Trade School Application Guide

Applying to trade school might sound like a lot of work, but it is actually much easier than you think. Don't let the application process intimidate you and prevent you from improving your earning potential. Remember, the trade school wants your application, so do not be afraid to ask them for assistance at any time during the application process.
 

Admission Requirements

Before applying to any trade school, find out what their admission requirements are. Most trade schools will require proof of high school graduation or a GED, but some have no education requirement. Whatever the education requirement is, make sure that you can show that you meet it. This is usually as simple as calling your high school and requesting your transcripts or requesting your GED score from the testing agency that administered your test. You can usually take care of this with a single phone call or email. Just use an internet search engine to find the contact information for your high school or testing agency. If the trade school you are applying to has competitive admissions, it would be worthwhile to contact the admissions office and find out what the level of academic achievement of admitted students usually is. In many cases, the minimum educational requirements for admission will not be enough to make your application stand out in a stack of similar looking applicants. When sending in your academic records, it is wise to include any extra credentials that might indicate to the admissions office that you are an exceptional candidate. For instance, if you are applying to carpentry school or a welding program, highlight any experience you may already have in the field. While trade schools are designed to educate students who are starting from scratch, they are more likely to admit students who have already demonstrated some talent in their chosen trade.
 

Letter of Recommendation

Another way to improve your chances of getting accepted to top trade schools is to have someone who knows you write a letter of recommendation. The best and most persuasive letters of recommendation will come from someone working in the trade. If you don't know anyone, ask your friends and family if they do. They may be able to provide you with an introduction to someone who will write you a great letter to improve your chances of getting into trade school. Do not expect this person to write you a letter of recommendation without getting to know you a little bit. But if you are lucky, this contact may turn into a way for you to gain a little experience in the industry or a connection to great job after finishing your trade school experience.
 

Demonstrating a Great Record of Employment

You may also improve your chances of getting into a great trade school by demonstrating a great record of employment, even if it is outside that trade. Include a resume that shows your past employment and highlights your achievements. Trade schools want to be reassured that you have what it takes to be successful. Success in other endeavors typically indicates you have some qualities that will make you a success in trade school. Remember, your trade school application is your opportunity to show the admissions office what a wonderful and talented person you are. This is not the time for modesty, so put your best foot forward!
 

Rolling Admission Basis

Some trade schools accept applications on a rolling admission basis. For these trade schools, it is often more important that all your application materials are in early. Trade schools will admit qualified students as they receive their applications until all spots are filled. Once the spots in the class are full, even the most qualified applicants will have to wait until the next session to start trade school. Make sure that you pay attention to all deadlines. If you miss an application deadline, you may be out of luck when it comes to starting your trade school program on time.
 

Financial Aid

Make sure you explore all avenues for financial aid. Trade schools are a good deal in that they are usually more affordable than many education programs and they give you higher earning potential sooner. You can still get financial aid though, such as grants, loans, and work study, to help defray the cost of trade school. Check with the trade schools that you are applying to what type of financial aid they may offer. Trade schools will often allow students to pay tuition in installments or even offer scholarships to outstanding candidates. When applying for financial aid to help pay for trade school, make sure you have access to any tax documents that demonstrate your (or your parents if you are younger than 26) income level. It is not uncommon for trade school financial aid to be need based. You need these documents to demonstrate your financial need. You might be surprised to find out that you could get trade school completely paid for with grants and scholarships. But you will only find out if you apply. Make sure you call the admissions or financial aid office at the trade schools you are applying to in order to get all the information on available financial aid. Make sure you go to FAFSA.gov and fill out the financial aid information. You only have to do this once, as long as you get the financial aid codes for all the trade schools you are applying to. It often takes a few weeks to receive information about your financial aid award, so make sure you get this done early on in the application process. You may find that a previously unaffordable trade school is now affordable with your FAFSA financial age package.

Attending trade school will open many doors to your future career and potentially higher earnings. During your trade school program, you will have to put in some effort in order to learn what ever trade you choose to pursue. Make sure you put the effort into your first step. Applying to trade school is the first step to a prosperous future.