Q.

I’ve been out of school for a long time and I’m afraid I won’t be able to keep up with the younger students.  What if I am too old to learn?

A.

No one is too old to learn.  In fact, adults as a whole make better grades than traditional aged students because they know how important it is and they try harder.  Most of today’s college students are females over 25 who work, care for their families and take classes part-time.  The average age of students at Southwest is 27.

Q.

I have to take a college placement test and haven’t been to school for years.  I know I will fail.  What can I do?

A.

Placement tests can’t be  failed.  They  simply measure a tester’s level of academic functioning so that he/she can begin his/her studies at their level of academic competence and prepare for college level work. When a student’s score indicates that refresher courses are needed, he/she will enroll in remedial and/or developmental classes to catch up and then move into college level classes.

Q.

I have a friend who took the college placement test and scored so low that she has to take nine remedial and developmental courses.  I don’t want to have to take that many catch-up courses.  What can I do? 

A.

Reviewing your basic academic skills before taking the test will help you tremendously. The higher your score, the fewer remedial and developmental courses you will have to take.  The Academic Success Guide on the EOC website and your EDP workbook will guide you through the process of preparing for the test. Note that information comes back quickly to adults reviewing basic academic skills materials.  It won’t take as long as you think

Q.

A.

Schedule an online counseling appointment by clicking on Live Help or calling the Center at 333-6048.  You will be given an appointment time, an online counseling room location and a password.  Then, for the appointment click on “Online Counseling” in the Quick Links or in the menu under “Online Services.”  Follow the instructions on the website or in the last section of your workbook.

Q.

Sometimes when I click on Live Chat, I don’t get anybody.  What’s the problem? 

A.

Staff didn’t hear you when you entered Live Help. Click on the audio tab at the top right of the chat box and then double click on “Yahoo” several times.

Q.

A.

Workbooks are provided to EOC participants.  Set up an appointment to come by the Educational Opportunity Center to complete an application, see a Specialist and pick up a copy of the EDP workbook.

Q.

A.

Most of the time, the security settings on the computer are set too high when this happens.  In this case, lower your security settings.  Also make sure that you download any necessary program to enable the video to play on your computer.  Instructions are included on the web page with the videos.

Q.

What if I study and still have to take some developmental and remedial courses?  Is there any hope? 

A.

Of course there is hope.  Ninety-five per cent (95%) of students who take the college placement test at Southwest have to take one or more developmental or remedial courses.  Other schools are comparable.  Just look at it as what you have to do to meet your goals.  Take the classes and move on.

Q.

I need to get some kind of training or education but don’t know what career I really want.  How do I know what to major in? 

A.

Your first step is to go through the Career Exploration Guide on the EOC website and complete the Career Exploration Worksheet in your EDP Workbook.  After you’ve gathered information, make an appointment with your EOC Specialist to look at your options.

Q.

I enrolled in college classes right out of high school and spent most of my time partying.  As a result, I have 3 semesters of  F’s and a really low GPA on my record.  Is there any way I can get those bad grades off my transcript and start over? 

A.

Some schools have  “Fresh Start” programs that enable returning students with this circumstance to demonstrate that they can make better grades by completing at least 15 semester hours as older, more mature students.   When the student satisfactorily completes the 15 hours, the old grades will not be used in calculating grade point averages although the grades will remain on their transcripts.  Check with your school of choice to determine if they have a Fresh Start Program and what their requirements are.

Q.

I need to get a better education but cannot afford to pay for tuition and books.  What resources are available to help me? 

A.

There are a number of  programs that can help students pay their college expenses.  Among these are Pell Grants, Tennessee Lottery Scholarships, Income Tax Credits, and Subsidized and Non-subsidized loans.  In addition, there are hundreds of scholarships and programs that provide resources for college students.  Speak with an EOC Specialist to help you identify resources that you may qualify for at the school of your choice.  There is a way for anyone who wants to go to college to pay for it.

Q.

A.

You will need a copy of your last year’s income tax return and information about any other income you may have.

Q.

I don’t qualify for a pell grant but still can’t afford tuition. Is going to school worth my taking out a student loan and going into debt?  Are there other options? 

Many higher education institutions participate in a federal student loan program that almost everybody can qualify for; however, remember that student loans do have to be paid back.  There are tax credits that provide a large portion of any tuition paid for an individual’s first two years of college.  Some companies pay tuition as part of their benefits package.  Check with your employer.  In addition there are scholarships and programs that assist some people with education benefits.  Schedule an appointment with your EOC Specialist to research other possibilities for funding.

Q.

A.

If you are in default on a loan, it will be necessary for you to re-establish your eligibility for federal financial aid.  To do this, you must contact your lender and request to have your financial aid eligibility reinstated.  Lenders are required to set up reasonable monthly payments to assist you in becoming reinstated.  After you make six consecutive payments, as agreed, you can request a letter from your lender indicating that your eligibility has been reinstated.  Take that letter to the financial aid office at your school of choice who will work with the federal financial aid office to get you awarded if you qualify.  You will have to complete and submit a current year financial aid application.

Q.

What will happen if I enroll for classes and then drop out before finishing the semester? 

The financial aid you received can be charged back to your student account if you don’t complete the semester.  Check with your school’s financial aid department for their policies and procedures in this situation.

Q.

A.

Yes.  To maintain your financial aid eligibility, you must keep at  least a 2.00 G.P.A. and pass at least 2/3 of every class you registered for over your entire college history.

Q.

A.

The work-study program provides students with part-time employment in a department of the college they attend.  Jobs are available for those whose household income qualifies them for the program and who attend a school that participates in the work-study program. (Most do.)       Simply indicate that you are interested in the work-study program when you complete the FAFSA (Federal Application for Student Financial Assistance).  There is no age restriction.

Q.

What would my hours be, how many hours will I work, and how much will I make in the work-study program? 

A.

You will set up a schedule around your classes with your supervisor.  The number of hours you will be assigned to work depends on your household income as indicated on your financial aid application.  Work-study is handled through the financial aid offices of each school.  You will be notified of your award.  Wages may vary from job to job and school to school. Check with your financial aid department.

Q.

A.

Most graduates find jobs after completing college or vocational school.  There are Student Employment Centers in most every school that help graduates find employment and many graduates find their own.  Your chance at getting a job will be infinitely greater with a degree or certificate than without one.