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Undecided: Navigating Life and Learning After High School
For high school students all over the country, figuring out what to do after graduation is a major question. For many, the logical answer is continuing their education, whether in a training program, a community college, or a four-year university. But no matter what the path, the preparation can be overwhelming, and it’s hard to know where to start. That’s where Undecided comes in! This comprehensive handbook outlines the different options available to teens after high school and provides suggestions on how to follow each path efficiently and successfully. It covers everything from SAT preparation and personal statements to trade school pros and cons and advice on how to prepare for life in the military. Full of checklists, anecdotes, brainstorming activities, and journal exercises, Undecided leaves no stone unturned and no option unconsidered. So settle in, keep an open mind, and find the future that really works for you!
- GenresNonfictionEducation
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
10 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
About the author
Genevieve Morgan
1 book8 followersGenevieve (G.A.) Morgan is an author and editor living in Portland. Maine. Her most recent work is the third book in award-winning Five Stones Trilogy, entitled THE KINFOLK (Islandport PressOctober 2016). The first two books are, respectively, THE FOG OF FORGETTING and CHANTARELLE. Other recent works are UNDECIDED: Navigating Life and Learning after High School (Zest Publications/2014). A sequel is currently in the works.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 17, 2020
The first edition of this book came out in 2014. This is a review for the second edition, which is expected to release in October 2020.
Special thanks to Netgalley for providing a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review
Expected publication: October 6, 2020
This is a compilation of advice on the different paths that a current high school student can follow after graduation. The book takes you through many options, including College/University, taking a gap year, joining the military, volunteering, civil service, etc.
The first section really encourages you to get to know yourself, your temperament and personality. Your temperament and personality determine how you deal with certain situations, and if you understand those aspects of yourself more, the better equipped you'll be in making decisions that affect your life and future.
I really liked that I didn't get a sense of pressure to pick any certain path from this book. I tend to stay far away from "self-help" books because I do not like being told what to do with my life and where I should be at a certain age. I definitely prefer something like this, where all of the information is presented in a non-biased way, and I get to make the decisions for myself without being pressured or lectured into a certain path. I also liked all the helpful resources that are provided throughout the book. There a quite a few interjected anecdotes about famous people and some from non-famous people that give you a mini-biography, or a tiny piece of advice. I always enjoying hearing about and relating to other people's experiences.
I'm also a big fan of how updated this feels. COVID is happening, whether you believe it or not (can't believe I have to say that), and it is making a huge impact on how education is being handled across the nation. It's also changing the job field. A lot of people have learned new hobbies in quarantine, or they learned that online learning is something they aren't capable of, or they learned a new skill, or they took some much needed time to themselves to figure things out. I, personally, have been watching a lot of TV. Let's face it, we can't all be great. I think the pandemic increases the importance of a book like this. Our future feels more uncertain than it ever has and these terrifyingly big decisions still have to be made.
Although less helpful to me (a person who has already graduated from a 4 year liberal arts college with a Bachelor's in English), I would definitely give this to my little sister, who is about to start her junior year of high school. Even though a lot of the guidance is too little, too late for me, I was still able to hear some much needed advice. I'm able to look back on what I did end up doing, and realize why certain things did or didn't work out so well for me. I've also learned more about my personality and how to match that with potential jobs in the future.
I wish I had this book when I was a junior in high school. I think I would have strongly considered and probably greatly benefited from a productive gap-year before beginning college. Oh, well.
Happy reading!
Special thanks to Netgalley for providing a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review
Expected publication: October 6, 2020
This is a compilation of advice on the different paths that a current high school student can follow after graduation. The book takes you through many options, including College/University, taking a gap year, joining the military, volunteering, civil service, etc.
The first section really encourages you to get to know yourself, your temperament and personality. Your temperament and personality determine how you deal with certain situations, and if you understand those aspects of yourself more, the better equipped you'll be in making decisions that affect your life and future.
I really liked that I didn't get a sense of pressure to pick any certain path from this book. I tend to stay far away from "self-help" books because I do not like being told what to do with my life and where I should be at a certain age. I definitely prefer something like this, where all of the information is presented in a non-biased way, and I get to make the decisions for myself without being pressured or lectured into a certain path. I also liked all the helpful resources that are provided throughout the book. There a quite a few interjected anecdotes about famous people and some from non-famous people that give you a mini-biography, or a tiny piece of advice. I always enjoying hearing about and relating to other people's experiences.
