College… or Something Else? A Smarter Way for High Schoolers to Explore What’s Next
- Shiren Rattigan
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
At Colossal Academy, we believe college can be a powerful pathway—but only if it’s the right fit. For some students, that’s a four-year university. For others, it might be dual enrollment, entrepreneurship, trade programs, gap years, or building something entirely their own.
That’s why we don’t rush the decision.
We research it.
Why College Exploration Needs a Better System
Most students are told to:
• Pick a few colleges
• Apply
• Hope for the best
But that approach skips the most important part: intentional reflection.
We want our high schoolers asking better questions:
• Why am I interested in this school?
• What excites me about it?
• How does this align with who I am becoming?
• What is my gut telling me?
To support that process, we created a College & Pathway Exploration Tracker—a simple but powerful weekly tool our students use to research, reflect, and make informed decisions about their future.
Introducing the Colossal College & Pathway Tracker
Our tracker is designed for real decision-making, not busywork.
Each student updates it once a week, building clarity over time instead of pressure all at once.
What Students Track
College & Program Research
• School or program name
• Website link
• Admissions requirements
• Application deadlines
• Tuition & estimated total cost
Reflection & Alignment
• Why am I interested in this option?
• What excites me most about it?
• What gives me pause?
• What’s my gut feeling right now?
Progress Tracking
• Research status
• Application status
• Notes, follow-ups, and next steps
This isn’t just about getting into college.
It’s about understanding why it matters—or if it does at all.
College Is a Pathway, Not a Default
At Colossal, we help students zoom out and ask:
• Does this school support my interests and goals?
• Will this environment help me grow as a human?
• Is the cost aligned with the value?
• Are there alternative paths that might serve me better right now?
This mindset builds:
• Self-awareness
• Financial literacy
• Decision-making skills
• Confidence in trusting one’s own intuition
These are skills students will use long after applications are submitted.
Who This Tracker Is For
This tracker is perfect for:
• High school students (grades 9–12)
• Homeschoolers exploring college options
• Students considering college, dual enrollment, gap years, or alternative pathways
• Families who want structure without pressure
• Teens who want to feel grounded—not overwhelmed—by the process
Simple. Affordable. Powerful.
We’ve made the College & Pathway Exploration Tracker available online for $4.99, so any student can access a clear, reflective system—without expensive coaching or complicated platforms.
It’s the same tool our own students use as part of their weekly rhythm at Colossal Academy.
👉 Get the College & Pathway Exploration Tracker for $4.99
Final Thought
Preparing for life after high school isn’t about checking boxes.
It’s about alignment.
Whether college is the right next step or not, students deserve the space—and the tools—to explore their future with intention, curiosity, and confidence.
The future is bright when students are empowered to choose it. ✨
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