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1. BE A PAIN |
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Find an adult who can help you with the steps to college. Let everyone know you want to go to college. And don’t stop until you find the adult who can help. |
Colleges require you to take certain classes in high school. Find out which classes and sign up! |
Think about interests and activities that you enjoy. Explore colleges with programs that suit your interests. |
There’s money out there to help you pay for college. Apply for it. |
The web sites in this section contain information for adults who wish to begin or return to college.
The web sites in this section contain information for those students who may wish to play sports while attending college.
The web sites in this section may help you explore and decide on a career that matches your interests and skills.
Career Information System (CIS)
The Princeton Review-Education and Career Opportunities Systems(ECOS)
General Financial Aid Information
National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
United States Department of Education - Student Aid on the Web
United States Department of Education - Publications
United States Department of Education - Counselor Resources
Education Finance Council - Financial Literacy Homepage
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
United States Department of Education - FAFSA on the Web
United States Department of Education - FAFSA PIN Web site
National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
Profile
Scholarship Searches
State Higher Education Executive Officers
Free Scholarship Search and Information Service
Military Financial Aid
The web sites in this section may help as you prepare to take standardized tests for college.
The majority of colleges across the country have an online admissions application on their individual websites. In addition, many colleges have a version of their application that may be downloaded and printed.
The web sites in this section will help you as you research and search for a college that will meet your needs.
The web sites contained in this section are from organizations located in or focused on Ohio. These sites contain valuable information for students and/or parents preparing for college.
Ohio Board of Regents-State Scholarships & Grants
Ohio Tuition Trust Authority/College Advantage
Ohio Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators
Ohio Partnership for Continued Learning
Ohio Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
Ohio Association of Community Colleges
It’s My Turn 2 Learn
As an adult learner, you actually may need more counseling and more assistance than a traditional high school student. You may have the added responsibilities of balancing work, financial and/or family obligations. You may not have been in a classroom in several years. You still have 2 follow many of the same steps 2 apply for college. If you need financial assistance, there are more steps involved.
You may wish 2 seek counseling from programs in your area that target adult learners. Colleges may have a special department or personnel designated to work with adults entering the college. Some college access programs provide services and scholarships for adult learners. Click here to see if there is an access program in your area and contact them 2 see if they offer adult services.
Below are some tips and resources 2 help get you started:
Assessment
Initial counseling 2 assess what your educational experience has been up 2 this point in your life. Typical assessments may include asking questions such as:
Service Options
You may need access services made available to you at times other than Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. Many colleges that service adults have evening and weekend hours. You should also inquire if the option of communicating with representatives from the colleges is available through email.
Web Resources
There are a variety of web resources that you can utilize to help you with information about careers, the college process, financial aid, etc.
Many of these websites can assist you with information as well as tips for success and links 2 other sites and resources. Make sure you check the website for individual colleges as they often have sections devoted 2 information for non-traditional students.
Financial Aid
Depending on your previous college enrollment history, many federal and state financial aid programs may be available. Eligibility for federal and state programs often is dependent on meeting the federal/ state eligibility requirements. Click on this link for eligibility requirements.
If you have defaulted on a student loan or exhausted the period of eligibility, you may no longer have these federal and state programs available 2 you. In addition, many aid programs may be restricted 2 full-time enrollment status. Adults who need 2 balance work and school may be looking at part-time enrollment. This can have a dramatic effect on the types and amount of financial assistance available. It is critical that you become familiar with or directly contact any college you are considering 2 get a clear picture of the financial aid options available.
Alternative Financing Methods
You actually may have some financing options available 2 you that the traditional undergraduate does not. Explore your area for options such as workforce development programs.
Local human service agencies, mayor’s offices, community agencies and/or state agencies may coordinate or have these types of resources available 2 adults. These programs may have guidelines for eligibility that are completely different from federal or state financial aid guidelines.
However, if you can meet eligibility guidelines and complete all the paperwork for these various programs, this may help you get adequate resources to help with college tuition.
