{"id":1375,"date":"2017-12-11T19:38:36","date_gmt":"2017-12-11T19:38:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.petersons.com\/blog\/uncategorized\/back-to-college-planning-timeline\/"},"modified":"2021-08-03T13:15:39","modified_gmt":"2021-08-03T19:15:39","slug":"back-to-college-planning-timeline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.petersons.com\/blog\/back-to-college-planning-timeline\/","title":{"rendered":"Back to College Planning Timeline"},"content":{"rendered":"

The more energy you invest in the planning process when going back to college, the more likely you\u2019ll be to find the school that\u2019s right for you. Just as students in high school need to get prepared for the admissions process, so do students interested in continuing education.<\/p>\n

The summer before: Planning your course of action<\/h2>\n

Choose your path<\/strong>
\nYou may be considering a four-year college, vocational school, or community college. Consider how each will help you achieve your goals. Also think about whether you\u2019ll want to attend full- or part-time.<\/p>\n

Seek guidance about going back to college<\/strong>
\nThere may be an alternative admission process for students over the age of 25. If so, you\u2019ll want to know about it! Meet with an adviser at the school or schools that you\u2019re considering. Look for more information about going back to college<\/a>, too.<\/p>\n

Organization is everything<\/strong>
\nStart a file for brochures and admission materials. Another good way to keep organized is to conduct a\u00a0college search<\/a> by state, major,\u00a0school size, or other factors. Keep your results recorded, and see where they match to give you some good ideas. A good college search is an organized college search!<\/p>\n

Fill your date book<\/strong>
\nFigure out when you\u2019ll be taking admission tests or\u00a0CLEP exams<\/a> and mark them on your calendar. As you begin your preparation, take a practice test \u2014 it\u2019ll help you figure out what to study.<\/p>\n

Get a head start on financial aid<\/strong>
\nThere are millions of scholarships and students returning to college qualify for many of them. From local organizations to online searches,\u00a0look everywhere and apply!<\/p>\n

Early fall: Preparation is key for tests and applications<\/h2>\n

Don\u2019t be modest<\/strong>
\nWhen filling out college applications, many returning students draw a blank when asked about their accomplishments. Think about what you\u2019ve done, in and out of the classroom. This can be the source of a compelling admission essay down the road.<\/p>\n

Get your tests out of the way<\/strong>
\nWhatever combination of tests you\u2019re taking, make sure you\u2019re ready. There’s plenty of\u00a0test prep<\/a> info out there to get you as prepared as possible. Study as much as possible, but relax the night before.<\/p>\n

Start writing<\/strong>
\nFeeling nervous about your college application essay<\/a>? Start early. Writing\u2019s like anything else \u2014 you get better the more you do it.<\/p>\n

Compare apples to apples<\/strong>
\nAs a returning student, you may have a better idea what you want to study. Figure out how\u00a0colleges and universities<\/a>\u00a0stack up, according to what matters most to you. Take a look at catalogs and websites to find information on programs and continuing education courses.<\/p>\n

Late fall \/ early winter: Don’t miss your application deadlines!<\/span><\/p>\n

Watch the clock<\/strong>
\nYou don’t want to miss an application deadline to go back to college!<\/p>\n

Submit the FAFSA<\/strong>
\nThe FAFSA form<\/a> is your number one priority for financial aid purposes \u2014 it\u2019s the gateway to all state and federal funds. Get it in as soon as possible after January 1.<\/p>\n

Spring: Continuing education awaits!<\/h2>\n

Play the waiting game<\/strong>
\nYou should receive a\u00a0college acceptance<\/a> decision by March or April. Good luck!<\/p>\n

Keep it Cool<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking at everything above, you may find yourself feeling that the process of going back to college is overwhelming. There are so many steps, so many things which need to be done, and it may just come off as too monumental. If that happens, take a deep breath, relax, and focus on one thing at a time. Are you in the early fall? Then worry about getting yourself registered for the tests, and study for them. Then, once you’re feeling like you’ve got that under control, turn your attention to the other steps in applying for continuing education.<\/p>\n

Going back to college is something anyone can do. All that continuing education will take is focus, drive, and work. (And a helpful timeline.)<\/p>\n

UG Search<\/a><\/p>\n