| Let's say you've decided that you want a better job, | | | | there's no obligation. |
| or you want to improve your career opportunities. | | | | 5. Paying for college. This is a major issue for most |
| You've decided that you need to get more | | | | people. When you meet with the admissions rep, he or |
| education--maybe a certificate, an associate degree, | | | | she will explain the tuition and fees, and will also tell you |
| or even a bachelor's degree. Congratulations! You've | | | | about financial assistance opportunities. These may |
| already made the first (and most important) decision. | | | | include federal or private loans, grants, work study |
| But perhaps you are the first person in your family to | | | | programs, or scholarships. Schools that are accredited |
| consider attending college. Maybe you've earned your | | | | for U.S. government student loan programs will ask |
| GED and don't have access to a high school guidance | | | | you to fill out a standard form called "FAFSA." It |
| counselor. Relax--many people just like you have | | | | stands for "Free Application for Federal Student Aid." |
| graduated from college or technical school. It may be | | | | Based on the information you provide, you'll learn if you |
| easier than you think. | | | | qualify for a low-interest federal student loan. Other |
| The first thing to do is to log onto a reputable online | | | | sources of assistance may include community |
| college directory. In just minutes you can find and | | | | scholarships, state programs, and private loans. Go |
| compare lots of colleges and career training programs. | | | | online and do some research--you never know what |
| You can search for programs by geographical location, | | | | you may find. |
| type of degree, online or on-campus, or by career field. | | | | 6. You're accepted! Congratulations! You'll receive a |
| What happens next? Let's walk through the steps. | | | | letter of acceptance from the admissions director. The |
| 1. Find a career college or technical school that's right | | | | letter will include information you'll need to get started, |
| for you. You're probably working or raising a family, | | | | including class schedules and books you may need to |
| and you'll need a school that's within an easy drive or | | | | buy. You may also receive a syllabus of the program, |
| accessible by public transportation. Flexible schedules | | | | which is an outline of the topics to be covered in the |
| with weekend or evening classes are a must. Or, if | | | | program. Many schools have introductory mixers or |
| you are fresh out of high school and can attend | | | | orientation events where you'll have a chance to meet |
| college in another city or state, you can search for a | | | | other students and learn more about the program |
| college in the area you want to go to. You may want | | | | you've chosen. |
| to consider an online program, and in that case the | | | | 7. Fees and expenses for books. From time to time |
| college can be located anywhere! | | | | you may have to buy books or materials for class. |
| 2. Contact the college or colleges that have the | | | | These can be expensive, but there are ways to |
| programs that interest you. The first person you speak | | | | economize. When you see on your syllabus that you |
| with will be an admissions representative. The | | | | need a certain book for class, don't just buy a new |
| admissions "rep" will give you basic information about | | | | one. Check the library--you may be able to borrow |
| programs, schedules and tuition costs. Remember, | | | | one. Used books can often be purchased from former |
| there's no obligation. You're just gathering information. | | | | students or online. If you do purchase a new book |
| 3. Visit the college. Many schools have open houses | | | | from the school bookstore, ask about buybacks. Many |
| on specific days throughout the year. These events | | | | school bookstores will buy back textbooks at the end |
| are specially organized to introduce the school to | | | | of the program. |
| prospective students and their families. You'll be able to | | | | 8. Career services. Many schools provide job search |
| see the classrooms, meet some of the instructors, and | | | | assistance for their graduates. The school cannot get |
| learn more about what it's like to attend college. | | | | you a job--that's up to you--but the career services |
| 4. Apply! The admissions rep will walk you through the | | | | office may provide assistance with resume writing, |
| application process. Each school will have its own | | | | interview skills, and job leads. |
| admissions requirements. You may have to show your | | | | Remember, until you sign on the dotted line and pay |
| high school diploma or GED, get your high school | | | | your deposit, you're under no obligation. Visit the school |
| grades or SAT test results, or even take a test. Don't | | | | of your choice and talk to the admissions rep. Who |
| worry--the admissions rep will tell you exactly what | | | | knows--you may find yourself going to college! |
| you need to do. And remember, even at this stage | | | | |