measures your strengths and abilities in areas like math, science, mechanics, and verbal skills. It’s not just for military enlistment—it can also help identify career pathways that match your skills and interests.
What score do I need?
- To qualify for military service, you’ll need an AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) score of 31 or higher, which is a subset of the ASVAB.
How does it help?
- Taking the ASVAB in high school gives you insight into your career options within the military, from technical roles to specialized training programs. It can also fulfill certain high school graduation pathway requirements in Washington.
Where can I take the test?
- Many high schools in Washington offer the ASVAB to students as part of career readiness planning. Check with your school counselor to find out if your school hosts the test or for help registering.
This option is great for students considering the Armed Forces as a next step after graduation.
Career Readiness = CTE Sequence
If you’re planning to go straight into the workforce, an apprenticeship, community college, or technical training after high school, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Sequence is your pathway.
What’s Required?
- Complete 2.0 or more CTE credits in the same program area.
- Your courses must either:
- Include at least one dual credit course, OR
- Lead to an industry-recognized certification.
How Does It Help?
- The CTE Sequence focuses on building practical, job-ready skills in fields like healthcare, IT, construction, culinary arts, and more.
- These courses often include hands-on learning, real-world projects, and opportunities to connect with local employers.
- You’ll graduate with the skills and credentials to step directly into a career or further training.
What’s Next?
Talk to your counselor about CTE options at your school to explore programs that align with your interests and career goals.
