<p>I graduated from HS in 04’ and worked as a personal trainer since then. Anyway, I need to go back to school but the application process is hard. Are there consolers out there for people that have been out of school for a while and need help with the application process?</p>
<p>As for references, I haven’t been in contact with my HS teachers in 4 years, and I moved across the country since then. I tried contacting the main woman at my HS office in charge of records for my teachers contact info, but it’s like she skipped over that part of our conversation. How can I get references from ppl who haven’t seen me in 4 years, or may not be there anymore?</p>
<p>Since you’ve been out of high school for 4 years know I think you might be considered a “non-traditional” or “mature” student (although some colleges might define a non-traditional student as someone who has been out for 5 years)</p>
<p>For references, you could probably submit a reference from your employer(s), instead of teachers who knew you 4 years ago.</p>
<p>you might also consider taking a class or two at a local CC. With the glut in the PhD market its very possible your instructor will have a PhD (and you can look in the Schedule of Classes to specifically find them). The reason I suggest this is what you did 4 years ago is less relevant than what you do/can-do today. Even if you were a great student in 2004, adcoms might wonder how you’ll be doing in 2009. Taking an academic class and doing well in it can answer that question, and while the PhD badge is no guarantee of a good teacher a rec from a PhD student who can write favorably about you is worth having. One more benefit is that you’ll have access to the CC counseling staff. </p>
<p>However there is an important caveat to all this. At some schools you can’t apply as a freshman candidate if you have enrolled in a regular session at any college after HS. This applies at the UC schools in CA, for example.</p>
<p>Since you already have a specific school in mind you’ll probably get more focused advice by contacting them directly.</p>
<p>mikemac…I went to a trade school 2 years ago. I tried contacting my old instructors for references but one died and the others are gone. I live in San Antonio TX. There is a high turnover rate for all jobs here it seems like.</p>
<p>Your best advice on the application process will come from the admission offices of the colleges you are applying to. Ask them your questions. They will have the correct answers.</p>