I'm also a big fan of how updated this feels. COVID is happening, whether you believe it or not (can't believe I have to say that), and it is making a huge impact on how education is being handled across the nation. It's also changing the job field. A lot of people have learned new hobbies in quarantine, or they learned that online learning is something they aren't capable of, or they learned a new skill, or they took some much needed time to themselves to figure things out. I, personally, have been watching a lot of TV. Let's face it, we can't all be great. I think the pandemic increases the importance of a book like this. Our future feels more uncertain than it ever has and these terrifyingly big decisions still have to be made.
Although less helpful to me (a person who has already graduated from a 4 year liberal arts college with a Bachelor's in English), I would definitely give this to my little sister, who is about to start her junior year of high school. Even though a lot of the guidance is too little, too late for me, I was still able to hear some much needed advice. I'm able to look back on what I did end up doing, and realize why certain things did or didn't work out so well for me. I've also learned more about my personality and how to match that with potential jobs in the future.
I wish I had this book when I was a junior in high school. I think I would have strongly considered and probably greatly benefited from a productive gap-year before beginning college. Oh, well.
Happy reading!
January 7, 2015
In a society that pushes and pushes its teens to jump from high school to a four-year college or university, this is a book that is sorely needed! A traditional college/university is not necessarily the right choice for every person. For the masses of teens that struggle with “What next?” this book offers a tremendous introduction to the multitude of options that are available after high school. And who knew there were options, right?!?
Starting with a quick look at examination of who you are and what you want in life, the book then offers information about gap years, volunteering, internships, vocational schools, and the military as well as the standard two-year and four-year schools. This book is meant to be an “explore your options” book not a complete guide for what to do next.
This book inspired me so much that I worked with a local scholarship foundation to create a program for my library titled “But I Don’t Wanna Go to College.” We will be sharing information about the technical and vocational tracks offered by our local junior college and information about local apprenticeship opportunities. I really hope to reach those teens who just are not sure what to do next – and to show them that it is okay to not jump into a four-year school right after high school graduation!
Starting with a quick look at examination of who you are and what you want in life, the book then offers information about gap years, volunteering, internships, vocational schools, and the military as well as the standard two-year and four-year schools. This book is meant to be an “explore your options” book not a complete guide for what to do next.
This book inspired me so much that I worked with a local scholarship foundation to create a program for my library titled “But I Don’t Wanna Go to College.” We will be sharing information about the technical and vocational tracks offered by our local junior college and information about local apprenticeship opportunities. I really hope to reach those teens who just are not sure what to do next – and to show them that it is okay to not jump into a four-year school right after high school graduation!
March 23, 2024
was my mom getting this for me her way of saying she doesn't like my post-high school plans?
February 15, 2017
After high school you go to college. That’s how it is...isn’t it? In today’s society the expectation for graduating seniors is college or university. Many seniors are not aware that there options aside from college or university. In Genevieve Morgan's book Undecided: Navigating Life and Learning After High School other options are examined.
Beginning with a self examination this book provides a more in depth understanding of what you want to do and what your dreams are. Undecided: Navigating Life and Learning After High School also provides the information needed for you to identify your strengths and what you like doing. As the book progresses it delves into many forgotten options including apprenticeships, the military, gap years, and provides information about two and four year colleges. Morgan also offers checklists, examples, and other activities throughout her book. Her writing style is relaxed and gives off the impression that she is talking directly to you. Offering interviews with people provided a large amount of insight about what they thought and were feeling.
I chose to read this book because I am taking a nontraditional path. After graduating I will be taking gap year and spending time in Indonesia and then going to college. Morgan offers information and a quick how to on making this time productive. I was a little disappointed that it did not have more information about gap years but otherwise it was very informative. If you are questioning the norms society has set regarding going to college this book is a good fit for you.