You may have some form of tuition assistance available through the benefits program of your employer. Make sure you check with your current employers 2 see if any such options exist. Partial or full tuition assistance often is available. Note that many employers offer these programs in the form of a reimbursement program. Employees may have 2 cover the initial expenses and then show proof of satisfactory completion of the courses in order 2 receive reimbursement. Employers also may have guidelines for these programs that require the degree program be related 2 a company’s focus area or that continued employment with the company is an expectation upon receiving the degree.
Career Exploration
You may be interested in developing new skills in order 2 change careers, or you may feel the need 2 be retrained in order 2 compete for ever-changing workforce opportunities. Click here for some websites that contain career information.
Support Services
It may have been a long time since you were in a classroom setting. You may need support services to keep you on track 2 a college degree. Sometimes you may have 2 begin in remedial coursework at a college. You may also need options for childcare while you attend class. Find out what types of academic assistance or special services such as child care are available at your area colleges.
Hang in there. It is never too late to learn. Check out the Resources area of this website for additional types of information. You need 2 learn how if you want to go now!
Financial Aid 101
Financial aid is any type of assistance used 2 pay college costs. There are four main categories:
Grants
Often referred 2 as gift aid, grants don’t have 2 be repaid and you don’t need 2 work 2 earn them. Grant aid comes from federal and state governments and/or from individual colleges. Students eligible for grants usually demonstrate financial need.
Most grants require that a student file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA). Click here for information on the FAFSA.
Scholarships
Also referred 2 as gift aid, scholarships are usually awarded based on merit or talent. Some scholarships may also require the student 2 demonstrate financial need. 2 search for scholarships, visit www.fastweb.com.
Work
Student employment and work-study aid helps students pay for education costs such as books, supplies, and personal expenses. Work-study is a federal program which provides students with part-time employment 2 help meet their financial needs and gives them work experience while serving their campuses and surrounding communities. Students must complete a FAFSA 2 be eligible for Work-Study.
Loans
Most financial aid (54%) comes in the form of loans 2 students or parents and it must be repaid. Most loans that are awarded are based on financial need and are low-interest loans sponsored by the federal government. These need-based loans are subsidized by the government so no interest accrues until you begin repayment after you graduate.
Click here for a list of federal programs or click here for a list of state programs.
There are many different types of loans, both for students and for parents 2 take on behalf of their student. Read on for the basics.
Parent Loans
College-sponsored loans
Federal Student Loans
Other Student Loan Options
The college planning process can be daunting for everyone, so it is best 2 plan ahead and allow plenty of time. In fact, it is a good idea 2 start college discussions when your teen is in middle school. Help guide your teen though the college planning process. Click here to download a grade appropriate timeline that can help you and your student take the steps necessary 2 stay on track for college. Additional detailed information is available on this website under the grade levels identified on the main navigation bar, i.e. Middle Schoolers, Freshmen, Sophomores, etc.
Who Gets It?
Lots & Lots of People: Many more than you might think. Financial aid is awarded for financial need or on merit-academic achievement, athletics or other talents. But, you have 2 apply for aid to find out what you might qualify 2 receive.
All Ages: Undergraduate students have lots of options. Financial aid is also available for graduate school or for adults returning 2 college. You just gotta know how 2 apply.
In Ohio: Several state sponsored programs are available for Ohio residents only. The Ohio Board of Regents offers programs based on financial need and merit. Click here to see what’s available.
What Do You Get?
Types of Aid: Grants, scholarships, work-study, student loans-there are a lot of different types of financial aid out there. You need 2 find out which kind or combination works best for your needs. Go here for more details.
Is It Free Money? Not likely-most financial aid packages are a mixture of grants that don’t need 2 be paid back and loans that do, but not until after you graduate from college.
How Much? No, you can’t always have as much as you ask for. Eligibility for each type of aid varies and the financial aid office will award you with everything you might qualify for.
How Do You Get It?
Apply: Your school guidance counselor or your college access advisor can help you learn how to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA). This form makes you a candidate for all fedederal student aid and works for many Ohio programs. You can even complete a FAFSA online.
Do Deadlines Matter? Absolutely. College financial aid goes fast. The earlier you can get in your FAFSA application and all the other info that a college asks for, the sooner you’ll receive your financial aid package.
