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. Get your transcript from any college(s) you have attended to see how many credits you have.
Contact the Registrar and request a copy of your unofficial transcript for your own records. You will need to request a formal copy when you apply to college, but this will give you an idea of how many credits you still need to graduate. Keep in mind that if you have an outstanding balance due at the college, they may not release your transcript until it is paid.
2. Do a “student loan audit.”
How much debt do you already have from past student loans, both federal and private? Visit American Student Assistance at the Boston Public Library at Copley Square to get free help with this. Bring a copy of all your loan information with you. ASA will also help you determine how much federal aid you may qualify for and offer assistance with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSFA). If your employer has a Human Resources department, ask if your company offers tuition assistance. And research available scholarships—ASA has a lot of information on this.
3. Do your homework when choosing what school is right for you.
Consider things like transportation (is it on the T? Do you have to pay for parking?); flexibility in accommodating adult learner schedules (you don’t want to have one class at 8:15 a.m. and another at 6:30 p.m.); how do they rate on collegescorecard.ed.gov, a free website that helps you compare graduation rates and starting salaries?; do they offer the degree that you are interested in?; how many of your credits will they accept?; and very important, CAN YOU AFFORD IT? Meet with an advisor or representative at the college to get the answers to any questions you have. And if you plan to take classes online, make sure you know what’s really involved. If you’ve never taken an online class before, consider taking one as a trial to make sure it’s compatible with your learning style.
4. Think about your personal situation and your support network.
What made you leave college last time? Has that been resolved? Do you have a stable housing situation? Appropriate childcare? A job that can accommodate your college schedule? Does your job offer a tuition reimbursement benefit? Friends and family who will encourage and help you? Make sure you set yourself up for success this time around!
Are you ready to go back to college?
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. Are you eligible to apply? Check out our eligibility page on our website www.alray.org
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