What do the
terms Adult, Returning, or Non-traditional student mean?
Most schools consider someone 22 years old or older an “Adult”
or “Non-traditional” student. “Returning student”
can either mean someone who has some college courses under their belt
and is resuming their college career, or an adult who is returning
to school to begin a college career. Check the College
Glossary for definitions of other college and distance education
related terms.
I want to
go back to school; where do I begin?
You’ve made an important first decision - to begin or resume
college study! To start on a
program to earn a college degree, or to complete a course of study,
you need to:
- Take inventory.
What are your skills? How many college credits do you have? What
non-credit courses did you take? Even if the subjects don't seem
applicable to a major, they might count as elective credits toward
a degree.
- Determine your goal.
What field of study are you interested in? Do you want to earn a
certificate, an associate or bachelor’s degree, or a graduate
degree? Do you just want to take some classes without pursuing a
degree or certificate?
- Chart your course.
What school do you want to attend? When, where and how do you want
to take classes? Research colleges and universities to find the
best program for you, whether it is a traditional campus based program,
a campus and distance based program, or full distance degree.
- Outline your academic plan
(each step to your goal.) What do you need to do? Transfer credits?
Take remedial courses or exams? Have experience evaluated?
To help you decide on a program and
a school, contact an academic advisor
at the schools you're considering. They’ll be able to help
you with an academic plan and determine the number of college credits
you might be eligible for.
P.S. It's ok if
you haven't yet decided on a major. College students often do not
declare a major upon admission, and advisors can help you prepare
an academic plan as well as plan class schedules.
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Do I use the
same admission application as the younger students?
Adult and younger students complete the same forms when applying for
admission.
Do I have
to submit high school transcripts or test scores (SATs)?
This varies by institution, but you will likely be asked to submit
a high school transcript. If you earned a GED, you will need to provide
a copy of your GED test scores and an official copy of your high school
record. This requirement usually applies to both entering freshmen
as well as transfer students.
Sometimes adults who are applying
for undergraduate admission who have been out of high school for 5
or more years or are veterans with 4 or more years of service do not
need to submit SAT scores.
What if I
never took the ACT/SAT or had a low GPA in high school/college?
Usually, adults aren't required to take admissions tests (i.e., the
SAT or ACT), although they do need to take graduate admission tests
such as the GRE or GMAT if attending graduate school. Many colleges
offer a placement test instead of admission test scores for older
students, and don't consider high school performance or outdated test
scores, especially with transfer students from community colleges.
Keep in mind that as a transfer student, most institutions will consider
past academic performance and grade point average upon application,
and often require a minimum grade point average for acceptance. (For
frequently asked questions about the ACT and SAT, including old test
scores, see these
ACT and SAT
web sites.)
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I had a low
GPA in high school/College…can I start over with a "clean
slate?"
Most colleges will require a record of previous coursework. If it
is not provided by the student, it usually becomes known later (often
through the financial aid system) and a student may be dismissed for
academic dishonesty. Even if you are applying to another college or
university, do not leave out your past college experience in the application
process. Just be honest - admission's offices have heard all kinds
of stories, and probably won’t find yours unusual. In your application,
just include what you have been doing since you left school, e.g.,
work, family responsibilities, volunteering, etc.
If your past academic history is
below par, don't despair. Colleges know that adult students often
improve their performance when returning because they take their education
seriously and are very motivated. Such students are often given the
opportunity for a new beginning. Also, even though you may not have
done well in the past, old courses can be a source of college credit
to your new degree.
Some institutions even have an "academic
amnesty" program, which means that after a certain number of
years you can apply for readmission and you will be given "amnesty"
for F grades (and sometimes D grades).
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Can I just
take a course or two to ‘test the waters’ without signing
on for an entire program?
Most schools allow adult students to take courses as a nondegree student.
However, keep in mind that different rules may apply in terms of class
availability and financial aid. For example, it may be that nondegree
students can only register for courses on a "space available
basis" and probably won’t be eligible for federal or state
financial aid.
If I begin
a program, can I take a leave of absence?
Some institutions have a policy requiring continuous enrollment, but
many will give a leave of absence if needed. Adult students, balancing
work and family, often find that they cannot attend every semester.
Be sure to find out about your chosen college's policy!
Some colleges require that you reapply
after being away a semester – be sure to check your school’s
policy so you don’t wait until the last minute to register,
only to find out that you have to reapply – and the deadline
has passed!
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The admissions
office says I need a transcript to be admitted. How do I get one?