Beginning with a self examination this book provides a more in depth understanding of what you want to do and what your dreams are. Undecided: Navigating Life and Learning After High School also provides the information needed for you to identify your strengths and what you like doing. As the book progresses it delves into many forgotten options including apprenticeships, the military, gap years, and provides information about two and four year colleges. Morgan also offers checklists, examples, and other activities throughout her book. Her writing style is relaxed and gives off the impression that she is talking directly to you. Offering interviews with people provided a large amount of insight about what they thought and were feeling.
I chose to read this book because I am taking a nontraditional path. After graduating I will be taking gap year and spending time in Indonesia and then going to college. Morgan offers information and a quick how to on making this time productive. I was a little disappointed that it did not have more information about gap years but otherwise it was very informative. If you are questioning the norms society has set regarding going to college this book is a good fit for you.
August 11, 2018
This book was very educational, never pushy, and very helpful for a stressed confused young gal such as myself. It really inspired me to take a gap year to volunteer, travel, earn money, and test out things I may want to do as a career. It gives a great list of organizations you can join and gives just the right amount of information on them. I highly recommend this book to every high schooler.
August 19, 2021
An exceptionally helpful manual for navigating the options after high school. Morgan compiles a wide array of resources in an organized and informational fashion, empowering students and young adults to take hold of their future. A great resource for high school students, youth workers, educators, and parents.
January 8, 2018
Students who are overwhelmed by the process of transitioning from HS will find this book helpful. The book is packed with lists, suggestions and great advice to make decisions that are best for the individual. I'll be suggesting this one for sure!
January 30, 2019
Hmm, a good resource and a good first to go to. It lets you know of the many options you have, but other than that, it doesn't specifically help the wandering souls. It helps decipher your personality traits then kinda leaves you on your own to figure it out.
December 28, 2020
Very clear, helpful, and up-to-date advice for high school students looking to their future. The 2nd edition includes updates specifically relevant to a post pandemic world. The author really helps students make decisions both personal and practical about life, school, and career.
December 4, 2021
I wish this book had been written when I was a high school graduate for I would have made more informed choices. For other readers, tune into Morgan's TED Talks presentation from 2015; it is accessible on Youtube.
December 28, 2020
2nd edition c2020 is nice overview of options.
May 1, 2015
Undecided is another great resources for post-HS students. In comparison to 77 Things, which gives suggestions on how to round out your college life, Undecided is a bit broader in scope. As the title implies, it's about exploring the different choices available to you after graduating from high school.
I like how this book is divided neatly into differently sections that flow into one another, giving readers a sampling of different paths to take. The first section is about exploring what you love to do. It provides some quizzes and different points to consider when thinking about what you want to do with your life. The next couple sections are about different potential paths to follow after graduating from HS, such as higher education (4-year vs. 2-year colleges, trade schools, and studying abroad) or going into some kind of service (like military, civil, and foreign service). There's also information about internships, going to work, and getting a life after HS.
The author has clearly done her research on the various topics and gives detailed information under various subheadings that detail things you need to know when taking on a certain occupation. For example, she doesn't just compare four-year versus two-year colleges. She explores them in further detail, going so far as to explain what makes an Ivy school and Ivy school and what differentiates different kinds of Ivies. There is also information on other schools and what they have to offer students. I seriously wish that I had this book before I decided which college to attend because I really could have used this information during the college application process.
While I spent a litle more time talking about a portion of the college section, that was mostly to give you a feel for what this book is about and the detail that it goes into. There is a wealth of information in the other sections as well. This is a fantastic book for HS students starting to think about what they want to do after graduating and who aren't sure about what they want out of life. I can also see this being useful for college students also thinking about the next step after school. Parents too can benefit from this book in helping their children decide what they want to do after graduation.
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For more of my reviews, visit my blog Imaginary Reads.
I like how this book is divided neatly into differently sections that flow into one another, giving readers a sampling of different paths to take. The first section is about exploring what you love to do. It provides some quizzes and different points to consider when thinking about what you want to do with your life. The next couple sections are about different potential paths to follow after graduating from HS, such as higher education (4-year vs. 2-year colleges, trade schools, and studying abroad) or going into some kind of service (like military, civil, and foreign service). There's also information about internships, going to work, and getting a life after HS.
