How to go back to college
How I did it: I was in a starting-then-stopping rut. I kept getting something wrong with financial aid, and then just... backing away again. It doesn't help.
You have to dive in there, and just DO IT!
I went in to the actual community college of my choice, right in the middle of a semester. I TALKED to them. I told them what I wanted, why I wanted to go back to college. I WENT to the Advising Center. I WENT to the Financial Aid office. I just kept going back in person, and actually checking in on my paperwork- how was it coming along? Did they need anything else?
That was the magic bean that grew the magic beanstalk! Going in, In Person- I was able to produce everything they needed, and by handing it in, In Person, I was able to be SURE they got it and stamped it with the date received too!
I got Financial Aid, and I applied for Loans that I would need as well. I am now registered for the classes that start in a week! Perfect!
Lessons & tips: Absolutely KEEP GOING IN. Don't give up. If you go in every week, be super-polite, positive, and friendly! Just tell them you're eager to make sure everything is OK- what is the next step please, and is there anything else they need from you? Follow up on anything that is not done- go back In Person the next time you need to bring them paperwork- don't rely on faxes or mail! Things get lost, or shuffled, or just not stamped and put in your file! Go In Person and watch them date-stamp it. :)
Also? Be SUPER friendly. Even if you're feeling depressed, pop in and say Hi, and SMILE, and apologize if you ask a 'stupid' question- just Say SO: "I have a stupid question, but I need to make sure I know how to... <whatever>" They are very quick to help, if you let them know yes, it may be basic, but you genuinely don't KNOW. And you NEED to know!!
Resources: I used my college's Online Services a LOT. I went to the homepage, I checked dates there often! I read all the information they had to offer, including the steps for getting registered, getting financial aid, everything! This really made it easier to stop 'wanting' to go to college, and actually Get In There and Do It!!!
