Getting started in college (if you haven’t ever been)

Apr 15, 2008 - 12:06 PM PST
Following my last post, I heard from a few community members who felt that it was too late for them to apply to college for the fall semester. I believe the technical term for that, in academic circles, is “hooey”. The reality is that many colleges will be glad to get you signed up (and get a chance to take some of your money) pretty much at any time. So if you’re planning on sticking to “it’s too late” as your current excuse not to go, stop reading. Otherwise, a few thoughts:

If you’re a senior in high school now and (hopefully) graduating in June, you’re probably tired of hearing from all those uptight conformists who applied by the deadlines. Suck-ups. Sure, they had the best shot at scholarships and better financial aid packages, but you have your independence. So there! Better yet, you can really show them by still applying to college. If you’re an outstanding student that had incredible grades and great scores – then I’m REALLY surprised you didn’t already apply – but the truth is that many colleges will still consider your application to help them raise their profile. If, however, your grades are just average (or below – hey, you’re a nonconformist!) you can still head to most open enrollment institutions. Also, in early May the National Association for College Admission Counseling will publish a list of the schools still accepting applications. This is a treasure trove of schools that still have space and, often, housing and financial aid. I’ll post a link once it’s available…just in case you want to check it out. Of course, you might also want to check out your local community college. Far from a consolation prize, community colleges now comprise more than half of undergraduate students in higher education, many offering honors programs and incredible campus activities and facilities.

If you’re still in high school and it’s not yet your senior year, now’s a great time to start searching colleges. You’ll want to apply in your senior year, but maybe you shouldn’t wait as long as the rebels in the paragraph above, just to open up a few more options.

If you’re already out of high school, you probably have even more options. Many colleges and universities have programs just for “adults” – just be sure they are for academic credit that can be used toward a degree. It’s ok to be in a category like “non-degree” (that often lets you start with less paperwork), but “not for credit” or “non-credit” usually mean, even though the course may be interesting, it’s not usable toward a degree.

A few institutions treat all individuals out of high schools as “transfer students” (acting like you’ve already gone somewhere else, which is silly but it is what it is.) If you haven’t been to any colleges yet than MOST will treat you as a freshman, so you will need the same documents, i.e. high school transcripts. A few either don’t require or will waive SAT/ACT scores, but many will want them. You can contact the testing services if you ever did take the test (or want to now) or maybe just look around to find a school that doesn’t have a stick up their…admission policy.

I mentioned community college before, but it’s worth doing so again. Consider Community College options! They can be less expensive and a lot less paperwork. Before you get into classes, you should know the difference between degrees intended for transfer to baccalaureate degrees (associate of arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Arts and Science (AAandS)) and those intended to train for particular fields but not intended for transfer (generally called associate of applied science (AAS)). You CAN transfer with an AAS, but unless you’re in a very specialized bachelor degree designed for that purpose (usually called a bachelor of applied science) many of your credits won’t transfers and it will take you longer to get the degree.

So, here’s the bottom line (and conveniently close to the end of my rant). Being a “nonconformist artist change the world your own way” type doesn’t mean you HAVE to skip out on the college experience. I’m not one who thinks college is for everyone, nor do I think you won’t benefit from time off to get a bit more mature (you know who you are¦. But please, don’t let a little red tape and a misplaced sense of rebellion keep you out of higher education. Colleges offer an incredible environment to explore your creative side, and maybe even find some comrades to join your cause.

In one of my next posts I’ll add a bit for those of you who already have some college credit, then on to new topics. Please continue sending your questions. Remember, there are no stupid questions (there are, but I won’t tell anyone it was you if I decide to make fun of one). Be seeing you.

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Getting started in college (if you haven’t ever been)


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Apr 16, 2008 - 18:12 PM

Deanflagel on
Update: this link will get you to a list of colleges currently accepting applications: https://www.commonapp.org/CommonApp/news.aspx#298664