As a transcript is a record of previous academic work, you need to
contact the high school or previous college(s) attended and request
that an official copy be sent to the admissions office of the new
college or university. If the school or college you attended in the
past is closed down, another school or state agency is storing your
records. Contact the Texas
Higher Education Coordinating Board or the Texas
Education Agency to assist you.
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How do I
calculate my grade point average (GPA)?
Your grade point average (GPA) is calculated by dividing the total
amount of grade points earned by the total amount of credit hours
attempted. (For example: A=4 grade points; B=3 grade points; C=2 grade
points; D=1 grade point.) For a handy online tool to find your current
and cumulative GPA, check out the Cool Tools on Back2college's
website.
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Will my credits
transfer or are they too old?
There usually is no limit as to how recently the course must have
been completed, so don't assume that your credits are "too old
to count." As an applicant for undergraduate admission, transfer
credits are usually awarded if you have attended a regionally accredited
college or university, passed the courses with a C grade or higher,
and the course is comparable to courses offered by the college you
wish to attend.
Graduate credits are another matter
- applicants for graduate admission will probably find that departments
limit the number of credits a student may transfer from another regionally
accredited institution and sometimes how "old" the credits
can be.
Some colleges have a time limit for
transferring credits from other institutions, while others have no
time limit as long as you passed the course. The answer depends upon
your academic major and the university you want to attend, but usually
most core courses (like English, History, Math, and general Science)
will not need to be repeated.
However, programs that have changed
significantly over the years because of technology and other advances
(i.e., Computer Science, Engineering, and similar disciplines), may
require an upgrade of skills. Have your transcript submitted for evaluation
by an admissions counselor and get a credit evaluation. As the number
of adults going back to school after 10 or 15 years is large and continues
to grow, universities are more accustomed to accommodating these requests.
For more information on transferring old college credits, read Getting
Full Credit: Returning students are their own best advocates when
applying old college credits to new requirements by Connie Myers
and Roll
the Credits :How to ensure a trouble-free transfer by Gregory
Lloyd.
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It'll take
me forever to get a degree, so at my age, why try?
Let’s say it would take to four years to finish up or complete
a degree: In four years you'll be four years older with or without
the degree, so isn't it better to have your degree at the end of those
years than not? Many colleges have accelerated programs that allow
students to complete programs in a shorter period of time. You can
also shorten the time by receiving college credit for life and work
experience, or testing and cooperative education programs, which sometimes
provide credit for on the job experience. Learn how accelerate your
degree plan here.
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I've heard
about getting credit for life or work experience and testing. How
does that work?
Many institutions grant credit through standardized exams. Exams such
as CLEP
or DANTES
DSST may be taken in several subject areas and students gain credit
when they are successfully passed. Some colleges also grant credit
for life or work experience, often termed "life experience credit."
This normally involves compiling a portfolio
that demonstrates the student has mastered the principles taught in
a course.
I have lots
of college credits, but they’re all from different schools.
Can I still use those?
If you have accumulated a lot of credits from several institutions
but haven't attained a degree, ask the college you’d like to
attend whether they offer an 'external degree program.' This is a
program of study in which students earn credits toward a degree through
independent study, college courses, proficiency examinations, and
personal experience. External degree programs require minimal or no
classroom attendance. You can transfer in a large portion of your
coursework, reducing the time it takes to get a degree.
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Are there
any services or organizations especially for adult students?
Some institutions have reentry centers, special programs, and support
services for adults. Be sure to take full advantage of these services
- they are designed to provide counseling and help meet the special
needs of older students.
Financial Aid Questions
Can I attend
part-time, or do I have to go full-time to get financial aid?
Part-time students may also be available for financial aid (however,
the amount awarded depends upon the number of hours being taken.)
Should I
still apply for it even if I doubt I qualify for aid?
Yes, you should! Never assume you don't qualify for financial aid.
Many adult students believe they don't qualify and miss out on many
sources of aid, including grants and low interest loans that are offered
regardless of grade point average, financial need, or credit history.
Most federal and state aid programs don't have age limits, although
some scholarship programs might.
Remember, there are some forms of
aid that are based on low income. All that is necessary is to demonstrate
financial need - and some of the most eligible students are adult
single parents.
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Do I need
to wait until I’ve been accepted at a school before I start
applying for aid?
No! Start applying as soon as possible! Submit the FAFSA
(Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form as soon as possible
after January 1. You don't even have to wait until you complete your
tax return - just use estimates of income.
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Can I get
financial aid for distance education classes/programs?
If taking distance education classes as part of a program at a traditional,
accredited institution, you will be assisted by the financial aid
received for the full program. If it's an distance only program offered
by a traditional institution, you may be eligible for federal assistance.
Always ask about your financial aid options before you sign up for
any programs.
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