How do I become a full time student!?

Question

I dropped out of school in the 9th grade. I have a G.E.D. and I want to get into college. Ive never taken the s.a.t. and i have no credits. oh and before i forget to mention im now 30 years old. i lost my licenses when i was 21 for drinking and driving and havn't been able to get them back because i kept driving. I went threw a bad relationship and ive had to return home to my mothers house. She lives with her cousin and neither work. the draw a check from SSI for 700 each mounthly. Im stuck in the country with no way out. my mom cant hardly afford to feed us. out fridge is bare. She doesnt want me to get a job and help she wants me out. but because of my work history all moving over seas i have no verifiable contacts. so im needing to better myself. I stop all drugs even cigarettes over 2 years ago and have promised to stay clean and sober forever. I dont even have the slightest urge to return to my old ways. Im in a bad place in life and need good advice, can anyone help me please?

Answer 1

With all due regard to the ITT Techs and U. of Phoenix's of the world, that is not the path that I would select. Virtually every public community college in America has open enrollment if you have a hs diploma/GED, which you say you possess. Most don't require an ACT or SAT. Some do, however, require you to take a little placement exam, but you can generally take those on the campus of the college and they usually don't cost anything. If they do, its something like $5 to have it graded.

The great thing about Community Colleges is that they are generally cheaper than ITT Tech/U of Phoenix and they offer transferability of credits to other colleges and universities. So, no reason you couldn't ultimately earn a degree from the University of (Your State Here). Generally speaking, those other schools do not. A lot of community college systems have started teaching courses online, so you get the same benefits of setting your own schedule, but with all the benefits of an accredited institution of higher learning.

As far as the financial side goes, have you looked at the info the Department of Education puts online, specifically about the FAFSA? If not, the link is below. There is some great info about programs and funding. Also, if you decide to go the community college route, call the financial aid office of your local school. There are often special programs for those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, which sounds like could be you. As many of these are local/state programs, they would be the ones to help you out.

Whatever you decide to do, good luck! And congratulations. Its an impressive decision you have made, just deciding to better yourself.

Answer 2

Your best bet for school would be to look into a techinical school. something like itt tech or university of phoenix. they're both really great at helping you move on w/ life by getting you into a career that you can actually make money doing. they both have flexible schedules to accomadate people who have to work. I'd also recommend taking it slow at first. even people who have a full education can burn out quick being a full time student right off the bat. Try just taking two classes at first. One class you need to take, and one class that you just want to take because it interests you.
good luck
www.itt-tech.edu
www.phoenixdegrees.com

Answer 3

Hi Joseph
as you said before you want to be clean , so keep your good work, and be more nice with yourself, also don't let yourself lose in nowhere because you are just a sad and miserable, I passed this situation before, my uncle has destroyd mylife because his daughter loved me and I left the college because of that, now i returned to college to complete what i left before, all that happened because I have the hope, don't lose the hope otherwise u will lose your rest life for nothing.
because i'm hurry i typed that little advice, can u wait me for more speech with u by chat, this is my e-mail to chat:
[e-mail]
your friend
J53