Going to School and Financial Aid
Going to school can be both rewarding and challenging. Whether you decide to enroll in a degree program or take one course, the admissions and financial-aid processes can be confusing and require great attention to detail. If you need help at any stage along the way, speak to someone in the school's admissions office.
On this page
Planning to Attend School
Going to a college, university, or vocational institute can be part of a process that moves you toward meaningful employment and social interaction. Applying for and getting accepted into school can take weeks or months, so you will need to be patient.
You will need to:- Decide which school(s) offers the courses or degree that you want
- Take standardized tests required for admission
- Apply for admission
- Apply for financial aid
- Select and register for classes
Easing the Transition to School
Whether you are returning to school after a long absence or going to school for the first time, attending, participating, and preparing homework for classes can be challenging. The following are some ideas that might make this transition easier.
- Use the school's student services or talk with your academic advisor if you are having a problem.
- Consider studying with someone to help get through class material.
- If you don't understand class material, speak directly with your professor.
- Complete your assignments on time and come to class prepared.
- Have paperwork completed and in your possession when dealing with administrative obligations.
- Talk with other students about how to cope with the multiple demands of school, work, and family.
- Don't let age difference become a barrier: your life experiences are rich gifts.
U.S. Department of Education
www.ed.gov
Peterson's: The Education Supersite
www.petersons.com
Financial Aid
There are many federal, State, and private financial-aid programs that offer loans, grants, and work study jobs to help students pay for a college education. To apply for them, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The US Department of Education uses this form to determine how much aid you are eligible to receive. You may also want to work with a financial-aid counselor at the school to explore options, answer questions, and assist you through the process.
The financial aid process usually takes several weeks, or months, so it is helpful to apply far in advance of the first day of class. You can even apply before you are accepted at a school. It is important to pay attention to the date on which the applications are due, as late applications are not accepted.Need based financial aid includes:
- Grants: gifts or scholarships that do not need to be repaid.
- Loans: borrowed money, which must be repaid over a specified period of time.
- Work: you earn money through a job that the school has helped you to obtain.
Note: For individuals on SSDI or SSI, grants are not considered income when they pay for school expenses (i.e., tuition, books, etc.), so they will not affect your monthly benefit check. Grants, however, are considered income when they cover living expenses.
Further resources on financial aid and help to begin the process:
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
The Financial Aid Information Page
www.finaid.org
Federal Student Aid Information Center
Box 84, Washington, DC, 20044
Phone: Phone (800) 433 3243 or (800) 730 8913
General Education Development (GED)
The GED program offers adults an opportunity to earn a high school diploma. Every year hundreds of thousands of people in the US take the GED to improve their employment options, apply for college, qualify for a job promotion, or increase their confidence.
GED test sites are located all over the United States and Canada. Testing centers can direct you to resources to prepare for the test either by yourself or in a group. They can also arrange for testing accommodations if you have a documented disability.Further resources to locate the GED site in your state or area:
GED
www.ged.com