If you have decided that a career in the beauty industry is for you, let’s start working on getting you ready for it! There are some things that you can do to get yourself prepared for going to cosmetology school. And FYI most, if not all, of these back to school prep tips can also be used for any other beauty program as well.
Pick a School
You’re going to want to research the schools in your area. Find out what types of things they will teach you during your time in the cosmetology program. It’s also important to check and see if the school is accredited. Accreditation is a key ingredient that you are going to want in a school. This means they have been looked at and assessed by a national accrediting body. Here at Montana Academy of Salons, we have been accredited by the National Accreditation Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS). NACCAS makes sure our school has high standards of education and that the facilities are good quality. Also, an accredited school is much more helpful when it comes to getting financial assistance, which will be covered later.
Take a Tour
Most schools give tours. This can be a good way to find out if it’s a good fit. You can walk around, get a feel of culture and atmosphere, meet teachers, talk to other students, and ask any questions you may have. This is a very great way to get comfortable with the place where you are thinking about spending such a significant amount of your time! To schedule a tour with us, call (406)-771-8772 X 5
Talk to Family
There are a lot of misconceptions and misunderstandings out there when it comes to cosmetology school. Make sure you communicate with your family. Sometimes it’s hard to tell your parents that you want to go to cosmetology school rather than a traditional four year college. Luckily, we have some advice on how to do this. It’s key to help them understand the benefits and career opportunities of the beauty industry.
Talk to an Advisor
Now that you have picked a school and talked to your family about your decision to go to cosmetology school, it’s time to talk to an advisor. They can help you navigate the process of getting enrolled. All of the forms and paperwork that needs to be done to get you set up will be a breeze with the help of an advisor.
Find a Schedule That Works for You
The advisor that you talk with will also be able to help you out with finding a schedule that works well for you. Ideally you plan your school schedule first, then fill the gaps with everything else you have to do. Sometimes, however, you will have to work while you go to school. If this is the case, let your advisor know and they should be able to help you find something that will work out with your work schedule so you can do both.
Get Enrolled
Once you have done these things it’s just a matter of committing to the school and submitting everything that you have already filled out.
Apply for Financial Aid
Either after or during your enrollment process you will need to figure out how to pay for school in the best possible way. The first step to this is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). If you qualify for FASFA, it could help you get through school with less financial stress. After you have submitted a FASFA, you can look at the variety of options available. These will depend on the school you go to, but make sure you take the time to research them both. Apply for any scholarships that you may be eligible for then, if you need any additional funds, you can look into available student loans.
Get the Necessary Supplies
When you go to cosmetology school, you’re going to needs some stuff to help you succeed. Here’s some of the things you will need to pick up before the first day of class:
- Taking Notes – You are going to want to stock up on the normal “back to school” supplies like pencils, pens, and notebooks. Taking notes during classes or demonstrations is always a good idea. Also, taking notes about things that you read and study can be super helpful as well.
- Shoes – Get some shoes that work well on the salon floor. For many schools, this is closed-toe, nonslip, black shoes.
- Clothing – Most schools have a uniform. Certain days may allow you to wear something different, but it’s safe to say you’ll need to purchase a day-to-day outfit that is all black.
Go to School
When your start date finally arrives you can start the amazing journey that is cosmetology school. Bring your supplies discussed above, a great attitude, and a desire to learn and become the best cosmetologist you can be! If you follow all of these steps, you should be well prepared for your first day of cosmetology school. It can add a lot of confidence on one of the biggest days of your career.
If you dream of working in the beauty or fashion industry and are ready to get your start, check out our Cosmetology program, and contact us. We can help you complete any steps that you may be missing. We can’t wait to help you get started on your future!