Other Options: Many colleges and local scholarship organizations may have applications in addition to the FAFSA. Don’t miss out by not completing all forms required. Use free scholarship searches 2 find additional aid for college. Check out our resource list.
Who Helps You Know How?
Ohio Resources: In Ohio we have lots of people and programs that can help you apply for financial aid. Check out the list below for help in your area:
The Right Match
All Types To Choose From: The kind of college you choose 2 attend should reflect your goals and your personality. Whether you choose a public, private, community, technical, trade or even an online college, make sure it’s the best match for you.
Big or Small? Do you want 2 attend a big university with a greater choice of majors and social activities, but perhaps larger classes? Or would you like a smaller college with fewer choices but more personal attention? You can decide.
Home or Away? Attending a local college or somewhere in Ohio or even out of state-what’s better? If depends. For some, residence hall life is an important part of the college experience, but commuting from home is less expensive. Some want 2 be close to family and others want 2 see other parts of the country. What’s right for you?
Which Major? Figuring out what you like doing most, plus what you’re best at can point to careers you should consider and what majors will help you reach your career goal. Not every college offers every major. Which ones have your interests?
The Right Place
Ohio Colleges: Ohio has lots of two and four-year colleges. What ones are close to you? Click here to see a map of two-year colleges in Ohio or click here to see a map of four-year colleges in Ohio.
Outside Ohio: There are thousands of colleges in the United States. Click here for the College Opportunities Online Locator (COOL) provided by the U.S. Department of Education. This search tool offers profiles of nearly 7,000 colleges and universities.
Online Options: Ohio Learns! provides detailed information about online educational programs, including descriptions, system requirements, delivery methods and other support services.
Career Colleges and Schools: The Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools offers a directory of career-oriented education. You can search by school name, county of operation or keyword.
The Right Things
Facilities: Colleges usually have a wide variety of buildings that may be important for you. Do you want the most current computer labs, the largest library, the newest recreation center or the best equipped science labs? Check it all out on a visit the college or a virtual tour on the college web site.
Activities: Just because you go 2 college doesn’t mean you can’t get involved in student groups or activities. If a student has an interest, there is probably a student group 2 join on campus. Entertainment, guest lecturers, community service projects, sports team, intramurals, music and theatre. Find a place where you can enjoy being involved.
Special Programs: Want to study in another country? Do you want 2 do a business internship or an engineering co-op? Find a college with the unique things you want to experience.
Take Hard Classes
Class Choice: It is best if you can take the kind of classes that will help prepare you for college. Yes, they might be hard but so will college!
Step It Up: 2 get you more ready, take courses that will challenge you academically. See if your school offers honors, advanced placements or other special classes for those students trying 2 be really prepared for college.
Know What Is Required: Know the road 2 college contains lots of classes in English, math, science and social studies. You gotta know if you wanna go!!
Get Good Grades
Getting A’s: Like it or not, most colleges are going 2 look at your grades in high school 2 determine if you can be admitted 2 their college. So if you get good grades you will have lots of choices about college.
Do grades always matter? Not always. Some colleges have open admissions policies that allow everyone to enroll and take classes. So if you don’t get all A’s, college can still be in the picture for you.
Sometimes test scores matter too: Colleges with highly competitive standards want students with good grades and good test scores so they can pick the best students that will fit in at their college.
Get Involved
Join groups and clubs: Whether it is for fun or 2 discover what you like, get involved in activities at school. This may help you determine what your future holds.
In your community: Lots of students get involved in activities outside of school. Check out events in your community or groups at your church. You otta or gotta be involved.
Stay involved: You can be involved in activities in middle school, high school, college and as an adult. Everyone has likes to have fun and explore their interests.
Tell Everybody You Are Going To College
Tell everyone what you want 2 do. Tell your teachers, coaches, counselors, mentors, parents, other family members. Everyone will want 2 help you succeed.
Tell Your Friends. There is nothing better than having friends with the same goals and who want to help you reach yours.
Ask Everyone for Help
After you tell, then ask. Now everyone knows what you want 2 do, so ask them for help. Find out who has college experience and is willing 2 help you find your way there. You gotta know how 2 go.
