Order several copies of official college transcripts from all the schools you previously attended. Keep them sealed so they remain official.
Obtain recommendation letters that highlight your positive characteristics, especially aptitude and potential, from previous instructors, advisers, employers and others who know you well.
Create an error-free resume. Highlight stable employment, volunteer work, awards and college credits you have earned. State your desired college degree and career field in the objective section.
Use online resources, such as the National Center for Education Statistics, to research and select several colleges of interest to you. Focus on schools that accept old credits and have relaxed GPA requirements.
Visit the admissions offices of your schools of interest, or call and email if visiting is not possible.
Develop a rapport with admissions counselors by showing interest in their schools, honestly explaining your prior academic troubles and providing transcripts. Provide resumes and reference letters as proof of your maturity and college readiness.
Apply to your schools of interest according to their stated application guidelines. Include your resume and reference letters unless prohibited or already on file. Follow the advice of admissions counselors.
Review all college acceptance and rejection letters, and any accompanying materials, carefully. Check for special requirements, such as conditional acceptance terms. Contact the admissions staff for clarification.
Select a college from among those that offered you acceptance or conditional acceptance. Consider which school will take most, if not all, of your old credits, as well as meets your other needs and expectations, such as major, cost and location.
Follow enrollment procedures as set forth by the college you selected.
Arrive to school on your designated start date.
Follow all rules and guidelines set forth by your college and major, especially credit and GPA requirements. Obey the special requirements of your conditional acceptance, if applicable.