Hints for Using this Guide:

Before you turn this page:

ASSESS YOUR REASONS FOR GOING TO BACK TO SCHOOL:
- Will you be taking classes for work reasons or personal reasons?
- Do you expect to become actively involved in university life or would you rather fit classes around your existing schedule?
- Do the logistics of finding a college, applying for financial aid,
- setting up a schedule frustrate your desire to learn?
- Are you nervous about going back into an academic atmosphere?
ASSESS YOUR SITUATION:
- How much time can you give to attending class, to focused study?
- How far away would you be willing to go to attend the educational program of your choice?
- How much can you reasonably afford to spend on tuition, fees, books, supplies, child care, etc?
BE AWARE OF THE RESOURCES AROUND YOU:
- Financial aid options exist for all students, and a growing number of scholarships are specifically for returning students.
- A variety of distance learning programs and transfer possibilities
  allow some students to study at home.
- Many colleges offer evening and weekend classes.
- There are academic advisors to help you sort out your goals and schedual every step of the way.

Ask questions! Education is changing in many ways to accomodate adult learners. Making an informed choice is better than going with what you may think is the only available option.
Make notes on the programs and financial aid options that interest you. Don't forget to include contact names and addresses. Keep this information in one place for easy reference.
Though not all the information in this guide will be appropriate for your personal situation, it is important to at least browse through each section. You may learn of new opportunities.
In addition to this guide, College Planning Network can serve as a resource for traditional and non-traditional students. Since 1987, CPN has helped students in the Pacific Northwest gain access to higher education. A description of our services is located on the inside front cover. For more information, please call our office at (206) 323-0624.