How do I go to college?

Question

I am a single Mom to four children, need a career change and know I'll need to go to college to make that happen.

I've never been to college before. How do I go about actually going?

Who do I contact? How do I pay for it if I'm broke?

What are the requirements for someone almost forty to actually get in? Are there tests I'll have to take?

Do I have to pay for it all up front? How do I find out how much it costs?

Thanks!!

Answer 1

Depends on the career change, there are 4 year colleges where you can get a ba/bs, 2 year colleges where you can get an aa or a vocational certificate. I would suggest going to a community college to begin, there are usually more classes available at a wider range of times. To apply you can just go to the school you wish to attend and fill out an application, they may ask you for high school transcripts if they feel it is necessary. You will need to take placement tests to see what class you need to start in, but you don't need to pass a test to get in. Community college is fairly cheep compared to 4 year schools, and if you order your textbooks online you can cut that cost in half. You will pay by semester and most colleges will have their cost per unit online, an average cost would be around $25 a unit, with a normal class being 3 units, and a harder/more involved class being 4 units. At a community college you can get your aa or just transfer your units to a 4 year school to work toward your ba/bs. Most 4 year schools will list their average cost per semester/quarter on their website.

Answer 2

Different colleges have different requirements.  First you have to know what you want to do and what college you want to go to.  You can look online for different schools.   If you really need money you can try to qualify for financial aid or a loan that you have to pay 6 months after you graduate.  Majority of colleges require students to have taken the SAT or ACT test. You can start at college view and based of your criteria they give a list of colleges and once you click on them you will see that colleges info  

Answer 3

WOW! I commend you for taking interest in finding a way to get back into school. I actually want my mother to get back into school too.

So I would reccomend you going to the local junior college because it's cheaper than the universities. I would think that it also gives you more choices as far as classes that work with full time parents and workers.

When you find the local college, you fill out an application, register and then there is a testing process where they decide where to place you as far as English and Math. If you are bi-lingual, there is a test you can take for a language and then it should probably apply towards your degree.

As far as local junior colleges, the requirements (here in CA) are that you are over 18 and/or graduated high school. I'm not too sure where you are from but if you have more questions about the process, I'm glad to help.

There are things you can look into such as financial aid which really helps and for the most part, I think it'll give you grants to get an education and help out with housing since you are a single mother to four.  

Answer 4

I would start by looking at what college you want to go to and call their admissions office.  They'd give you an application and the paperwork for filing for financial aid as well as help you find options for how to pay for it.  You may or may not need to take the SATs or ACTs depending on where you go and if you took them in high school  When you talk to the admissions office they can let you know what tests if any you need to take and advise you where they might be offered in your area.  You usually have to pay for it all up front, either on your own, with student loans, grants, or scholarships.  Since you're a single mom with three kids, I'm guessing you would be able to get a lot of financial aid.  The requirements for someone your age are the same as they are for an 18 year old going to college.  They will look at your grades from high school.  You also may need to take placement exams for classes like English and Math or even foreign languages.  I also wanted to add that I think it's great that you want to go to college.  

Answer 5

Not all schools require exams to get into.  I think you first should pick a major you are interested in, and go from there.  Small private colleges and community colleges are good, some are more expensive than others, but that is part of going to school.  School Loans and grants may be available to you.  You should contact the admissions department of any institution for further information.  

Answer 6

Research colleges that offer your whatever desired area of study. If the college(s) interest you, then you should apply by internet or by paper format. But first make sure you read their entry requirements carefully to increase your chances of enrollment.