Ask Lots of Questions. If you are going 2 get answers, you have 2 ask questions. Ask where, when, how and what you have 2 do 2 get 2 college.
Ask the College. Talk with people from the admissions office or check out college web sites.
Ask an Adult. Ask people about their jobs. What do they like about it? Start thinking now about what kind of job you would like to have. College is closer than you think
Don’t Take No For An Answer. Never let anyone, including yourself, tell you that you can’t go to college. All you gotta do is know how 2 go!
Make Every Connection
Outside School: Make connections with people who can share real-world experiences. Get an internship or shadow someone at their job. They can help you go.
Inside School: Talk with teachers about careers that could be related 2 science, math, English or history that are not teaching related. Schools have lots of different jobs besides teaching so connect with transportation, maintenance, administrative and food servce workers. Lots of people know how 2 go.
Organizations: Get experience from clubs, organizations, community and church groups. You will find others who are headed for college or those that can tell you how 2 go.
Who Gets It?
Lots & Lots of People: Many more than you might think. Financial aid is awarded for financial need or on merit-academic achievement, athletics or other talents. But, you have 2 apply for aid 2 find out what you might qualify 2 receive.
All Ages: Undergraduate students have lots of options. Financial aid is also available for graduate school or for adults returning to college. You just gotta know how 2 apply.
In Ohio: Several state sponsored programs are available for Ohio residents only. The Ohio Board of Regents offers programs based on financial need and merit. Click here to see what’s available.
What Do You Get?
Types of Aid: Grants, scholarships, work-study, student loans-there are a lot of different types of financial aid out there. You need to find out which kind or combination works best for your needs. Go here for more details.
Is It Free Money? Not likely-most financial aid packages are a mixture of grants that don’t need to be paid back and loans that do, but not until after you graduate from college.
How Much? No, you can’t always have as much as you ask for. Eligibility for each type of aid varies and the financial aid office will award you with everything you might qualify for.
How Do You Get It?
Apply: Your school guidance counselor or your college access advisor can help you learn how 2 file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA). This form makes you a candidate for all fedederal student aid and works for many Ohio programs. You can even complete a FAFSA online.
Do Deadlines Matter? Absolutely. College financial aid goes fast. The earlier you can get in your FAFSA application and all the other info that a college asks for, the sooner you’ll receive your financial aid package.
Other Options: Many colleges and local scholarship organizations may have applications in addition 2 the FAFSA. Don’t miss out by not completing all forms required. Use free scholarship searches to find additional aid for college. Check out our resource list.
Who Helps You Know How?
Ohio Resources: In Ohio we have lots of people and programs that can help you apply for financial aid. Check out the list below for help in your area:
The Right Match
All Types To Choose From: The kind of college you choose 2 attend should reflect your goals and your personality. Whether you choose a public, private, community, technical, trade or even an online college, make sure it’s the best match for you.
Big or Small? Do you want 2 attend a big university with a greater choice of majors and social activities, but perhaps larger classes? Or would you like a smaller college with fewer choices but more personal attention? You can decide.
Home or Away? Attending a local college or somewhere in Ohio or even out of state-what’s better? If depends. For some, residence hall life is an important part of the college experience, but commuting from home is less expensive. Some want 2 be close to family and others want to see other parts of the country. What’s right for you?
Which Major? Figuring out what you like doing most, plus what you’re best at can point to careers you should consider and what majors will help you reach your career goal. Not every college offers every major. Which ones have your interests?
The Right Place
Ohio Colleges: Ohio has lots of two and four-year colleges. What ones are close 2 you? Click here to see a map of two-year colleges in Ohio or click here to see a map of four-year colleges in Ohio.
Outside Ohio: There are thousands of colleges in the United States. Click here for the College Opportunities Online Locator (COOL) provided by the U.S. Department of Education. This search tool offers profiles of nearly 7,000 colleges and universities.
Online Options: Ohio Learns! provides detailed information about online educational programs, including descriptions, system requirements, delivery methods and other support services.
Career Colleges and Schools: The Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools offers a directory of career-oriented education. You can search by school name, county of operation or keyword.
