Being an Adult and Going Back to College

If you're older than 25, then the admissionyour high school transcript since it has been such
process will be different for you when it comesa long time.
to college. The college admissions office looks atMany times adults can get college credit for life
applicants who have been out of school for aexperiences. This way, in order to earn a degree,
while differently than they do high school students.you can take less courses in a shorter amount of
Your application process will probably be thetime. You will need to ask your admission officer
same, requiring you to fill out paperwork andabout this and if you qualify. Some colleges do not
probably writing an essay.offer this, so be very thankful if the one you are
Each college and university has their own processapplying to does.
for admission. Talk to the admission officer aboutYou will most likely not be asked to take the
your unique situation when you meet with them.SAT or ACT if you have not done so in a long
Even if you have been out of school for 20time. Many colleges will overlook the things that
years, the admissions officer will probably want athey require from high school students if you are
copy of your high school transcript. The longerolder. There is always an exception to the rule
you have been out of school, the less your highand you should be prepared to take their safety
school transcript will be a factor in your admissionif it is required. After all, the SAT measures your
process.ability to do college work, so they do have a right
Your hobbies, activities, involvement in theto ask you to take it. Do not sign up for this test
community, and work experience will probably bewithout checking with the admissions office first.
the deciding factor on your acceptance. YourIf they want you to take this test, they will tell
essay topic may be slightly different than collegeyou over the phone before you meet with them.
students. You may be asked to write about oneIf you are to take it and score low when they do
very important and meaningful life experience.not ask it of you, this can hurt your chances of
This is the way that colleges and universities willgetting admitted.
see if you are mature or not. They cannot go by