#1. Decide what you want to do, and when. If you do not know, now is the time to do your research or talk to somebody about it. Also: do you want college or trade school? Do you want a 2-year or a 4-year degree? Is there a school nearby that fits your needs? Ask questions of each school and write them down to look at later.
If you plan to commute, look into their bus schedule or commuter pages. If you plan to live on campus, find out what this entails. Pay attention to each school's application deadlines.
You might have several different schools in mind right now, and that is OK.
#2. If you do not know what you want to do or what classes you want to take, perhaps you want to take an aptitude test. Free aptitude tests are often available at high schools, and also online. See the link at the bottom of this article for some good free test sites.
#3. Make a College Application folder. Keep all your application work in it. This will save you a lot of time later on. Get a copy of your transcript, whether college or high school, so you can send it in with your application(s). Also find your ACT or SAT scores, as well as your CLEP scores, and other tests, if applicable. Different schools require different tests, so going online to check is wise. Put a copy of your personal ID documents in your College Application folder too, and your school lists and questions.
#4. Decide which semester you want to go to school. Fall semester is the most popular time to start college, and most people prefer to start then. Many schools make their schedules and plan student activities with this in mind. But it is also OK to start in the Spring. I would suggest doing that only if you have to, though, because most everyone else will choose Fall, and you may have to take extra classes or miss some great events if you start in the Spring.
#5. Apply to each school you seriously would like to attend. You can list up to 10 schools on your FAFSA when you fill it out. Remember, though, that each school could have a fee along with their required forms. You need to apply to your list of schools as early as possible. A good rule of thumb is to apply by December 1st of the year you plan to attend.
#6. Apply for your FAFSA PIN number at the official FAFSA site, which is listed at the end of this article.
#7. Go to the official FAFSA site and fill out your application. Refer to #9 often. (Save, save save...)
About the FAFSA: The FAFSA will let you know about work study programs, Pell grants, and college loans. It is also a way to find out about grants available at the schools you want to go to. Your school will use this report to make a financial aid package for you.
You can do part of your application now, and part later if you want to by re-logging into your FAFSA account. Nothing will be sent until you complete the final page and hit the "submit" button. Again, read #9 before starting your FAFSA form.
Have your tax records handy, or information about your parents' tax records (if you are still listed on their taxes as a dependent.) You will also need your personal identification documents.
You will receive a PIN number (see #6) and find out how much money you qualify for. You may also qualify for special financial aid, grants, or scholarships. Make sure to note the deadline for a FAFSA application. They will have dates posted on their site. Make sure ONLY to visit the official site, which is listed at the end of this article.
The FAFSA site will guide you step by step through the process. Make sure to read all the instructions carefully. There is help available from the help button at the top of the page, plus you can use a chat button. If these don't help, you can call them at 1-800-4-FED-AID.
#8. Save, save, save your work. Save what you have done with the FAFSA online as often as possible using their "save" button. Do not use the "Exit" button without using the "Save" button first.
If you want to save each page before going on with the application, do so. It's a lot better to take extra time doing this. If you do not, you risk losing all your data and having to start over. Believe me, you do NOT want to do this.
#9. Hit the "Submit" button on the last page of your FAFSA, after you have signed it. If you are a minor or have a guardian, they will also need to sign your FAFSA form. You can do this using your PIN number or you can do it by mail. Print out your final FAFSA page and put it in your folder. Print out your confirmation number too, and put it in your College Application folder.
#10. Make sure you write your PIN number here when it arrives (often, in 2-3 weeks from when you apply.) You will need this number in order to access your personal information from FAFSA.
#11. Your SAR (official Student Aid Report) should arrive about 3 weeks after you apply at the FAFSA site. Make sure you go over it after it comes to make sure it is accurate. It is now that you can make an appointment with Financial Aid at the college of your choice and have all your information available for them.
#12. Your application for attending college must be made by the Federal deadline. These dates are listed at the site. Your state application deadlines are listed there too.
Questions? You can find out more at your school's Financial Aid or counseling office, or your local library - all for free. There is also a Help section, chat, and phone number right on the FAFSA site.
Learn more:
The official FAFSA site: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
Free Career Tests
http://www.alec.co.uk/free-career-assessment/free-online-career-tests.htm
(some sites require registration and a profile)
Good luck with your educational journey!
Elizabeth Sheppard is a former non-traditional student who has a non-trad website at http://www.nontradstudents.com She helps non-traditional students find help and support when they are going back to school after a break. She also helps people learn how to get online. She lives in Bowling Green, Kentucky.