The Right Things
Facilities: Colleges usually have a wide variety of buildings that may be important for you. Do you want the most current computer labs, the largest library, the newest recreation center or the best equipped science labs? Check it all out on a visit to the college or a virtual tour on the college web site.
Activities: Just because you go 2 college doesn’t mean you can’t get involved in student groups or activities. If a student has an interest, there is probably a student group to join on campus. Entertainment, guest lecturers, community service projects, sports team, intramurals, music and theatre. Find a place where you can enjoy being involved.
Special Programs: Want 2 study in another country? Do you want 2 do a business internship or an engineering co-op? Find a college with the unique things you want to experience.
Take Hard Classes
Class Choice: It is best if you can take the kind of classes that will help prepare you for college. Yes, they might be hard but so will college!
Step It Up: 2 get you more ready, take courses that will challenge you academically. See if your school offers honors, advanced placements or other special classes for those students trying 2 be really prepared for college.
Know What Is Required: Know the road 2 college contains lots of classes in English, math, science and social studies. You gotta know if you wanna go!!
Get Good Grades
Getting A’s: Like it or not, most colleges are going 2 look at your grades in high school 2 determine if you can be admitted 2 their college. So if you get good grades you will have lots of choices about college.
Do grades always matter? Not always. Some colleges have open admissions policies that allow everyone to enroll and take classes. So if you don’t get all A’s, college can still be in the picture for you.
Sometimes test scores matter too: Colleges with highly competitive standards want students with good grades and good test scores so they can pick the best students that will fit in at their college.
Get Involved
Join groups and clubs: Whether it is for fun or 2 discover what you like, get involved in activities at school. This may help you determine what your future holds.
In your community: Lots of students get involved in activities outside of school. Check out events in your community or groups at your church. You otta or gotta be involved.
Stay involved: You can be involved in activities in middle school, high school, college and as an adult. Everyone likes to have fun and explore their interests.
Juniors: The ABCs of Standardized Tests Their names can sometimes sound like alphabet soup, but the standardized tests you will take in high school are important for college. Some schools require different tests, so you want to make sure to check with each one about their requirements. Here are the main tests remaining you may have to take if you want to apply to most colleges:
These folks are the captain(s) of your college prep team. These experts are trained in preparing you for college. They can help you progress through your step-by-step plan for getting 2 college. Ask them lots and lots of questions. Listen to their answers/advice. This group is definitely “in the know” when it comes 2 “how 2 go!”
Start with the basics. Here are some questions to help you stay on top of the process:
Keep in regular contact with your counselor and/or advisor. Make sure your counselor knows you well because you might need a scholarship or admissions recommendation letter from them someday.
College access programs and university sponsored outreach programs provide an array of services to help students and their families get ready for college. Find out what’s available and how you can take advantage of these programs. Click here for a map of Ohio to find out what’s available near you.
This group of people will always have your best interests in mind. They probably have all gone to college so they can be stars on your team. They know more stuff than just what you hear them talk about at school, practice or church. Your junior year is critical as you prepare for college. Let them know they have an important role on your college readiness team. If you let them know, they can help you go!!
By now, your family probably has a pretty good idea that you want 2 go 2 college. You want them on your team so the important thing is 2 keep talking with them. Let them know you are learning how 2 go!
Make sure your message is clear and understood. You want 2 go 2 college and you want their help and support. Sometimes they will be able 2 help you and other times they won’t. If your parents do not have college experience, they may appear unsupportive or intimidated about the process. Strong relationships really depend on keeping the lines of communication open. Keep asking for their help and keep sharing what you learn about the process.
2 apply for federal and state sponsored financial aid, every student needs 2 complete an annual application starting in your senior year. Your school guidance counselor and/or college access advisor can help you learn how 2 file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which makes you a candidate for all federal and some state student financial aid.
There are four primary categories into which financial aid programs may be grouped. They are: 1) Scholarships; 2) Grants; 3) Loans; and 4) Work-Study.
Scholarships: These are funds awarded– usually on the basis of your academic, talent or leadership abilities. Scholarships do not need to be repaid and are typically awarded on an annual basis. You may need to have financial need to qualify for some scholarships. Click here for websites that can help you locate scholarships.
