You’re a recent high school grad or an adult who needs career training. You’re thinking about going to college or technical school. Great! But you’re unsure of the admissions requirements. What kind of grades do you need? Does life experience count? How about entrance exams? EducationForCareers.com looks behind the scenes and reveals what you need to know about college admissions.
In all cases—regardless of program—students are required to make appropriate financial arrangements before the first day of class. This means that you must have paid your tuition in advance or made arrangements with the financial aid office. When you are applying ask the admissions staff about financial aid. They will advise you on your options.
Aside from the ability to pay, the other qualifications that you need depend upon the type of institution and the program to which you are applying. Here are some examples.
• Adult continuing education. These programs are typically offered in the evening and on weekends. They are designed for working adults who want to learn something about a specific topic, such as grantwriting or French literature or gardening. These programs are offered at a wide variety of institutions from major universities to local community colleges. Generally, there are few entrance requirements other than conversational English and perhaps some prior knowledge of the field.
• Diploma programs. These are short-term programs designed to provide the graduate with appropriate professional skills to qualify for entry-level positions in a variety of fields including dental assisting, medical assisting, criminology, computer networking, massage, and more. The admissions requirements for a typical diploma program are:
1. Be a high school graduate, or
2. Have a General Education Development (GED) certificate, or
3. Have a Home Study certificate that is recognized by the student's home state.
Evidence of high school graduation may include a GED certificate or official notification that a GED has been earned, a copy of a high school transcript indicating the date of high school graduation, a certified copy of an original high school diploma, a copy of a DD214 indicating date of high school graduation, or a college transcript indicating the date of high school graduation.
• Associate Degree Programs. Admissions requirements for two-year programs tend to be similar to diploma programs--you need a high school diploma or GED. There are often additional requirements:
1. You may have to sign an enrollment agreement and student information form. The enrollment agreement must be signed by a parent or legal guardian if you are under 18 years of age.
2. A personal interview with an admissions officer is often required.
3. A tour the campus or online learning environment is encouraged.
4. English language fluency is often required. English abilities can be determined through the college’s interview application process and/or a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
5. International students may need to meet additional requirements including an acceptable score on the TOEFL.
6. Prior to commencing clinical courses or externship experience, documentation of required health examinations, pathology tests, and immunizations may be required.
7. If you have a criminal record, check with the admissions staff about possible requirements. Before students can be placed in an externship or take professional licensing, certification, or registration exams, the state or other agencies may require criminal background checks.
• Bachelor Degree Programs. The application process for entry into bachelor’s degree programs can range from easy (your state college) to nightmarish (think about trying to get into Harvard). In general, you may need acceptable high school transcripts or other degrees, college admissions test scores (SAT or ACT exam), letters of recommendation, application fee, and a completed admissions form.
See the website of the school you’re considering, or better yet, contact the admissions office for full information.
