Rewarding yourself with a GED diploma is a huge accomplishment; your hard work paid off and is worth it. Many recent GED graduates want to attend college and universities; however, they do not know about the process and requirements of getting into college after passing the GED test.
The process of applying for college seems quite challenging, but it is easier than it looks. Therefore, this guide will explain six steps to apply for college after your GED test.
Candidates have to follow 6 steps for college after passing the GED test.
1. Look into schools
Before applying for college and university after the GED diploma, it is better to conduct good research on colleges, including important factors like geographic location, academic fees, programs, and placements. Usually, offline programs are much costlier than online programs. So candidates should consider online programs also because they take online classes at any college or state university. The accelerated program is another flexible way to earn a bachelor's degree, which provides a non-traditional online college experience. In such programs, you will get to work with an academic counselor to create a customized degree plan that suits your budget, plan, and class schedule.
While researching colleges, look into colleges' alumni programs in which you will have a clear vision of the number of graduates who find full-time placements and job offers in their respective fields.
The community college also accepts students with GED diplomas with 2-year programs. Community colleges have small classes so that you will experience one-on-one instruction. These colleges come under an affordable budget. Almost every community college partners with a state school so that when you complete the associate degree, you automatically transfer to 4-year college programs as a junior.
2. Contact the admission department
Once you select the college to join after the GED test, which is suitable for your qualifications and offers the program of your choice, you have to contact the admission department.
You have to submit the necessary personal and academic documents as follows:
- An application form
- An application fee or a fee waiver
- A FAFSA form for federal grants and loans
- Copies of your GED diploma and transcripts, and standardized test scores
- Proof of identity and residence
- High school transcripts
3. Write the outstanding essay
The incoming students must write a good essay along with the application form. So, you must allow yourself a significant amount of time to write an outline. Once you complete the essay writing, ask professionals or your guide for final edits. The essays have no such word limit, but some inspirational essays carry a word limit between 600-800 words. The essay theme could be a story about yourself and an achievement you recently made.
4. Ask for recommendation letters
The recommendation letters are typically requirements to apply for college. So, try to arrange a minimum of 3 references one or two weeks before the final due. A great and authentic recommendation letter will increase your chances of getting your dream college and program.
You can ask former teachers, employers, school counselors, instructors, and local leaders or trainers. The recommendation letters should be from authentic and reputed organizations.
5. Consider financial aid
Create a detailed list of colleges with academic tuition fees and related other expenses, including colleges that provide financial aid if possible. While performing the college research, inquire about fee waiver for every application fee. Candidates should also consider their eligibility for federal student aid while looking into colleges. If they have a chance to get financial aid, apply for it also.
6. Look for scholarships
Candidates should find the status of scholarships offered by the college after the GED diploma. They can find scholarships that are related to their background, including
- Location/community
- College
- Major
- Ethnic background
- Religion
- Gender
- Income bracket
- Hobbies/interests
- Sports of choice
- Age
You can find the entire database of scholarships offered by colleges and state universities. Just consider connecting with the Financial Aid Department at your school of choice.
