Navigating the College Admissions Process as a Non-Traditional Student

Navigating the college application and admissions process as a non-traditional student can seem like a daunting task and even more so if you have been away from school for a lengthy time. Students applying to colleges while still in high school can seek assistance from guidance counselors, teachers, and advisors, but as a non-traditional student you may feel as if you're going through the process alone. Fortunately that's not the case--there's plenty of help if you know where to look and this guide can get you started in the right direction.

Applying to college as a non-traditional student
Most of the considerations for choosing a college have been already been discussed, but picking a school where you have a good chance of being accepted is also important. You may want to apply to a few "dream" schools even if you weren't the most dedicated student during your high school years, but you should also make a few more realistic choices. College admissions offices and school websites often publish the average high school grade point averages of their incoming freshman classes, which can be a good indication of the type of students the school attracts.

What you'll need for your college application
Admission requirements can vary so check with the specific schools on your wish list, but in general, most colleges request similar information from prospective students. Many schools prefer that applications be done online, but that can also differ by college. It is important to do some planning and submit a complete and organized admissions package with all the information the college needs to approve your application. As a non-traditional student you may be able to provide additional data that could give you an edge during the admission process and may even count as credits towards your degree after acceptance. The basic information most admissions offices ask for consists of the following:

Two other items colleges may ask for are an interview and/or a written essay. These are used to discern your ability to organize your thoughts and speak or write at a level the school expects their incoming freshmen to have achieved. Non-traditional students may want to include a couple of other documents in their application package. If you served in the military since leaving school, a list of your military schools and experiences can be helpful and may count as college credits after acceptance. If you have had a career or are still working, your job resume may also help get your application moved over to the accepted stack.

Receiving help with the college application process
Just because you have been out of high school for a while does not mean you cannot ask for assistance from your old teachers and guidance counselors. Most educators like to see their old students earning college degrees and are happy to assist in any way they can. College admission offices also have staffs that should be able to answer any of your questions concerning application to their school.

As a non-traditional student you also have access to websites, blogs, and college organizations that cater to non-traditional students. You can often receive assistance and advice from other non-traditional students who went through the same process.