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So you're interested in going back to school but are not sure how to begin the process. Here
are some suggestions on how to get started.
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Gather information from a variety of educational institutions. For assistance in getting this
information, go to Resources.
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Visit the continuing education/non-traditional student office of your chosen college -- OR
attend an informational open house. Sit in on a class if possible.
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Once you've decided on a particular school and/or program, you'll need to apply for admission.
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Obtain your official high school transcript or GED certificate. For more information on doing
this, see Resources.
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You'll also need official transcripts from any other postsecondary institutions you have
attended (even if you didn't finish the program).
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Fill out the school's application and pay any appropriate fees. Some schools have fees that
must be attached to the application for admission, some do not. If you have difficulty paying these fees due
to income constraints, go to Resources for assistance.
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At this point you should also apply for financial aid. For more information on financial aid,
go to Financial Aid Resources.
Financial aid may come in many forms. There are federal as well as state grants, student loans,
and money for work study jobs while you're in school. There may also be some tuition reimbursement that you're
eligible for through your employer. And, there are scholarships available that you may qualify for - and
remember, not all scholarships are for students right out of high school.
You can apply for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA). Here is the general process:
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Obtain a copy of last year's federal income tax return, complete with W-2's.
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Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may complete this on-line at
www.fafsa.ed.gov or you may get paper forms at libraries or the
financial aid office at the school.
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Complete any additional aid applications available from your college.
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Check with your employer about tuition reimbursement programs (if appropriate).
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Apply for college and outside source scholarships.
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Take any necessary admissions and/or placement tests. Schools may require different
admission/placement tests. These tests are there to help place you into the appropriate level courses in
English, math and reading. You may need some assistance building your skills, especially if it's been a
while since you've been to school. Many students require assistance; the key is that you don't want to
begin courses that are way above or below your skill level.
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Once you have fulfilled all the requirements to be admitted, you may be asked to attend an
orientation program. At these programs you will learn about the school and the services it offers to
students, and you may also meet with your advisor who will assist you in registering for classes.
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Use the advisor as a resource to make sure you are 'on-track' with your program. He/she is
there to assist you in choosing the best courses and taking them in the correct order (making sure you
have pre-requisites, etc.).
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Make payment arrangements (after receiving financial aid notification letter). Once you've
been admitted and your financial aid application has been processed, you will receive a financial aid award.
Schools handle this in different ways -- you may receive a letter stating your award, or you may be directed
to a website on which you may find your award. In either case, the financial aid award shows you what the
school can offer you to attend their institution. If you applied to more than one school you may receive
different awards -- compare them and choose what works best for you. Remember, you don't have to accept all
that is offered to you. The general rule of thumb is to choose grants first (these don't have to be repaid),
then choose only as much in loans as you need (these DO have to be repaid).
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Attend your classes and enjoy your new journey!
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If you have questions about any of the steps in this journey, please visit
Other Resources to find out about the assistance that is available to you.
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