If you have decided to head back to school, there are several steps you will need to take in order to get accepted into the school of your choice. While these steps may vary slightly depending upon the school you attend, the basic steps associated with the admission process is essentially the same from one school to the next. Therefore, the more prepared you are for the process, the less stressful it will be for you.

Step #1: The Application

No matter where you decide to go to school, you will need to complete an application. Depending upon the school you are planning to attend, the application process may be relatively simple or it can be quite complex. Obviously, you will need to provide the school with basic information such as your name, address and phone number, but you will also likely need to provide the school with copies of your high school transcripts or transcripts from any other college you have attended.

Step #2: The Essay

In many cases, you will also need to complete some sort of essay when completing the application. The essay is generally used to help the school get a better idea of the type of person you are. This way, the school can determine if you would be a good fit for its demographics. Don’t worry to much about the essay – just try to show the college board who you really are (while still being certain to follow proper essay writing guidelines).

Step #3: Meeting Deadlines

The most important part of the application process is to get it turned in on time. Traditionally, most colleges require their applications to be received between December 15 and February 1. Increasingly, however, more colleges are accepting applications at any time throughout the year. Schools that operate on abbreviated schedules or other non-traditional schedules will often accept applications throughout the year. Similarly, online schools usually are less stringent about when they will accept applications.

Step #4: Wait

After you have sent your application to the school, it is now time for you to play the waiting game. During this time period, your application will be reviewed by the admissions board. In many cases, a group made up of alumni, former admission officers, graduate students and even the spouses of faculty members will complete the initial round of application reviews. Those who pass through this stage will then be reviewed by a staff member who is assigned to review applications from a particular geographic area. If you make it past this step, you may either be accepted or you may need to move on to step #5.

Step #5: The Interview

Some colleges and universities require applicants to complete an interview process before final acceptance into the college. This is another way for the school to determine if you would make a good fit for the school. It may also be a time for you to demonstrate your abilities. If you are applying to a music school, for example, you may need to perform for the board so they can assess your skills.
Try not to get too nervous about this step, as your nerves can prevent you from showing who you really are. To help alleviate your nerves, try running through a mock interview with a friend or family member. This way, you can be prepared for the questions you will be asked and can be more at ease at your interview.