Thinking of Going Back to College to Finish Your Degree?
Tips for returning to College
Thinking of Going Back to College to Finish Your Degree?
1. Determine why you want to return to college.
Your reason is important for selecting your school and program. For example, if you want a promotion at your company, talk to the colleagues and managers about their educational pathways.
2. Choose your school and program of study.
Do you want to return to your previous school or transfer to different school? Consider what is important to you, such as cost and financial aid, schedule flexibility, and part-time and full-time options. Apply to multiple schools to give you options.
3. Gather your application materials.
Most applications require some combination of high school and college transcripts, recommendation letters, essays, etc. Note that if you have a balance due at a college, you may need to pay off your balance in order to access an official transcript.
Check prospective schools’ financial aid websites to determine what is required to apply for financial aid. Even if you are not eligible for federal or state financial aid, some schools might have funding to provide their own need or merit-based aid.
4. Build your support system.
Reflect on the challenges that came up on previous attempt(s) at college. How will you make sure that you are equipped to tackle those challenges this time around? Also, make sure you have folks like family members, friends, and mentors to cheer you on!
Are you ready to go back to college with our support?
Alray Scholars Program is a non-profit organization that provides scholarships and mentoring to BPS graduates who have started college, left, but who are committed to returning and earning their degree. Application deadlines are June 1 and October 15 each year. Check our eligibility requirements here.
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