Apply to College as an Adult: A Comprehensive Guide for Non-Traditional Students

Going back to school as an adult can be a daunting task, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding one. If you’re thinking about applying to college, but you’re not sure where to start, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the process.

Why Adults Go Back to College?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the number of adult students enrolled in higher education has been steadily increasing in recent years. In 2020, there were over 7.1 million adult students enrolled in college, accounting for nearly 40% of all college students.

There are many reasons why adults decide to go back to college. Some want to advance their careers, while others want to change careers altogether. Some want to gain new skills or knowledge, while others want to pursue their passions. Whatever the reason, going back to college as an adult can be a great way to improve your life and achieve your goals.

Benefits of College for Adults

There are many benefits to going back to college as an adult. Some of the most common benefits include:

• Increased earning potential: Adults with a college degree earn more money than those with only a high school diploma. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for workers with a bachelor’s degree is $65,660, compared to $48,450 for workers with only a high school diploma.
• Better job opportunities: A college degree can open doors to new and better job opportunities. Many employers require a college degree for entry-level positions, and a degree can also help you advance your career more quickly.
• Greater career satisfaction: Adults with a college degree are more likely to be satisfied with their careers than those with only a high school diploma. A college degree can give you the skills and knowledge you need to pursue a career that you’re passionate about.
• Personal growth: Going back to college can help you grow as a person. You’ll learn new things, meet new people, and challenge yourself intellectually. College can also help you develop your critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and communication skills.

Challenges of Going Back to College as an Adult

While there are many benefits to going back to college as an adult, there are also some challenges. Some of the most common challenges include:

• Balancing school with work and family: Many adult students have to balance school with work and family obligations. This can be a challenge, but it’s important to find a way to make it work. You may need to adjust your work schedule, find childcare, or ask for help from family and friends.
• Financial aid: Paying for college can be a challenge for adult students. Many adult students have to work and go to school at the same time, which can make it difficult to save money for college. Fortunately, there are many financial aid options available for adult students, so don’t let cost be a barrier to pursuing your education.
• Feeling out of place: Adult students may feel out of place on a college campus. They may be older than their classmates, and they may have different life experiences. However, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Many other adult students feel the same way. There are also many resources available to help you feel more comfortable on campus.

How to Apply to College as an Adult

If you’re thinking about applying to college as an adult, here are a few steps to get you started:

1. Decide what you want to study. What are your career goals? What are your interests? Once you know what you want to study, you can start researching colleges and universities that offer programs in your field of interest.
2. Take the ACCUPLACER test. The ACCUPLACER test is a standardized test that colleges and universities use to assess your academic skills. You may need to take the ACCUPLACER test if you haven’t taken the SAT or ACT recently.
3. Apply to colleges and universities. Once you’ve chosen the colleges and universities you want to apply to, you can start the application process. The application process usually involves submitting a transcript, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
4. Apply for financial aid. If you need financial aid to pay for college, you should apply for financial aid as soon as possible. There are many different types of financial aid available, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.
5. Make a decision. Once you’ve been accepted to college, you’ll need to make a decision about which college you want to attend. Consider the cost of attendance, the location of the college, and the academic programs offered.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when applying to college as an adult:

• Don’t underestimate the application process. The college application process can be complex and time-consuming. Don’t wait until the last minute to start applying.
• Don’t overestimate your abilities. If you haven’t been in school for a while, you may need to brush up on your academic skills. Take some practice tests or enroll in a refresher course.
• Don’t give up. The college application process can be challenging, but don’t give up. If you’re having trouble, ask for help from a counselor, a tutor, or a family member or friend.

How to Step-by-Step Approach

Here is a step-by-step approach to applying to college as an adult:

1. Research colleges and universities. Start by researching colleges and universities that offer programs in your field of interest. Consider the cost of attendance, the location of the college, and the academic programs offered.
2. Take the ACCUPLACER test. If you haven’t taken the SAT or ACT recently, you may need to take the ACCUPLACER test. The ACCUPLACER test is a standardized test that colleges and universities use to assess your academic skills.
3. Apply to colleges and universities. Once you’ve chosen the colleges and universities you want to apply to, you can start the application process. The application process usually involves submitting a transcript, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
4. Apply for financial aid. If you need financial aid to pay for college, you should apply for financial aid as soon as possible. There are many different types of financial aid available, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.
5. Make a decision. Once you’ve been accepted to college, you’ll need to make a decision about which college you want to attend. Consider the cost of attendance, the location of the college, and the academic programs offered.

6-8 FAQs

1. How old is the average adult college student?

The average age of adult college students is 25.

2. What is the most popular major for adult college students?

Business is the most popular major for adult college students.

3. How much does it cost to go to college as an adult?

The cost of college varies depending on the type of college you attend and the state you live in. However, the average cost of tuition and fees for a four-year public college is $9,410 per year for in-state students and $27,020 per year for out-of-state students. The average cost of tuition and fees for a four-year private college is $35,060 per year.

4. What are the financial aid options for adult college students?

There are many different financial aid options available for adult college students, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.

5. How can I balance school with work and family?

Balancing school with work and family can be a challenge, but it’s important to find a way to make it work. You may need to adjust your work schedule, find childcare, or ask for help from family and friends.

6. What are the benefits of going back to college as an adult?

There are many benefits to going back to college as an adult, including increased earning potential, better job opportunities, greater career satisfaction, and personal growth.

7. What are the challenges of going back to college as an adult?

Some of the challenges of going back to college as an adult include balancing school with work and family, paying for college, and feeling out of place on campus.

8. How can I apply to college as an adult?

To apply to college as an adult, you’ll need to take the ACCUPLACER test, submit a transcript, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation. You may also need to apply for financial aid.