How to Enroll in College
Whether you are a senior in high school or an adult who wants to get a degree, enrolling in college is the first step toward achieving your goal. With the number of schools available, you may find it daunting to navigate all the ins and outs to find the institution best matching your needs. But if you do some research and meet all the deadlines for enrollment, you will soon be on your way to attending college.
Instructions
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Research schools to determine what institution meets all your criteria. Purchase U.S. News & World Reports' annual survey of colleges, or visit websites to obtain profiles on hundreds of colleges. List potential schools and write down tuition, admission requirements and unique qualities for each institution. Get advice from your high school guidance counselor or from an admissions officer if you are not in high school.
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Fill out an admissions application for the school you select. Many schools allow you to submit your application online, as well as through the mail.
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Review your acceptance package, which provides information such as the beginning of the school term and tuition due dates.
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Apply for financial assistance (if applicable) by calling the school's aid office. The school can provide you with information on all loans available to you, as well as any grants or scholarships for which you qualify. The most common type of federal loan application is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which you can access on the Internet.
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Register for classes by attending a registration session. Submit any legal or vaccination documents required for official registration. Select your schedule of classes and pay your tuition. Some schools allow you to pay a portion of the tuition at registration and the remainder during your first semester.
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Tips & Warnings
If you plan on living on or near campus, apply for housing as soon as you receive your acceptance letter.
Check with the school's registrar to see if you can register for classes online.