How do I get into college if I didn't graduate high school?

Question

I made some mistakes earlier in my life, and now I'm trying to get my life together. People are trying to get me to go to college, but they don't realize I haven't graduated high school. I want to take up computer science, but I don't know if any college will accept me since I didn't graduate high school.

Answer 1

The two options I know of are:
1) get your GED and then go to college.
2) Go to a community college (2 year type) and take their entrance exam. This will determine what remediation you will need before starting their computer programs.

Answer 2

I believe you can get a GED (General Educational Development Testing) Its a exam that will allow you to prove that you know enough to be equivalent of a high school graduate. (Which in California not really that much) and try to apply to a college. Yet your best shot is probably going to be a community college to get your college career started. Try to complete your general education at a community college since they are relatively cheap and scheduling is easier. Then after a about two years with good grades you can transfer to a university or college that has a computer science program. I really give you credit for going back. I highly respect people that can admit their mistakes and make changes in their lives. Good luck!!!

Answer 3

Study for and get a GED first. Take a couple of classes at your local community college for a couple of semesters to get a feel of what college is like. From what I heard, the level of difficulty between community college classes and regular colleges/universities are pretty much the same even though community colleges often get stereotyped as being "easy".Try to find a community college with classes related to computer science to build up your skills.Take math classes too of course. Do very well and try to transfer to a college or university. Colleges and universities like to see an applicant that sincerely wants to get the most out of their education and can prove it by their transcripts.

P.S. If you're trying for a 4 year-degree at a university/college, make sure the classes you take over at the community college can transfer over there as it saves a lot of time, money and headaches -especially General Education Classes. Tuition at community colleges is a lot cheaper so it's better to spend money on those classes there than at the university. Anyways, wish you luck!

Answer 4

You need to at least get your GED. Once you have that, you can apply to a local community college. More likely than not, they will have open admissions, which means they will accept you with a diploma or GED. Once you start there, you caneither go for two years and receive an associate's degree, or you can transfer to a four-year college or university to work on your bachelor's degree in computer.

Check with some of the schools in your area. They should be able to point you to an Adult Education class, where you can get your GED, and most of those programs are free; you just pay for the materials (books).

I applaud you for wanting to get your life together, and I wish you the best.

Answer 5

I never went to high-school or took a GED - but, I have a bachelors degree in math.

You can enter a community college with no problem - they will give you placement tests to tell you what courses to sign up for. Quite often, people go to community colleges to complete their general coursework --- the courses that must be taken regardless of major (e.g. ENG 101 & 102, math, science, language courses etc). You can transfer up to 64 credits to a four-year degree. Furthermore, community colleges are much cheaper and are a more supportive environment for "returning" students.

If you finish your general coursework at a community college with good grades, you can get into most universities easily.

Answer 6

They do have what they call is adult high school. The government have ,should, those program for those who want to finish high school stuff so they can go to college. However, depending on what education you have some will take you in for something carpentry for example. Just ask any colleges about it and they will lead to an career counselor. Good luck.

Answer 7

I have two friends that have A.A degrees and they don't have a h.s diploma. The best way to go about doing this is enrolling into a community college. If your trying to get financial aid they'll just make you take a test in order to recieve aid. Spring semester will be starting in January so if you really want to do this I suggest you look into it now. GOOD LUCK!

Answer 8

Anyone over 18 can go to a Community College. You can get an AA degree there, then transfer to a state or private University.

Answer 9

contact the colleges you are interested in attending and ask them about alternative entry requirements.
I'm not sure where you are, but in Australia, for example, a mature age student has the opportunity to have their life experience considered.
There are many life skills you could have that will help you with your study. The ability to apply yourself, self-discipline, time-management skills, the ability to focus and not be distracted by people calling you to go party.
mature age students tend to do well at university... even balancing your check book and being responsible for yourself are valuable qualities.
it's a big step to take, and most take it with their eyes wide open to the challenges they will face, but determined to try regardless.
good luck :)

Answer 10

go to a community college
sign up for ged testing...
ged is high school dip equiv.

once you get ged....
take community college classes..
cheaper and can transfer to a four year college later.