<p>So here's the deal. Left USA back in 10th grade to move to the UK where I graduated there with GCSEs and A-Levels 3 years ago, also had a stint living in Australia for a year. Since then been working part time jobs, lazying around, usual same old and wanting to start my life fresh when I moved back to the USA in 1-2 months. I plan to enroll in community college and then transfer on to a university for the last 2 years. Hoping you lot can help answer a few questions.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>I assume public community college is relatively easy to enroll in. They wouldn't have a problem with English high school qualifications from 3-4 years back (depending if I enroll next year as I missed the date for this fall obviously) would they?</p></li>
<li><p>How does the in-state tuition work? As my family and I haven't been in the states for 7 years, adversely how does this affect financial aid? I'll be in LA if that helps.</p></li>
<li><p>Is there some sort of work-study program where I can work part time in a job relevant to whatever I'm studying?</p></li>
<li><p>I think there is also Spring intake for new students?</p></li>
<li><p>I'll be 22-23 depending on if I start next year or not, I'm sure there are others around that age starting college as well?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Comunity colleges typically are looking for a HS diploma or equivalent. If they dont recognize your UK diploma you might be asked to take an accuplacer or similiar test. </p>
<p>In state tuition requires residency in the state for at least 1 year. If you go to a CC for 2 years you should fulfil the residency requirement of that state. </p>
<p>Financial Aid doesnt have anything to do with residency. Residency makes you eligible for the in state tuition rate. If you are younger than 23 you may need to report your parents income. If you can avoid that you should be eligible for financial aid. </p>
<p>Work study is part of a financial aid package at some schools, and they can sometimes provide you with jobs related to your major, but dont count on it. Anyone can get a job, provided you still have time for school, but dont expect that to cover more than 20% of your expenses for a 4 year college. </p>
<p>Schools dont exclude based on age. For many undergrad campuses you will be a bit on the older side. Commuter campuses and community colleges routinely get students your age or older. Either way, dont let it stop you. GL.</p>
<p>Sounds like mine wouldn’t be a problem then. England’s system is more rigorous and Americans actually have to take a foundation year to study at the UK Unis for the most part as it has 13 grades. I was a bit annoyed when I had to graduate at 19 instead of 18, heh.</p>
<p>So I should get instate tuition after 1 year of CC, awesome.</p>
<p>Ah that’s a relief so at least I can get some aid when I start out.</p>
<p>Great, it was more for my leisure expenses.</p>
<p>My brother’s friends say I look 16, annoyingly, guess it helps in this case LOL</p>
<p>To add on top of that, with an incoming age of 23, graduation will be 26. Would I have a disadvantage applying to jobs after graduating when competing against ones leaving school at 22?</p>
<ol>
<li>Yes</li>
<li>Check with the registrar’s office at the college of your choice. They know best.</li>
<li>Don’t know</li>
<li>I don’t see why not. Talk to admissions.</li>
<li>I went to community college a million years ago. There were plenty of people older than 23. I have a friend who started college at 33. Doesn’t matter.</li>
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<p>I can only answer some of your questions but your local community college website will have the best answers for you.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>If you graduated the equivalent of High School in England, you shouldn’t have any problem enrolling in a community college in southern CA. In fact, you don’t even need a degree to take courses. They will want your transcript so I’d look into getting that sent. You will have to take a math and language arts placement exam but everyone does. It’s not a big deal. </p></li>
<li><p>You will pay more for your classes for at least your first year living here. Establishing residency will depend on the individual schools. Some have different requirements and length of time needed. You may find it in your best interest to live here and work until next fall before enrolling… or at least not enrolling full-time until residency is established if finances are an option.</p></li>
<li><p>Yes, community colleges in CA generally have work study options. Whether it can always be connected to what your studying is doubtful but there are options. I know that international students are not eligible for financial aid. I have no idea how that would work for you as you are an American citizen I assume.</p></li>
<li><p>Yes, you can enroll for Spring.</p></li>
<li><p>Community colleges have very diverse student bodies. You’ll have teenagers supplementing high school. You’ll have return students in their 30’s and 40’s. Heck, my 15-year-old daughter and my 60 year old father both took classes last Fall on the same campus. The majority are 19-25 though. You will fit right in. </p></li>
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<p>I recommend researching the LA community college system. Contact a counselor. They can help you with your questions through email in most cases. </p>
<p>The only thing to add to the above is that you will also pay out of state tuition at CC’s in So. Calif. I know at our CC just outside of LA County, annual tuition goes from under $1000 for in-state to just under $7000 for out of state. Just something to consider.</p>
<p>Instate tuition after one year is false! Nearly every school requires that that year be spent NOT primarily for study, so you couldn’t take more than 5 hours a quarter and still get the residency. They want you to be in state intending to stay, not just to attend school.</p>
<p>As you’re under 24, you’ll be considered a dependent, unless you’ve married, been in the military, had a child, or were homeless before you were 18. Many schools will consider the parents’ location in this case. Are you moving back by yourself or will your parents be with you?</p>