1. fafsa.. fill it out.. it tells you which grants, loans you can get 2. apply for school 3. register for school when it's time.. go.. very simple. You will have to meet with a advisor prior to registering and they will help you decide what classes to take and when , etc. Advisor is assigned based on your major..for counseling: social work, psychology are best bets.. with psych. you will need master's degree to use it. with soc. work you don't.

A great place to start is by visiting your local Junior or Community College. Make an appointment with an advisor, and discuss what you'd like to do. Also get the dates for entrance exams. Most people that are returning to school after a prolonged absence will need some remedial coursework, and generally the JC is the most economical way to get these classes under their belt. After you take your entrance exams and find out what classes you need to start with, you should schedule an appointment with your advisor to get some advice on the most expedient way to get your GE (General Education) classes out of the way. You might also want to enquire about tuition assistance, if you also worry about financing your education. If you have any learning or physical disabilities, the advisor should also direct you to a department where you can get specialized help. You may also want to check each department for tutoring services, once you're enrolled. It's important to keep your goals in mind, as you reenter the world of academia. It can be daunting to be a minority, age wise, but mature students often have a completely different skill set that has been acquired through their travels. Often, they get more enjoyment and knowledge than their younger peers. Good Luck with you search!

All the best! People of all ages are going back to school. It will be one of the best experiences of your life. We need more folks to help the younger people.

... please delete me