With graduation looming, high school seniors get overly excited. They welcome the days of freedom that come with being a high school graduate. At the same time, though, parents should realize they need to understand the responsibilities that come with graduation. They need to be prepared for life after graduation.

Parents can help their child prepare for high school graduation by explaining to them the new responsibilities they now have. They need to develop a good plan for what they want to do after high school. Some students may choose to go to college, while others may chose to head straight to the work force. Whatever their path they need to make sure they have laid the groundwork before graduation.

For students heading to college there are some specific things they need to do. The following list will help them prepare.
- Identify colleges they would like to attend.
- Visit prospective colleges and speak with a counselor there.
- Fill out financial aid forms and search out alternative means to funding.
- Take the SAT or ACT.
- Fill out college applications.
These are just the basic steps a student should take. They should speak with their high school guidance counselor about other things they should do.

Students that wish to go straight to the work force also have things they need to do. The following list outlines these things.

- Make a resume.
- Look for employment in the selected industry.
- Identify the hours and days willing to work.
- Identify any skills they should learn before seeking employment in the chosen field.
These are just an idea of the many ways to find employment. The high school guidance counselor or a local job assistance office should be able to help throughout the whole employment seeking process.

Other students may elect to attend a non-traditional form of schooling or enter into the military. It is best to speak with a professional in the area you decide to go into about what you should do before and after graduation.

It is always best to plan out what will happen after graduation. Students should realize if they do not have a plan they may end up in some trouble. The "real world" isn't easy and the best way to get students ready is preparation before graduation.