Are you an adult learner who is interested in attending college? Whether you are returning to college to finish your degree, or this is your first time on a campus, the first step you’ll need to take is applying to the college. The college admissions process for adult learners can look a bit different from the process that students go through when they are attending college right out of high school. Luckily, there are many resources available to assist you.

Completing the College Application

Often, adult learners will need to submit the same items as traditional students when completing the college application. You will likely need to provide your transcripts from high school or any previous colleges you attended. If you need to submit a letter of recommendation, consider asking a supervisor or colleague.

Most colleges waive standardized test scores for people over the age of 25. Instead, they will sometimes offer a placement test. However, SAT scores may be required for certain institutional grants and scholarships. The College Board^® keeps a record of all scores, and they will still send them to your school upon request.

Selecting A College

Many colleges have programs geared toward adult learners. Lesley University offers the Center for the Adult Learner, which provides coaching, academic advising, and mentoring for adult learners looking to complete their bachelor’s degree. They also offer an opportunity for adult learners to receive up to 90 credits toward a bachelor’s degree from prior learning. These credits may be from:

• Previous college courses taken
• The Prior Learning Assessment that provides credits for learning experiences that took place outside of the classroom such as work experience, training programs, or volunteer service
• Standardized exams that test college-level knowledge, such as a CLEP exam
• Evaluated Non-College Sponsored Learning such as professional development programs, training offered by an employer, professional associations, community-based organizations, or military experience

UMass Amherst offers the University Without Walls program, which is designed to help adults complete their first bachelor’s degree. The program offers transfer credits for prior courses, professional training and certifications, miliary education, and credit exams. Students can also submit a written portfolio of essays about their work and life experience that can earn them up to 30 credits toward their degree.

Many other colleges offer similar programs. Contact the college you are interested in and see what resources they offer for adult learners.

MassReconnect

Through MassReconnect, community college in Massachusetts is free for students 25 years and older. MassReconnect students also receive an additional allowance for books and supplies. To be eligible for MassReconnect, a student must:

• Be age 25 or older
• Have been a resident of Massachusetts for at least one year
• Have earned a high school diploma or equivalent but not previously completed a postsecondary degree
• Have submitted the FAFSA or MASFA
• Be enrolled in 6 or more credits for an associate degree or certificate program at a community college

There is not a separate application to participate in MassReconnect. Simply fill out the admissions application for the community college you wish to enroll in and the FAFSA or MASFA, and if you meet the requirements, you will be eligible for MassReconnect. Contact the college if you have specific questions.

The Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges also offers resources to make returning to college as an adult as easy as possible at community colleges in Massachusetts. Through Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), students can earn credits for learning outside of a college classroom, such as workplace training, military service, and volunteering. This tool offers a great way to see which community college may be best for you based on your prior learning experience.

For more information on returning to college as an adult, read our article, 5 Common Myths About Returning to College as an Adult, or listen to our podcast episode, Returning to College as an Adult.