The author has clearly done her research on the various topics and gives detailed information under various subheadings that detail things you need to know when taking on a certain occupation. For example, she doesn't just compare four-year versus two-year colleges. She explores them in further detail, going so far as to explain what makes an Ivy school and Ivy school and what differentiates different kinds of Ivies. There is also information on other schools and what they have to offer students. I seriously wish that I had this book before I decided which college to attend because I really could have used this information during the college application process.
While I spent a litle more time talking about a portion of the college section, that was mostly to give you a feel for what this book is about and the detail that it goes into. There is a wealth of information in the other sections as well. This is a fantastic book for HS students starting to think about what they want to do after graduating and who aren't sure about what they want out of life. I can also see this being useful for college students also thinking about the next step after school. Parents too can benefit from this book in helping their children decide what they want to do after graduation.
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For more of my reviews, visit my blog Imaginary Reads.
November 5, 2014
If I could hand students in high school one book to help them figure out what they want to do when they graduate, it would be Genevieve Morgan’s Undecided: Navigating Life and Learning After High School.
As a volunteer in the College and Career Center at my daughters’ high school, I spent seven years talking to juniors about what they planned to do. Some of them knew exactly where their paths would take them, others were not so sure. All of them could have benefited from reading Undecided.
Why do I think it’s such a great guide? For one thing, Morgan’s down-to-earth writing style makes you feel as though you are talking to a trusted friend. For another, the book is divided into sections that will walk students through the process of figuring out what they like and what they are good at and then present them with quite a few options that go beyond the expected university or community college enrollment.
I also love the sidebars Morgan includes in the book. She includes things like checklists and quizzes to help students figure out their personality types, budget worksheets, and more. Profiles of famous people and the courses their lives took are also featured.
Even with my training and experience in the high school, I didn’t know a lot of the details that Morgan covers as she discusses four-year universities, two-year colleges, joining the military, volunteering, signing up for a service program, going to work and more.
I highly recommend Undecided for high school students as well as their parents.
The publisher gave me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
As a volunteer in the College and Career Center at my daughters’ high school, I spent seven years talking to juniors about what they planned to do. Some of them knew exactly where their paths would take them, others were not so sure. All of them could have benefited from reading Undecided.
Why do I think it’s such a great guide? For one thing, Morgan’s down-to-earth writing style makes you feel as though you are talking to a trusted friend. For another, the book is divided into sections that will walk students through the process of figuring out what they like and what they are good at and then present them with quite a few options that go beyond the expected university or community college enrollment.
I also love the sidebars Morgan includes in the book. She includes things like checklists and quizzes to help students figure out their personality types, budget worksheets, and more. Profiles of famous people and the courses their lives took are also featured.
Even with my training and experience in the high school, I didn’t know a lot of the details that Morgan covers as she discusses four-year universities, two-year colleges, joining the military, volunteering, signing up for a service program, going to work and more.
I highly recommend Undecided for high school students as well as their parents.
The publisher gave me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 20, 2014
Where was this book when I was in high school?
I'm giving this book to my 13-year-old, seventh-grade daughter to read. We've already had discussions about college, and I think she would be relieved to read about the different alternatives. Her father was unable to finish college - working full time and going to school didn't work for him. She know I have a Bachelor's degree, and MBA and additional college certification, but I don't think she knows how I got there.
I was initially confident of my choice to go off to college - that's what you did - but also had a rather substantial breakdown. After taking summer school classes involving reading novels and watercolor painting, I returned to Salt Lake and inadvertently had a gap year - working for Domino's pizza and taking a few classes at the University of Utah. I refocused academically and finished my Bachelor's degree at Hofstra (one of the "Alternative Colleges and Universities" listed in the book), including two summer internships at Crown Publishers in New York City.
I particularly liked her short interviews with people discussing how their college experiences affecting their lives. I applaud her emphasis on the gap year and how to manage it. Her resources for alternative options, such as VISTA and Cross Cultural Solutions, are extremely helpful - even if those particular programs aren't suitable, research into them can lead to something that is.
I'm giving this book to my 13-year-old, seventh-grade daughter to read. We've already had discussions about college, and I think she would be relieved to read about the different alternatives. Her father was unable to finish college - working full time and going to school didn't work for him. She know I have a Bachelor's degree, and MBA and additional college certification, but I don't think she knows how I got there.
