Visit your local city or county college. Take a walk around the campus and look in the different classrooms. Summertime is the best time to take a tour, because the campus will be less populated. Also, many new students visit the campus at that time, so it is less intimidating.
Go to the bookstore and look around in the academic book section. This section includes the required books for all the different classes offered. The book prices may come as a shock; however, used books are also available at a reduced cost. Many texts can be rented from online companies and returned at term's end at a lower cost than their purchase price. Buy a course catalog at the bookstore for about a dollar, or look for one on the school's website.
Meet with a counselor at the counseling office. Find the counseling office in the main administrative building, or ask at the registration counter. The back of a printed course catalog should also have a directory with office and phone numbers listed. If you have a course catalog, read it while waiting for the counselor; it may be a long wait.
Go to the financial aid office. Take a number if required. Ask for a financial aid application and a financial aid handbook. Read the handbook to learn how financial aid works and the types of financial aid available. Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (fafsa.ed.gov) on a computer at the financial aid office or at home.
Confirm tuition and fees for your first term are paid. Ensure you have been credited with any financial aid you have been awarded. Select your classes and enroll. Have your picture taken for your school identification card. Purchase or rent your books. You may need to request a book loan or advance prior to distribution of your financial aid award.
Take general education (GE) courses towards your GE certificate or AA degree. Many state colleges and universities honor general education certificates from local city colleges and give transfer priority to certified students.
Apply for a transfer at the beginning of your last year at a city or county college. Complete all your general education courses and transfer to a four-year college or university. Earn your bachelor of arts or bachelor of science; then, apply to a graduate program or pursue a professional degree.