Perhaps you are the first person in your family to consider attending college. Maybe you’ve earned your GED and don’t have access to a high school guidance counselor. Relax—many people just like you have graduated from college or technical school. It may be easier than you think.

 

Let’s say you’ve decided that you want a better job, or you want to improve your career opportunities. You’ve decided that you need to get more education—maybe a certificate, an associate degree, or even a bachelor’s degree. Congratulations! You’ve already made the first (and most important) decision.

 

What happens next? Let’s walk through the steps.

 

1. Find a career college or technical school near you. You’re probably working or raising a family, and you’ll need a school that’s within an easy drive or accessible by public transportation. Education-for-Careers gives you access to many community career schools throughout the United States. Many of these schools have online programs, too.

 

2. Contact the college or colleges that have the programs that interest you. The first person you speak with will be an admissions representative. The admissions “rep” will give you basic information about programs, schedules and tuition costs. Remember, there’s no obligation. You’re just gathering information.

 

3. Visit the college. Many schools have open houses on specific days throughout the year. These events are specially organized to introduce the school to prospective students and their families. You’ll be able to see the classrooms, meet some of the instructors, and learn more about what it’s like to attend college.

 

4. Apply! The admissions rep will walk you through the application process. Each school will have its own admissions requirements. You may have to show your high school diploma or GED, get your high school grades or SAT test results, or even take a test. Don’t worry—the admissions rep will tell you exactly what you need to do. And remember, even at this stage there’s no obligation.

 

5. Paying for college. This is a major issue for most people. When you meet with the admissions rep, he or she will explain the tuition and fees, and will also tell you about financial assistance opportunities. These may include federal or private loans, grants, work study programs, or scholarships. Schools that are accredited for U.S. government student loan programs will ask you to fill out a standard form called “FAFSA.” It stands for “Free Application for Federal Student Aid.” Based on the information you provide, you’ll learn if you qualify for a low-interest federal student loan. Other sources of assistance may include community scholarships, state programs, and private loans. Go online and do some research—you never know what you may find.

 

6. You’re accepted! Congratulations! If you’re accepted, you’ll receive a letter of acceptance from the admissions director. The letter will include information you’ll need to get started, including class schedules and books you may need to buy. You may also receive a syllabus of the program, which is an outline of the topics to be covered in the program. Many schools have introductory mixers or orientation events where you’ll have a chance to meet other students and learn more about the program you’ve chosen.

 

7. Fees and expenses for books. From time to time you may have to buy books or materials for class. These can be expensive, but there are ways to economize. When you see on your syllabus that you need a certain book for class, don’t just buy a new one. Check the library—you may be able to borrow one. Used books can often be purchased from former students or online. If you do purchase a new book from the school bookstore, ask about buybacks. Many school bookstores will buy back textbooks at the end of the program.

 

8. Career services. Many schools provide job search assistance for their graduates. The school cannot get you a job—that’s up to you—but the career services office may provide assistance with résumé writing, interview skills, and job leads.

 

Remember, until you sign on the dotted line and pay your deposit, you’re under no obligation. Visit the school of your choice and talk to the admissions rep. Who knows—you may find yourself going to college!