24yo that wants to go back to college. How do I do it?

[TaylorC]

Hi, I am so lost about how to get back into the college world. I need my high school guidance counselor again! I have been out of school for 5 years. I completed my freshman year at Rutgers University in NJ and then left. I really want to go back now that my financial aid will go under myself. I am recently unemployed after working a manager's position for 2 years and figure this is the perfect time to go back. Do I need to transfer my Rutgers credits (even if the grades were not that good), or can I start over from nothing? Any information would be greatly appreciated. I am considering a degree in veterinary medicine and I know this is 8 years of work ahead of me and $ is limited.Thanks!

[Emily2042]

You should apply to the college you want to go to, you may need to order high school and college transcripts and have them sent to the new school. You can start over from nothing if you want but why? Even if you get one or two of your old credits moved over it is worth it. The applications to most colleges are pretty helpful, if you go to the new school they should help guide you through the process.

[cavetea]

Find schools that offer the program you want to study. Call the admissions office of each institution and tell them your story. They will give you guidance. Choose a program that gives you the educational experience you desire, and one where you can make professional/social connections for being mentored. My advice, now that you are more mature is...Just do it! Don't worry about the money, this is an investment in your future. 24 y/o is young, make the decision and follow through. Your life and the life of your loved one's will be blessed because of this choice you are making.

[Elie5334]

I don't think you can start from nothing. When you fill out applications they ask that you send transcripts from any academic institutions you have been at. I think there will be more harm in NOT sending your scores from Rutgers. Plus, it has been 5-years, so do not worry too much if the grade aren't fabulous. I am sure you will need to take the SATs again, as well. (Check on this, not sure when they expire, probably 5 years.)I would suggest checking out the college guides section in a bookstore. There are a few books out there for older students going back to college. Also, since you have an advantage in that you KNOW what you would like to do specifically, I would tailor your college choice to one with a strong program in your field of interest. That way you can work with professors who are top in what you're interested in. So do not just pick schools based on the general rankings of the university, but their strength in the field you know you will go into. Best of luck.

[Gangstalicious8066]

Honey you can do it!!! I decided to go back to school at the age of 24 years old. I had also only completed my freshman year at a private university. So I had to pay off my tuition at the private university I previously attended. And yes my grades were not that great either. However, when I decided to go back to school I did have a job. So I made the decision to transfer my credits to a local community college since the tuition was very cheap. It took me 1 year to complete my A.A. in Psychology degree and in Aug. 2007 I graduated. However, I worked and attended college full-time. Trust me it can be done; make sure that you prioritize. I would make 2 week schedule plan for work and school. I followed it to a "T." When I left community college I transferred my A.A. and additional credits to a public 4 year university. My counselor stated that since I took so many psychology course at the first university I attended I will graduate much sooner (Dec. of this year). You want to know something else I don't even have the luxury of receiving financial aid because my student loans are in default. But I didn't let that stop me from continuing my education. I plan on further my education by M.A. in School Counseling. So I will be done with school for good by 2010.