A Guided Path: The first step’s the hardest

The hardest part of a journey is the first step. I remember in my early years as a registrar I had a non-traditional-aged woman come to me and declare that she finally had made it through the door of the college. She told me that she had been wanting to go back to school for a number of years, and even had made it to the parking lot three different times, only to leave because she just couldn’t see herself becoming a student again.

Once in my office, she tried to give up and leave several times, but we just kept her moving from one step to another, answering all the questions that she came up with and disproving any notions that she couldn’t survive in our classes.

One of the proudest moments of my career at South Arkansas Community College was when I completed the graduation application for a 73-yearold great-grandmother who, after she had raised her children and her grandchildren, had decided to come back to school to work on her degree. She told me that all her life she had wanted to be a college graduate. Her children all had gotten college degrees, her grandchildren were well on their way, and she decided, “This is my time.”

So, I understand what a scary thing it is to take a giant leap of faith. I know that there are many of you who have serious doubts about the process of getting into college and getting a degree. Usually, though, it is just a matter of getting started.

I appreciate how high your anxiety level can be when applying to college, but simply knowing the necessary steps for enrolling can go a long way to de-mystifying the process. Typically, all you have to do is go to a college’s website and look for a link that takes you to an online application. Click on that tab and fill out the information, and you’re on your way. Just that easily, you will have started on the path to a college degree.

Other requirements for admission usually include an official copy of your high-school transcript or general educational development test, proof that you have had two measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations as required by the state health department and standardized test scores (e.g., ACT, SAT, COMPASS). If you ever have attended college at another school, you will need a copy of that transcript, too.

If you don’t have a computer or prefer to do business face-to-face, you always can go in person to the college, where the staff will be glad to walk you through the process. If you never have taken the ACT, don’t worry; many schools have a test you can take right there on campus.

Once all your admissions paperwork is complete, you will need to check with the college’s financial aid office to see if you qualify for any grants or scholarships. The good news is that most people do. Often there also is help with childcare and transportation for qualified students.

Finally, you will need to meet with an advisor, who will help you pick out your classes and arrange your schedule. Remember to discuss any previous experiences or military training you may have had in case the college is able to award you credit for your prior learning experiences.

Again, the first step is the hardest. But the journey is well worth taking.