Admissions & Enrollment Center

FAQs for Adult College Students

1. I've never been (or I'm returning after many years) to college, where do I start? Who will walk me through the process step-by-step?
2. Am I too old for college? Will I fit in?
3. Will I be able to do the school work?
4. Will there be a lot of 18 year olds in the class?
5. Do I have to have a high school diploma or GED?
6. I didn't do well in high school/previous college, can I still come to Schoolcraft?
7. I'm older and I just want to take one class, do I have to apply?
8. I haven't been in college for a while, will my previous credits still count?
9. I am here from another country. Do I need to take the TOEFL?
10. How do I manage homework, job and kids?
11. Is child care available?
12. Since I work, could I complete a program on-line?
13. I am only taking one class, do I need a placement test?
14. I have a 2 or 4 year degree from another school do I need to take a placement test?
15. Can I test out of classes to finish more quickly?
16. I was young and foolish and got bad grades... can I get rid of the old grades?
17. What's a realistic course load?
18. Will this schooling really help me to find a job, even at my age?
19. How can I decide what would be the best career for me?
20. Can I work on campus?
21. What's the quickest academic path to a career where I can make a good salary?
22. How can I possibly afford the tuition?
23. How am I going to fund classes when I don't have the money? Also, what scholarships are available?
24. What is the best way to apply for financial aid?
25. When should I apply for financial aid?
26. How do I apply for Student Loans?
27. Which scholarships are currently available?
28. When do I have to pay for my classes?
29. Is there a payment plan?
30. Which credit cards do you accept?

I've never been (or I'm returning after many years) to college, where do I start? Who will walk me through the process step-by-step?

Assistance for new and returning students is available in the Women's Resource Center, Admissions & Enrollment Center, and all of the student service areas. It is imperative that the potential student ask for assistance when needed.

Am I too old for college? Will I fit in?

You are never too old to go to college. We have students of all different ages and we also provide various services to meet your needs.

Will I be able to do the school work?

Yes, most adult students are successful. Adult students know why they are taking classes and they are committed to success.

Will there be a lot of 18 year olds in the class?

Normally every class has a mixture of ages enrolled.

Do I have to have a high school diploma or GED?

Students can take classes if they have graduated high school or if their high school class has graduated. Students without a GED are not eligible for financial aid. High school students who are younger than 18 years of age may need counseling approval.

I didn't do well in high school/previous college, can I still come to Schoolcraft?

Yes, Schoolcraft will give you the opportunity to start over and get back into a program that meets your needs.

I'm older and I just want to take one class, do I have to apply?

If you would like to take a credit class at Schoolcraft, you do need to apply. Applications are free and very easy to complete. You can apply in person in the Admissions & Enrollment Center or online.

I haven't been in college for a while, will my previous credits still count?

Previous college credits are often still valid. We recommend that you send your previous college transcripts to be evaluated. You will be notified of the results after we are able to review your transcripts.

I am here from another country. Do I need to take the TOEFL?

Students who have English as their second language may need to complete the TOEFL exam based upon many factors, such as country of origin, previous educational experiences, as well as visa status and type. It is recommended that students contact the International Advisor to assess their specific needs.

How do I manage homework, job and kids?

Planning is the best way to add school to an already busy schedule. Starting slowly is suggested as college classes are added.

Is child care available?

We do have a child care center, unfortunately it is not designed to be a drop-in center for students who are taking classes. However, the Women's Resource Center has a list of local child care centers to help you make contacts.

Since I work, could I complete a program on-line?

Yes, depending upon your career path, you can complete an Associate Degree online. You are able to choose courses in English, Humanities, Science and Math, Social Science, Business and Computer Science along with many other courses to complete a degree.

I am only taking one class, do I need a placement test?

The placement or assessment test provides an opportunity for students to assure themselves that they are prepared to successfully complete a course. If a student is attempting a single class that requires a college-level prerequisite skill that entails reading, writing, or math, and there is no prior evidence through the successful completion of an ACT test or prior coursework, then a placement test would be recommended prior to registering for that one course.

I have a 2 or 4 year degree from another school do I need to take a placement test?

Students who have completed an associate or bachelor degree generally are not required to complete a placement test. However, if the student is completing a program which has a math requirement that has not yet been met, and they have not completed any math courses within the past few years, an assessment of this area would be recommended.

Can I test out of classes to finish more quickly?

Yes, testing out of certain classes is an option. Schoolcraft College participate with the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) which provides exams in more than 30 subjects. More information is available in the Testing Center. Another option, may be to "test out of a class" by making arrangements with your instructor.

I was young and foolish and got bad grades... can I get rid of the old grades?

We suggest that you make an appointment with a Counselor to review your transcript, set goals, and outline an academic plan. Visit our Counseling Center to speak with a Counselor about your options.

What's a realistic course load?

Realistic course loads vary with each individual student. Counselors can assist students in selecting appropriate level courses and if asked will work with students concerning time management.

Will this schooling really help me to find a job, even at my age?

Skill development is critical in employment. Advanced degrees/certificates are shown to make a difference in job opportunities and in salary.

How can I decide what would be the best career for me?

Deciding what career is right for you requires self exploration, insight and knowledge of the career possibilities that would fit with you. Career Counselors will help you explore this through insightful questions, discussion, and/or a career interest inventory or other assessment tools.

Can I work on campus?

Each year Schoolcraft hires nearly 250 students to assist in different departments. There are minimum requirements, such as GPA and student status. For more information, contact our Job Placement Specialist in the Career and Transfer Center.

What's the quickest academic path to a career where I can make a good salary?

Making a good salary depends upon individual goals, needs, talents, skills, values and education. There is no one pathway. Visit our Career and Transfer Center for assistance.

How can I possibly afford the tuition?

Tuition assistance is available for many students. Students need to ask for assistance.

How am I going to fund classes when I don't have the money? Also, what scholarships are available?

Scholarships and grants are available. Students need to plan ahead and apply for tuition assistance before registering for classes.

What is the best way to apply for financial aid?

The quickest and most accurate way to apply for financial aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This free application is available at the FAFSA website.

When should I apply for financial aid?

Students should apply for financial aid each academic year they wish to be considered for aid. Applications are processed year round, but students are advised to file applications as early as possible to receive notification of eligibility before tuition payments are due.

How do I apply for Student Loans?

Student's that meet the Financial Aid Office's satisfactory academic progress policy may apply for the Federal Student Loan.

• STEP 1: Apply for financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
• STEP 2: Visit the college's website. - The loan process may vary from school to school.

Which scholarships are currently available?

The Office of Financial Aid, maintains information on numerous scholarships available to Schoolcraft College students. Students interested in transferring to a four-year college or university should check with the Counseling Center for information on scholarships for transfer students.

When do I have to pay for my classes?

Payment is due in full the day you register for classes. The registration fee for credit classes is non-refundable.

Is there a payment plan?

There is an NBS payment plan available online during specific times throughout the year. This option requires a down payment and includes a $30 fee. NBS payment plan allows you to make up to three payments for tuition depending on your date of registration.

Which credit cards to you accept?

Schoolcraft Cashier's Office accepts:

• Cash
• Checks - payable to Schoolcraft College
• Discover Card
• MasterCard
• VISA (not accepted for NBS payment plan)