Find the Right School for you
Welcome to NonTradCollege.com a resource built by someone who knows what it’s like to return to school while balancing real life.
Finding the right school is one of the most important early steps. Not every college understands what it means to be a nontraditional student, so it’s worth the time to look for a place that truly supports people with families, jobs, military experience, or a winding academic path.
Once you’ve narrowed your options, it helps to get familiar with what the admissions process actually involves. Knowing the difference between official and unofficial transcripts, or what documents schools really need, can take a lot of stress off your plate.
Your personal statement is your chance to tell your story. If you’ve served in the military, worked long hours, raised a family, or taken the scenic route back to school, that’s not a weakness — it’s your strength. Let that shine through in your writing.
When it comes to transcripts, gather everything. Even if you only took a class or two years ago, or didn’t finish a program, those records still matter. Colleges want a full picture of your academic background, and leaving something out can cause problems later on.
And don’t forget to look into placement tests and transfer credit options. The sooner you understand what classes you might be able to skip or which ones need a refresher the more time and money you’ll save.
To make all of this a little easier, I’ve put together some free guides you can download and use as you go. I’ve been through this myself, and I hope these tools help you take the next step with confidence.
