looking for alternatives to college

[Jman437]

I don't have what it takes to apply for college: I've got low grades and low intelligence to live up to my expectations. When I graduate high school, I may be doomed to poverty, because I don't have any plans and I'm a rat trying to be an elephant. So, I'm looking for a job that pays well and that doesn't need a college degree. Any suggestions?

[Magenta]

Have you ever looked into apprenticeship programs? These are usually trade based where you can be taken on as an apprentice to learn a trade and you get paid for hands on learning, I believe.

It's been awhile since I've heard much about these (I've never personally done much in the way of an actual trade so it didn't interest me) but it might be worth asking a school counselor or teacher? Or a simple Google search. I don't know where you live so I don't know what it's like wherever you are.

[Cygnus]

Prostitution.

What? It meets what you said.

[gone123]

If you`re interested look into the trades like Magenta said. See if your school is involved with registered apprenticeship programs or something similar to that, I'm currently in the RAP program at my school starting my first year apprenticeship as a Heavy Equipment Technician. The way it works for me is I'll be working this summer full time at the diesel repair shop I got hired at, then during the school year I'll be working part time after school first semester and doing all the required classes to graduate, then working full time during second semester instead of going to school. This way by the end of next year when I graduate I'll have already completed my first year of apprenticeship. Here where I live you'll make way more money in trades than you will by going to college or university anyways, that's the reality of living in oil country haha.

[Pierce]

Go into plumbing. Take a few classes It will be worth it. This is probably your best option other than going to college. Plumbers make a very very pretty penny with no college education required: many times they end up making more than college graduated. Honestly look into plumbing, you can make a lot of money.

[Unique Physique]

I like some of the suggestions that have already been given. Learn a trade (plumber, electrician, etc). You usually do this through a community college course and apprenticeships. University isn't the be all and end all.

Also, you considered joining the armed forces? Assuming you have no moral objections and you meet the requirements to join you can learn a useful and transferable skill or trade in some military occupations such as engineering, cryptology, police skills etc. And assuming you live in the US, I think the US armed forces has a scheme for servicemen where if you fulfill your enlistment they'll pay for any education or training course you want to do when you get out.

[Jamesison]

I would look into trade school see what you like to do there is a lot out there...

[Walter Powers]

First things first: Stop smoking. And especially don't put pictures of yourself online doing it. My relatives who are employers tell me they google everybody's name before they hire them..you don't want that photo to come up. You won't get the job.