I was initially confident of my choice to go off to college - that's what you did - but also had a rather substantial breakdown. After taking summer school classes involving reading novels and watercolor painting, I returned to Salt Lake and inadvertently had a gap year - working for Domino's pizza and taking a few classes at the University of Utah. I refocused academically and finished my Bachelor's degree at Hofstra (one of the "Alternative Colleges and Universities" listed in the book), including two summer internships at Crown Publishers in New York City.
I particularly liked her short interviews with people discussing how their college experiences affecting their lives. I applaud her emphasis on the gap year and how to manage it. Her resources for alternative options, such as VISTA and Cross Cultural Solutions, are extremely helpful - even if those particular programs aren't suitable, research into them can lead to something that is.
Read
November 19, 2015Morgan, G. (2014). Undecided: Navigating life and learning after high school. Zest Books.
Reviewed by: Kelly Cundiff
Reference Type: Handbook
Call Number: 378.198
ISBN 13: 978-1-936976-33-1
Content/Scope: This book is recommended for grades 10 and up. It provides information about the different options available to high school graduates and helps students start to plan and prepare for whichever path they may choose.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: This book is reviewed positively by the School Library Journal as a book that provides substantial and quality advice for all students.
Arrangement/Presentation: The book is laid out by possible paths such as military, vocational training, and continued education. It provides journaling and brain-storming activities to help students through making the tough decisions and also includes helpful checklists.
Relation to similar works: While there are currently titles that help students with the process of planning for college, this would be the only one to help the students decide if college is even their best option.
Accessibility/Diversity: Since every student will, at some point, have to decide what their future holds, this book is a good addition to the library for all students.
Cost: $14.99
Professional Review: Jensen, K. (2014, April 24). You’re graduating high school, now what? Retrieved November 19, 2015, from http://www.teenlibrariantoolbox.com/2...
Reviewed by: Kelly Cundiff
Reference Type: Handbook
Call Number: 378.198
ISBN 13: 978-1-936976-33-1
Content/Scope: This book is recommended for grades 10 and up. It provides information about the different options available to high school graduates and helps students start to plan and prepare for whichever path they may choose.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: This book is reviewed positively by the School Library Journal as a book that provides substantial and quality advice for all students.
Arrangement/Presentation: The book is laid out by possible paths such as military, vocational training, and continued education. It provides journaling and brain-storming activities to help students through making the tough decisions and also includes helpful checklists.
Relation to similar works: While there are currently titles that help students with the process of planning for college, this would be the only one to help the students decide if college is even their best option.
Accessibility/Diversity: Since every student will, at some point, have to decide what their future holds, this book is a good addition to the library for all students.
Cost: $14.99
Professional Review: Jensen, K. (2014, April 24). You’re graduating high school, now what? Retrieved November 19, 2015, from http://www.teenlibrariantoolbox.com/2...
January 5, 2016
Genevieve Morgan did an excellent job on writing her book "Undecided". Her book helps people who are unsure of what they want to do after high school. It includes real life problems like college tuition, college scholarships, and how much real life really costs. I enjoyed the book because it gives you a taste of real life and a dose of reality in the adult world. This book includes charts and stories of some of the most famous people who made there way from nothing to success. "Undecided" is good for any high school student who is Undecided.
September 12, 2015
Covers the different options open to people after high school. I like that it explored areas you don't hear about too often, like trades schools, civil service, and gap years. It also gives advice on what to expect if you go for a job right after high school, and what you should and should not expect from an employer. All in all a practical basic guide for anybody who wants to consider there options after high school.
May 20, 2014
This is five different books (a book on personality type, a book on 4-year colleges, a book on two-year colleges, a book on gap years, and a book on career advice) all rolled into one. Instead of covering each topic well it goes through each one at 1/5 the depth of detail it should. Nothing original here: everything is either another source or cited from another source or pop science.
March 26, 2014
"A sympathetic, practical self-help guide for teens facing the end of high school and unable to decide what to do next. . . . A helpful guide full of good, sensible advice to teens feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of major life transitions." - Kirkus Reviews
December 10, 2014
I loved this book. It would be 5 stars if it had source notes. No source notes is usually a desk breaker for me, so the fact that I gave it 4 stars tells you how good I thought it was!
January 4, 2017
Helpful - will recommend to my teens
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews