I see this question pop up in my inbox and on forums all the time: “Is it actually possible for me to get into beauty school?” Usually, the person asking is worried because they have a GED instead of a diploma, they didn’t finish high school yet, or they’re only 16 and ready to start their career early.
If that’s you, I want to give you the straight talk. You aren’t just looking for a pep talk; you need to know the logistics so you don’t waste your energy on a path that might be blocked. I’ve spent enough time in the beauty industry to know that the “requirements” can feel like a maze.
I’m going to break this down the way a real beauty professional would explain it: clearly, honestly, and without confusing you.
The Three Gatekeepers: Why Answers Always Seem to Conflict
The reason you get different answers when searching for “how to enroll in cosmetology school” is that there isn’t just one set of rules. You’re actually dealing with three different organizations, and they don’t always agree with each other.
1) The School’s Own Rules
Every school has its own “vibe” and its own internal standards for who they let in. While many prefer a high school diploma or a GED, some are more flexible with conditional enrollment if you are currently working on your credentials.
2) The State Board Requirements
This is the most important one if you actually want to work. Even if a school lets you sit in a chair and learn, you can’t get a license unless you meet the state’s criteria. In Georgia, everything goes through the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers. If they say you need a certain education level to take the exam, that is the final word.
3) Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA)
If you are planning to use federal grants or loans to pay for school, the government has very strict rules. Usually, this means you need a high school diploma or a GED. However, there are some “Ability-to-Benefit” (ATB) pathways. These are specific setups where you can prove you have the academic skills to succeed even without a traditional diploma, often through an Eligible Career Pathway Program.
Can You Go to Cosmetology School Without a High School Diploma?
This is the big one. I’ll break down the most common scenarios I see:
If You Have a GED
If you’ve been wondering, “Can I get into cosmetology school with a GED?” the answer is almost always a resounding yes. In the eyes of most admissions offices and the state of Georgia, a GED is equivalent to a high school diploma. It is a very standard and respected route into the industry.
If You Don’t Have a Diploma or a GED
This is where you have to be careful. You might find a cosmetology school without GED or diploma requirements for enrollment, but that doesn’t mean you can get your license later.
I always tell people to look for these options if they are in this boat:
- Conditional Enrollment: You start your beauty training while simultaneously finishing your GED.
- ATB Testing: Taking an approved test to show you’re ready for the coursework.
- Career Pathways: Programs designed to help you get your adult education and your professional certificate at the same time.
Just remember: being allowed to start classes is not the same thing as being eligible for a license or financial aid. Always ask the school specifically about the “Ability-to-Benefit” rules before you sign anything.
Starting Young: Can You Go to Cosmetology School at 16?
I love seeing young people who know exactly what they want to do. If you’re searching for “cosmetology school for teens” or “cosmetology for high school students,” you’re in luck.
In many cases, you can start your training at 16 or 17. If you are under 18, you will just need a parent or guardian to sign the paperwork with you. Some high schools even have partnerships with local programs, or you might find “high schools with cosmetology” where you can earn hours toward your license while finishing your regular classes. Just keep in mind that the age you start training might be different from the age you are allowed to sit for the actual state exam.
Is It Hard to Get Into Cosmetology School?
A lot of people worry that they won’t get accepted because they aren’t “artistically talented” yet. Let me clear that up: beauty school is where you learn the talent. It isn’t like a traditional university where they are looking at your SAT scores or your GPA from three years ago.
When people ask me “how hard is it to get into cosmetology,” I tell them it’s usually not about your grades – it’s about the logistics. Most “rejections” or delays happen because:
- Paperwork Errors: You’re missing a valid ID, your birth certificate, or your transcript.
- Funding: Your financial aid hasn’t been processed yet.
- Class Capacity: There are only so many stations on the floor and so many instructors. If a class is full, you just have to wait for the next start date.
So, while not everyone gets in the very second they want to, it’s usually a matter of getting your documents in order rather than beating out “competition.”
How to Make Sure You’re Choosing the Right Path
If you want to know how to get accepted into cosmetology school without the stress, I suggest following these three steps:
1) Check the State Rules First
Go to the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers website. See what they require for the specific license you want (Cosmetology, Hair Design, etc.).
2) Ask the “Clarity Question”
When you talk to an admissions officer, don’t just ask if you can join. Ask: “Based on my current education status, will I be eligible for the state exam and federal financial aid once I finish this program?”
3) Tour the School
You need to see the clinic floor. You need to see if the instructors are actually interacting with students and if the environment feels like a place where you can grow.
Who Is Beauty School Actually For?
I believe beauty school is for the “doers.” It’s for people who are tired of sitting behind a desk and want to use their hands to create something.
In my experience, you will be a great fit if you understand that:
- Attendance is everything. You are literally “clocking hours.” If you aren’t there, you aren’t progressing.
- Repetition is the only way to get good. You will fail at a few haircuts and updos before you nail them. That’s the point.
- It’s a people business. You aren’t just doing hair or skin; you’re managing emotions and building relationships.
If you’ve felt like a bit of an outsider in traditional school, you’ll likely find your tribe here. It’s a place where non-traditional backgrounds are the norm, not the exception.
Starting Your Journey at Perimeter Beauty & Barber Institute
If you are looking for a place that understands these requirements and can help you navigate them, you should look into what we’re doing at Perimeter Beauty & Barber Institute.
I’ve looked closely at how we run things here, and our focus is on making sure you are career-ready the moment you walk out the door. We offer several different paths depending on where you want your career to go:
- Master Cosmetologist
- Master Barber
- Esthetician
- Instructor Training
We are very transparent about our process. If you want to see the nitty-gritty details on what you need to bring to your orientation, you can check out our school’s specific admissions guidelines and student resources on our site.
Ready To Take The Next Step?
I always recommend seeing the space in person. You can fill out the contact form right below this article, and someone from our team will reach out to chat about your goals, help you figure out the education requirements, and get you scheduled for a tour. I’d love to see you on the clinic floor soon.