Grants: These are free funds usually awarded based on financial need. Grants need not be repaid. Federal and state funded programs have the largest amount of resources available for grants.
Loans: Funds awarded may or may not be based on financial need. Generally, loans must be repaid. Educational loans may be made by federal, institutional or private sources. Both students and parents may borrow funds to support the cost of post-secondary education. government loans often have the lowest interest rates.
Work-Study: Funds are usually awarded on the basis of financial need. This program provides students with part-time jobs either on or off campus to enable the student 2 earn funds 2 help with educational expenses.
Click here for a list of federal programs or click here for a list of state programs.
Do you know anyone who ever had 2 much money? There is no such thing when it comes 2 paying for college. College costs a lot and you have 2 be creative when it comes 2 finding money. College can cost a few thousand 2 several thousand dollars per year. In Ohio we have lots of people and programs that can help you get information about financial aid and help you when it is time 2 apply. Click here for a map of college access programs throughout Ohio. Is there one near you?
What 2 Choose: The kind of college you choose 2 attend should reflect your personality and interests. Whether you choose a public, private, community, technical, trade or even an online college, make sure it’s the best fit for you.
You are a sophomore and only have 2 years of high school left. You need 2 take the time this year 2 really know where you wanna go. Finding the “right fit” is critical for you 2 enjoy and benefit from your college experience. Take the time 2 look, 2 research, 2 experience and 2 choose the college that is best for you.
What are you good at? Do you have something you love 2 do? Whether it’s playing sports, building models, or playing an instrument, your interests today say a lot about what career you might have tomorrow. 2 get there, follow these ten steps. And be sure 2 discuss them with your school counselor and your parents or guardian:
You have lots of things 2 start doing this year. 2 help keep you on track, push through the items on the checklist below of things 2 accomplish during your sophomore year:
Don’t bend 2 pressure. There are lots of obstacles as you head towards college. Don’t let anyone or anything push you off the path 2 college. Watch for these obstacles and push pass them:
Academic Trouble: Having trouble passing a class or just understanding certain topics. Learning how 2 study smarter can give you a real edge by the time you get 2 college. Make these habits a part of your school life:
Attitude Trouble: If you, your friends, your family or other important adults start doubting whether college is in your future, it may be time for an attitude adjustment.
There are even more ways 2 get ready 2 be successful in college. Remember 2 check what other academic enrichment or student involvement options are available 2 you. Check with your counselor regarding various opportunities such as:
Keep track of everything you do. Keep copies of report cards, awards, honors and make a comprehensive list of all your school, work, volunteer and community activities.
Ohio Honors Diploma Students wishing to earn an Honors Diploma must meet at least 8 of the criteria listed below (For those graduating in 2010 or earlier):
If you want 2 go 2 a four-year college in Ohio or most anywhere else, you are going 2 need 2 take the right classes 2 prepare for college. The Ohio Core will require students, beginning with the high school graduating Class of 2014, 2 complete a rigorous curriculum as a requirement for high school graduation and as a prerequisite for admission 2 Ohio’s four-year public colleges. Don’t wait. Make your plan for college filled with the Ohio Core classes. The Ohio Core includes:
Are you on track? High school graduation and college prep diploma criteria currently contains a few less courses than listed here. Ohio also offers an Honor Diploma. Click here for details of the Honor Diploma. Check with your counselor for the current criteria for all the diploma options.
Oh, yea - Get good grades in all of them!! Colleges will be more impressed by respectable grades in challenging courses than by outstanding grades in easy ones!! If you have a particular college major in mind, make sure your high school classes match the college requirements for that particular field.
Their names can sometimes sound like alphabet soup, but the standardized tests you will take in high school are important for college. Some schools require different tests, so you want to make sure to check with each one about their requirements. Here are the five main tests you may have to take to prepare for college:
These folks are likely 2 be the captain(s) of your college prep team. These experts are trained in preparing you for college. They can help you develop a step-by-step plan for getting 2 college. Ask them lots and lots of questions. Listen 2 their answers/advice. They are “in the know” when it comes 2 “how to go!”
