Q. What is a "Nontraditional" student?
R. This term refers to students who are either over the age of 25 or who are coming to college after an absence from education.

Q. My high school grades were terrible. Will I be able to "make it" in college?
R. High school grades do not foretell how well a nontraditional student will do in college. Overall, our nontraditional students do very well academically. Real-life experiences, maturity and hard work are advantages that lead to classroom success.

Q. I've forgotten how to study, how to take notes, how to prepare for tests. Is there any help available?
R. Yes, the Center for Academic Support, located in the library, provides help in brushing up on all these skills. hey also provide tutoring for specific classes you may be taking. These services are free. Also, there is a Freshman Orientation class called University 101 Freshman Seminar that covers these topics as well as other topics.

Q. Will I be the only older student in my classes?
R. Definitely not! Approximately 24% of all students at MWSU are over the age of 25.

Q. Do I have to take the ACT test before I enroll in college?
R. Yes, the residual ACT test is given at MWSU on dates throughout the year. To learn more about taking the ACT Residual and the fee, contact the Missouri Western State University Testing Center at 816-271-4116 or by e-mail to ellisp@missouriwestern.edu.

Q. What if I flunk the ACT test?
R. You cannot flunk the ACT test. Because Missouri Western has an "open door" admissions policy, you may take classes no matter what your ACT score is. (NOTE: The state of Missouri requires a composite score of 22 or better if you want a degree in education or a score of 20 or better if you want a degree in nursing. The other degrees on campus do not have a minimum composite score.) You may take the ACT test as often as you need to. For more information on admissions and national tests go to www.wi.missouriwestern.edu/testingcenter/default.asp

Q. How many hours do I have to take to be eligible for Financial Aid?
R. You must be enrolled in 6 hours, which is considered a half-time student, in order to receive Financial Aid. A "full time" student is enrolled in at least 12 hours. (if you are enrolled in 6 hours, you can receive half of the aid aid you are eligible for. If you are enrolled in 12 hours, you can receive the full amount of aid you are eligible for.)

Q. I don't know what I want to study.
R. The Counseling Center has three full-time counselors who will help administer career and personality aptitude tests to help you get started. Their phone number is (816) 271-4327 and they are located in Eder Hall, Room 203. You may also visit with the Career Development Director to discuss career possibilities. Their phone number is (816) 271-4205 and they are located in Eder Hall, Room 202.