Getting Started with your education

To get started....

Some documents and items needed:

• Government issued ID
• High school or College transcripts
• Application fee (if applicable)
• Tax documents to complete Financial Aid

Once a individual has completed all the necessary research and determined what school is right for him, follow these steps:

• First, complete the Federal Student Aid application 
• This application is used to see if you are eligible for any grants
• After being approved for a grant, contact the school of choice. 
• Unsure of how to complete the Student Aid form? 
• Contact the school of choice to have them process it.
• First time applying? Student should consult with parents for assistance
• If a student is not eligible for financial aid, he must consider paying for education out of pocket, check with his employer to see if any resources are available or research any available loans or scholarships (see topic on loans and grants)
• Important: Students who have recently graduated from high school will need their parents information to complete the Financial Aid documents, so don't go empty-handed.

Registration

• Choose a program (i.e. accounting, nursing, etc)
• Contact the school of choice
• Complete application and pay application fee if applicable
• First time in college, complete transcript request for GED or High school Diploma
• Attended college before? Request transcripts from each institution
• Be sure all information has been properly completed and submit to school's admissions office or applicable department.

Books and Supplies

• The Federal Grant should take care of supplies if approved
• In this case, be sure to review the necessary documents to obtain a financial aid voucher
• The voucher will be used to purchase books and supplies
• If financial aid is not available, consider a funding source for books and supplies prior to first day of class.

Orientation

• Upon being accepted, gather all information to prepare for orientation. 
• Most school's orientation processes may vary, so be sure to get all documentation needed.
• An adviser will be assigned, so ask as many questions as possible. 

Don't miss your first day of class. Online schooling is different from physically attending class, but there will be an equal amount of orientation available for this as well.

Always read materials given. Ask questions and stay focused!

Education is free Now!!! Are you getting one? 

Although our economy is obviously in a mad struggle, we continue to receive monies from sources such as the Lottery to fund education. Federal Grants have been set aside to assist you with paying for your education. 

No need to cry….Just apply! Financial Aid Website

Most people are sitting around probably thinking they can go at any time and the training will always be there. I am not so sure about that. The way things are constantly changing in our economy, I would not bet on it. If you have time, go back to school. If you don't have time, make time. You are not just going for you, you are going for your family.  See video about "Keeping College Affordable and Within Reach: President Obama and Secretary of Education (2012)"                                            

With so many different avenues for attending school, there is no excuse for saying, "I cannot go because..." Between 2000 and 2010, the growth of students enrolled in degree-granting institutions increased 37 percent from 15.3 million to 21.0 million; With much of the growth being full-time enrollment. (National Center for Education Statistics 2012).

Apply for financial aid while it is available

With Federal funding being primary, another advantage of capitalizing on the opportunity for going back to school; is the massive array of Online Colleges that are available. Attending college online is convenient for single moms and dads or anyone who does not have the transportation or time to go to a physical class setting. Online instruction is set up to simulate the actual college classroom. It will never take the place of the actual class setting, but it is designed to provide the same convenience. This is an awesome advantage for getting started, but I must warn you that just as it is a must that you research anything else you decide to take part in, you must research schools as well.

Not all schools are accredited. This is not designed to scare you, but to make you aware that a key role in becoming educated is learning how to do research before you enroll. View link: http://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation.html

The best way to get the bugs out; (eliminate the doubt) is to visit your local college campus. You will be able to talk face to face with a Financial Aid Advisor who can lead you in the right direction. Don’t worry if you do not plan to attend that particular school, most institutions are set up to assist you with any questions you may have regarding your educational needs. You may want to ask the following questions.

• How do I begin preparing for college?
• What types of aid do I get?
• Do I qualify for aid?
• How do I apply for aid?                    
• What about loans? Do I need them? 
• How do I manage my loans?

If you are unable to visit your local educational institution, please log on to the U.S. Department of Education Website:  http://www.ed.gov. That is all for now, please visit my next blog entitled “Getting Started with your education."