As of 2018, the first batch of Senior High students completed the K-12 curriculum. A total of around 1,252,357 graduates are expected to apply into college universities soon.

Department of Education reported that, 61% of the students took the Academic track while the remaining 39% opted for the Technical Vocational Livelihood track, Arts and Design track, and Sports track. Due to this, courses related to Accountancy, Business Management, Humanities and Social Science, and Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics will have more student applicants than other courses.

After completing the curriculum, students have the choice of going into universities or applying for a job. The students have already proven their credentials due to an assessment exam just before the end of the school year. The only problem they seem to face is the reluctance of companies to hire K-12 graduates.

According to Jobstreet.com on its 2018 Fresh Graduate Report, only 24% of employers are willing to accept Senior High graduates, 35% are not yet ready, and the remaining 41% are still under evaluation. These employers are involved in marketing, machinery and equipment, and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industries.

It seems to be that this is not an issue to some universities. “Regardless of the track/strand taken in Senior High School, no Grade 12 student or graduate shall be denied acceptance in applying for college entrance examinations in the higher education institutions (HEIs),” the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) said. The policy CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 105 series of 2017, signed by resigned Chairperson Patricia Licuanan issued in December, noted that “all Grade 12 graduates beginning Academic Year 17-18 are eligible to enter college regardless of the track/strand taken in the Senior High School.”

Whether the K-12 curriculum is successful or not remains to be seen. The multiple opportunities each track offers however, serves as a great foundation for these completers in each student’s future.