So you want to go to college?

By: Amy George - English Instructor at Southwestern Assemblies of God University

Listen Now

The thought of attending college can be exciting and stressful. After all, it’s a big change. You may not even know what you want to study. Many questions must be considered, but one of the hardest can simply be: Where do I start?

Here are some steps to take to get the information you need to make a good decision.

If you’re not sure what you want to study, look at school websites, particularly at their degree plans and catalogs.

These will tell you what programs and courses are offered. Ask yourself, What do I enjoy? What areas am I naturally strong in? You may find a particular degree that fits your interests and strengths.

TIP: Look at both traditional on-campus programs and online programs. Call and ask to speak to an admissions counselor, who will be able to answer any questions you have about the admittance process or the degrees offered.

Make yourself aware of the standard requirements for the universities.

These are typically found under Admissions on college websites. Most schools will accept a GED or a high school transcript. If you didn’t earn a high school diploma, many communities have GED testing centers who will help you through the process.

If any test scores are required, such as ACT or SAT scores, prepare to take the needed test. Local testing centers can be found online.

TIP: No computer? WRITE letters. Keep copies and keep sending until you get the answers you need!

Don’t be afraid to call and ask for whatever information you need. The school representatives are used to answering all kinds of questions.

Furthering your education is a huge step, but you never have to go it alone.

Call the admissions counselor.
You can make this call at any stage in the process. Be ready to ask specific questions, especially if you cannot find the answers online. What are the basic admittance requirements? When are your school’s application deadlines? What financial aid opportunities does your school offer (institutional scholarships, loans, federal grants)?

TIP: For general information on federal loans and what you are eligible to receive, you will need to fill out a FAFSA form. You can find information on federal student aid opportunities at studentaid.gov

Once you’ve done this homework, you can speak to an admissions counselor about the application process! Your school has people ready to walk you through the process. Don’t worry, you are not committing to school until you are accepted and you agree to it.

If you are incarcerated, most prisons now are very big on education and many have college programs. There are also online programs that many prisons can access.

First things first. if you don’t have one a high school diploma, then sign up and get your GED. Once you have that in hand, speak to your Education Director or Classification Officer and inquire if the facility has a College Education program. Ask what the requirements are to apply.

If the facility does not have on-site courses, then ask about online or correspondence studies. And if college isn’t for you, many prisons also have a lot of PRIDE/TECH programs to help with a trade upon release. Prison chaplains are also a great resource on information!

~ Raeanne Hance, Global Director, God Behind Bars