Returning to college after even a few years hiatus can be scary and daunting, but you finally decide it’s time to better your life. Maybe your children are all grown. Maybe it’ll help you get a promotion at work. Maybe you’ve just decided it’s time to go back, but you’re a little unsure of the process in applying to college. While I can’t speak for all admissions requirements, I do have some suggestions that will make your application process flow a little more smoothly.
First and foremost, you have to fill out an application, but you already knew that. Most applications are being done online nowadays which is nice since it saves on some postage. Almost all schools have application fees that add up quickly if you’re applying to more than one school, though, so be prepared for those.
You likely will need an official copy of your transcripts from high school or any previous college you’ve attended sent to the college. Some high schools and almost all colleges have moved their transcript requests online, as well, but you should contact them just to be sure. Information on where to send your transcripts will be on the college’s website either under the admissions requirements on your major’s page or on a general admissions page.
Letters of recommendation from your high school professors are unlikely relevant at this point, but if you’re able and want to submit a very good recommendation from a previous teacher who could speak well on your behalf, it couldn’t hurt. A better recommendation would be from a current or previous employer or a very recent college professor. Most colleges will write what they expect to see in the recommendation letter on their site. So, if your recommenders can tailor their recommendation to fit those requirements, you should be just fine.
Most colleges also require some form of an admissions essay. They will have the specifics on what type of essay they’re looking for, how they want it formatted, and how they want it submitted on their website. If the admissions essay is a personal one, be sure to write about why you want to go to that particular college to study in that particular program (including specifics will require research but will usually consist of the key points that sold you on the school) and why the school would benefit from you attending there.
Now wouldn’t be a bad time to update that resume, too. If a college requires a resume, they will more than likely look at related work experience, any organizations you’ve held leadership roles in, and volunteer services. Include any information that is related to the particular field of study you want to pursue. Resume formats have changed in the past few years. Make sure it’s only one page long; references should not be included. Nowadays, you don’t even need to include a references available section. If you’re really struggling on formatting a resume, Microsoft programs usually have resume templates for you to choose from and you can find resume writing guides online.
GPA and SAT scores might not be required for you to send or complete on the application, especially if it’s been several years since you’ve taken the SATs. Call the college’s admissions department to check their policy on this. You may be required to retake them, but more than likely they will offer a different test for you to take or just have you complete entrance exams. If you have GRE or GMAT scores available that are more current than your SAT scores, it wouldn’t hurt to include those on the application.
Some colleges conduct interviews with prospective students. If this is required, you may need to contact the school to arrange an appointment. Be sure to wear business attire. If you’re not sure what’s acceptable nowadays, slacks or a skirt paired with a cardigan, blazer, sweater, or business jacket and low heels or flats are good for women. Men: there’s no need to go dressed in a full suit and tie, but if you feel more comfortable that way, you can. A nice pair of slacks, dress shoes, and a dress shirt are more than acceptable. It’s also not a bad idea to bring an extra copy of your resume in a nice folder along with one or two questions about the program you might have, just in case.
In the end, you will have to browse through the school’s website. Be sure to look at both the requirements for the program you are applying to and the admissions page just to be sure they don’t require different or separate items. Communication between the admissions, financial aid, and business departments are a good idea. You don’t want your application to be rejected because you forgot something or didn’t realize something was needed. Creating and keeping a checklist of all you have and still need to do is a good idea, too. This will help keep you sane and organized during the whole process. Just be sure you don’t forget to submit everything by the deadline.
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