Future Students

SingleMotherStudents.Com

A community bringing parents together

Single Mother Students.Com.. A community of friendships and support for the non traditional student!

Click on any of the pictures to learn more
about that career.

Taking the step to continue your education is one of the most important and rewarding choices you will ever make.

Earning a degree or certification will increase your chances of having a stable financial future and it will set a great example for your children.

However going back to school can also seem very daunting and often overwhelming. Please don't give up before you start. Let this community help you with each steep of the processes. With some help and guidance the entire process can be as uncomplicated and stress free as possible.

The entire process can be broken down into three easy steps, Applying and securing financial aid, Choosing a program and preparing yourself for life as a student.

This page will explain each step and provide you with information and support to help you accomplish that particular step of the process.

                                             Step 1 ... Applying and securing financial aid



                                                                                         Applying for Financial Aid

So what's holding you back? Have you put off going back to school because you felt the cost would be something you could not afford? Maybe you are set back by concerns regarding how you would pay for tuition and taking care of your family's financial obligations?

Do not let your concerns overwhelm you. The first step in the process is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Complete the application and see what they say. You will not know until you try. Below are some helpful links to consider when you are looking into financial aid. Most Schools have a financial aid office with financial aid counselors.

FAFA

Student Loans
U.S
Department
Education

Filling out the FAFSA

Step 2 Declaring a Major or picking a program

Picking a major can be very challenging. Many times people pick a major and then they spend a great deal of time and money only to change to another and then another and so on. Often, this comes from not knowing exactly what you want to pick as your career. I use the word career because this is what we hope to accomplish, a career. It's very important that you put a great deal of thinking into declaring a major because that major could some day be your career.

Below are things to think about before you "declare" a major:

- Compatibility. Determine if the career will fit your life style and personality. Keep in mind if you are a single parent you might not have a lot of "after hours" or "weekend" child care.

-Job security. Will the career be in high demand for many years to come.

-Salary. Will this career pay enough to cover your financial obligation plus allow you to make payments on any Student loans.

-Availability. Are there many openings in your geographical area in this career? Are you willing to relocate? Some times as single parents we can not move to other states due to visitation orders.
-Long term goals. Does this career help you to meet your long term goals?

You should consider your likes and dislikes. Making sure to not only go into a career for the money but also keeping in mind that this is something you might be doing until you retire. So ask yourself "can I see myself working as " ..... " for 20 or more years?" Keep in mind the money is also an important factor. So my suggestion is try to find a job that you like and that you will be able to provide for yourself and your children. Ask yourself, how do you want to live?

Its a good idea to take a personality or a career compatibility test. It will give you very good insight as to what kinds of careers you would find enjoyable.

Below are a list of possible career choices. Click on the picture to learn more about that career Click on the picture to learn more about that career

Computer Technology	Nursing	Paralegal & Criminal Justice
Phlebotomy	Social Work	Chef

Step 3 ...... Preparing yourself for student life

Preparing yourself for student life is very important. Some times it's a total life adjustment. When I started college in 1998, prior to enrolling in the community college, I had been working full time as a nurse aid at a personal care faculty and I made a decision that I had to find a part time job in order to become a full time student. I gave notice to my current employer (at the time) and accepted a position as a pizza delivery driver. Keep in mind, this was a personal decision based on my entire situation. It's not always possible to quit your job.

Some times you might have to cut back or take evening classes if you work during the day and can't change your work hours on the days of your classes.

The availability of evening classes in your major or program should determining factor in your choice of college or trade school. Some schools offer evening classes, weekend classes and on line classes. Keep in mind some times there are extra fees to take courses on line. If you are interested in on line classes make sure to ask your admission counselor if there are fees for on line classes.

Another area to think about is your child care. Do you need child care while you attend classes? If you take weekend classes will you have child care?

Many government agencies offer child care assistance, however sometimes there are waiting listS or income restrictions. You can also consider enrolling your school age children into an after school program such as the YMCA or YWCA. Both offer scholarship or reduced tuition based on ability to pay.

If you have any questions for me please click Here to email them. I will be happy to answer any question.

                       Am I ready Check List
                -Will I have child care?
                -Can I cut back or change jobs?
                -Do I need night, weekend or online classes?
                -Do I have a support system in place?

                -Do I have transportation to and from classes?
                -Can I make sure to find time to do homework?
                -Am I willing to give up SOME of my clubbing, friends
                 or me time in order to be the best student I can be?
                -If the pressure gets going will I make sure to seek
                 out help and advice?