Applying for college is a powerful step toward a better life. College graduates have median weekly earnings that are $502 higher than those with just a high school diploma.
Their unemployment rates are lower, and they’re safer in an economic downturn. A college degree can change the course of someone’s entire life. Despite these benefits, the path to a degree for many adult students is windy and uphill. For example, many students leave college before completing their degree. Others struggle to fit college into their already busy lives, straining both their personal and professional endeavors.
That doesn’t mean the benefits of a degree are out of reach though. Applying for college as an adult offers a second shot at the life you deserve. Here’s how to make the process easier.
Compare College Options
The college application process should begin well before you download an application and start gathering recommendation letters. Like many other students, you may be tempted to simply apply to the first school you stumble across or to the university where you started your degree. Although there are hundreds of great schools, what’s most important is finding the one that’s the right fit for you. Some questions to ask as you compare colleges include:
- What accreditations does this school hold?
- If I choose to transfer, will my credits go with me?
- What support services does the school offer? Can I get help with my financial aid application?
- How flexible is the class schedule? Can I take online or night classes?
- What specific degree programs does the school offer?
- How successful are graduates from this school?
- Is the school a brick-and-mortar university with an online component, or is it an online-only school?
- When are the application deadlines?
- Who teaches classes, and what are their qualifications?
- What is the school’s reputation? Do employers respect a degree from this institution?
- Does the school help students find gainful employment? What are the post-graduation employment rates in the program I am considering?
- What is the school culture like? Are there extracurricular activities or other ways to connect with classmates?
“It's okay to submit an application at more than one school! You should explore your options to make sure you select the institution that will best fit your learning style and education goals.”
Sarah Alexander
SNU Enrollment Counselor
Choose Your Ideal Program
You’re returning to college so you can shape a brighter tomorrow. Stack the odds in your favor by choosing the right program. Some things to consider as you weigh your degree options include:
- What do people in the field say about their work? Try interviewing a few people who have the job you want.
- What is the unemployment rate in this field? What are the average earnings? The Bureau of Labor Statistics is a great resource for accessing this data.
- Is this field growing or contracting? How might technological or economic changes affect my earnings and my career potential?
- What specific training do I need to work in this field? In some industries, a college degree is a prerequisite, but not enough. Make sure you’re prepared to finish the entire course of training you need.
- What do I enjoy doing? What am I good at? Make sure your dreams align with your talents.
- What will it cost to complete the degree I have chosen?
- Does my chosen school have a good reputation for this specific degree program?
- Are there any programs that can help me fund my degree or reduce my debt load? Some employers help fund education in related fields, and a few jobs offer student loan forgiveness after a set number of years of service.
Select the Best Time to Apply
At many schools, you’re working with an application deadline that may mean a long wait to apply and an even longer time before you start school. SNU offers rolling start dates and students can apply any time.This allows them to begin school sooner and finish more quickly. If you choose a school with more flexible start times, you’ll need to consider how applying for college fits into your schedule. Some factors to weigh include:
- Do I have enough time to assemble a compelling application by my ideal application date?
- What time would be ideal for me to start college? Do I have an upcoming lull in work, or will I have more childcare soon?
- What can I do now to carve out more time in my schedule in the coming months?
- How does college fit into my long- and short-term goals? Are there other things I want to accomplish first, or do I hope to complete college as quickly as possible?
Implement Strategies to Make Applying to College Easier
At SNU, your initial application takes just five minutes. Of course, even when applications are easy, there's a lot to think about on the road to your first day of school. These tips can make the process easier.
- Commit to making a master plan. Sit down with your calendar and list of deadlines, and itemize each thing you have to do. Don’t stop at just a to-do list though. Break each item into smaller steps, and set clear deadlines. You might set out to get your recommendation letters by the end of the week or commit to emailing about your transcripts by next week.
- Plan for the non-academic side of college. You may need to shift your work schedule, line up childcare for the kids, or get your spouse to pitch in more around the house. Make a list of these tasks, too, then assign a deadline to each of them. You should have a clear idea of what your schedule will look like during school well before you start college.
- Apply for financial aid as early as possible. No one wants to start school with uncertainty about how they’ll fund their education. SNU’s financial aid office can help you compare financial aid options and complete your application.
- Find ways to stay on track and remain motivated. Going back to school means less time over the short term, so you must implement strategies to remind yourself of the long game. Make a list of key motives, and put it somewhere prominent.
Know What Enrollment Officers Want
Getting into college is no longer just about grades or standardized tests. Indeed, some schools don’t even require SAT or ACT scores from adult learners, and SNU is one of them. So what are admissions officers seeking in an increasingly competitive academic world? They want students who stand out, who offer something unique, and who can fit with their school’s unique culture.
At SNU, we embrace diversity. We want students who aspire to holistic greatness, not just academic achievement. We’re in the business of helping good people become transformative leaders who improve their communities, families, and businesses. The best way to get our attention is to highlight what you have already done and detail what you hope to achieve with your degree.
Don’t Forget About Prior Learning
If it’s been awhile since you were in school, you might have forgotten about your previous classes. They can still help you graduate. At SNU, students can get credit for many types of prior learning, including military service, life experience, workplace training, and transfer credits. Our prior learning assessment offers up to a year of undergraduate academic credit for free, and that's on top of any transfer credits for which you are eligible.
Prior learning should figure prominently in your assessment of which school to apply to because it can make a huge difference in how long it takes to graduate and the cost. So ask about an assessment well before you apply. Once you get accepted, sign up for a prior learning evaluation as soon as possible. This can give you a significant head start that will keep you motivated to continue pushing forward from the first day through the last.
“Be sure to contact all of the colleges that you have attended to get your transcripts; it will make the process faster. We are here to help, so feel free to reach out with any questions.”
Nina Singh
SNU Enrollment Counselor
How SNU Helps
SNU specializes in supporting adult learners with versatile programs that you can seamlessly integrate into your life. You'll study alongside a cohort of other adults who will evolve into your professional network. Choose between an online-only model or taking classes in person just one night a week. We can help you decide on the right financial aid package, and you can start on a rolling basis rather than deferring your dreams as you wait for the new school year to begin.
Ready to take the next step in your journey back to education? Stay tuned for continuous college success strategies and tips for applying to college by subscribing to our blog.
