When You’re Ready for a Career Makeover, These are Your Next Steps
Instructors at exceptional cosmetology programs across the country often ask their students to share something personal on the first day of school as an ice-breaker. They might ask, “What got you interested in cosmetology in the first place?”
For many students, the memories go way back: they remember noticing a parent or older sibling coming home from the salon or getting ready for a big event; or, they describe how they couldn’t take their eyes off the bride when they were asked to be a ring-bearer at a wedding; or, commonly, they just loved watching shows and videos about styling and esthetics, even at a young age. At this point, the class chuckles together in recognition – many of their stories are similar to others’.
Then, the teacher asks a more challenging question: “What was it that finally got you to apply to cosmetology school?” Here, the answers become more varied. While some students had an encouraging teacher or a job-shadowing experience in high school, others had worked in other industries for a while, but didn’t feel satisfied, and went searching online for new opportunities.
All of the students then realize that while their interests may be the same, they are embarking on a new journey with people from all walks of life. As true as that may be, however, most of them do have one other thing in common: the strategic steps they took to enroll at a cosmetology school are probably quite similar.
How to Enroll at a Cosmetology School in 6 Easy Steps
- Do Your Research!
As with any other major life decision, you must do your research first. Start by searching for cosmetology schools in your area to see what comes up. Make a list of ones that would make sense for your commute. Then, start reading Google reviews and check out their website. Here are some questions you should be asking when researching:
- Are the classes taught by industry professionals?
- Are there class start-dates and class times that work with your schedule?
- Will you learn about everything from the art and science of styling, as well as how to run a business?
- Does the school teach a comprehensive curriculum, including skincare, nails, and makeup along with hair?
- How recently has the facility been updated? Has the facility or program won any awards?
- What do former students say about the school online? Were they pleased? How are they doing now?
- Fill Out the Online Application
Typically, a school with excellent credentials and a trustworthy track record will have an online application that is quick and easy, and allows you to request more information about a particular program. At the right school, an admissions representative will then give you a call or set up an appointment to meet and tour the campus. When this happens, you want to be prepared for the next step to put your best foot forward, but first make sure you check off a few requirements – and start thinking in the back of your mind about what you’re going to wear!
- Check All the Boxes: Are the Requirements to Enroll?
You want to be sure that you’re eligible to apply before you get to your meeting and campus visit. Cosmetology schools typically expect the following:
- You’ve graduated from high school
- You’ve earned your GED
- You’ve completed the equivalent of 12th grade through a comparable program
- In addition, you’re at least 17 years old, which you can prove with a government-issued photo ID card.
- Meeting with Admissions and Visiting the Campus
When you’ve scheduled a meeting, come prepared to talk about your career goals with an admissions counselor. They may ask, “What do you see yourself doing after cosmetology school?” and “Why do you think this is a good fit for you?”
But don’t worry, you won’t go through a scary interview process. A great school just wants to get to know you and help you make a plan so that you can meet your goals! You’ll take a tour of the campus, too, and learn more about the programs available to you. You may even meet a student or two!
Remember those questions from step 1? If any of these haven’t been answered for you, you may want to ask these to get a good sense of whether this school is the right fit. A great school will likely stand out when you ask.
- Apply for Financial Aid
During your meeting, your admissions counselor will give you information about applying for financial aid, and may help you fill out paperwork right there during your campus visit. They will tell you about scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities that can help you achieve your dream in an affordable way. The right school won’t pressure you, but will guide you through a process that has been successful for current students and students in the past.
If you want to get ahead of the game, you can research financial aid packages on the school’s website, and even fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form before your meeting.
- If You’re Ready, It’s Time to Enroll!
You’re almost there! You’ll complete enrollment by filling out forms requested by your admissions counselor. These typically include the following:
- A letter of recommendation
- High School or GED Transcript
- A letter of intent
- A photograph
If you’re feeling unsure about a letter of recommendation or letter of intent, don’t worry. These may not be as intimidating as you think. In fact, you’ll know you’re at the right cosmetology school if the admissions counselor provides examples and gives you suggestions about how to take care of these items. By the time you’re done with this meeting and campus visit, you should feel prepared and excited to dive in.
Congratulations on this Big Decision – and Good Luck!
You’ve made it through the most important steps in taking on your future and your goals for yourself. Congratulations. Soon, you’ll begin taking your first classes, and meeting your instructors and classmates. You might even be asked by an instructor what was the thing that finally got you to enroll in cosmetology school. Know that we won’t be disappointed if you mention this article!
