For adults returning to college, often the most difficult part of getting started is navigating the admissions process. Fortunately, many schools now feature separate application forms and admissions processes for adults who have been out of school for a number of years. They also conduct open houses to help adults learn more about the school and its programs. These programs are normally held in the evening or on weekends. Attending one of these events is a good way to get to know the college, learn about the services it offers, and ask questions.

Some of the topics you will want to explore when researching colleges and applying for admission include:

Transfer and Testing

Check with each school to determine their policies on accepting transfer credits. You may be able to transfer in credits earned from:

• Previous course work;

• Standardized tests such as CLEP, DANTES, and Regents exams (formerly ACT PEP).
  • For CLEP testing centers, preparation, and frequently asked questions about the exams, visit www.collegeboard.com/clep.
  • For information on DANTES, visit www.dantes.doded.mil, the official DANTES website.
  • Excelsior College (www.regents.edu/099.htm) offers more than 40 examinations that allow adults to demonstrate their college-level knowledge

• Training through the military or your workplace.

Like many other adults, you may have accumulated many college credits but never earned a degree. If so, an external degree program might be right for you. According to External Degrees in the Information Age, these programs allow adults to transfer in a large portion of their previous coursework, reducing the amount of time needed to earn a degree. Ask an admissions officer if this type of program is offered at their institution.

To avoid unpleasant surprises later, be sure to get a full accounting of how your previous coursework will be counted. As for testing, many adult students avoid having to take or retake a standard admissions test such as the ACT or SAT. As a rule, community colleges do not require these tests and many four-year colleges will exempt adult students from this admissions requirement. Again, find out the policy at the institutions where you intend to apply.

The Admissions Application

Once you've narrowed down your list of potential accredited schools, call their admissions offices and ask if they have an application for returning adults. You might also ask to speak with an advisor who specializes in adult admissions.

Adult Student Services

Many colleges have separate centers for adults. These offices typically offer support services and counseling tailored to meeting adult needs throughout the college experience. The terms usually associated with these adult specific services are: re-entry, office of adult services, returning adult services, life-long learning, non-traditional student services, or continuing studies. For an example of the services offered by an office of adult students, visit www.sa.psu.edu/cals/.

Getting Oriented

Many colleges host adult student orientation sessions to answer questions about admissions, adult services, and student life for older students. Check with the admissions office at the school where you are intending to apply.