Hi Alex,

just want to tell you, you're not alone. Good on you, mate!

I'm in college now.

My advice is pretty simple: use the application to say what you did.

For job experience: work that in.
For the essay (which always in some abstract way wants you to talk about accomplishments): work that in.

That's what I did. Out of high school I was a web developer and programmer. I was able to include in my essay how my little programs were included in various magazines on a few continents of this globe.

What you need to do is sell yourself. Worked for me.

Can do, will do. More advice welcome.

I sort of feel like my application to college will seem a little like the last cartoon on this page.

You might find some useful information here:
http://fastweb.monster.com/
http://www.nysfaaa.org/docs/student_family/scholarship_searches.html

As a late bloomer myself I can only recommend that you seriously consider the community college route first, followed by a transfer to a 4 (more like 6) year university. The application process at that point is painless and a lot of universities have transfer agreements/preferences for community college students. Best of luck to you.

I'm in a similar situation, job-wise, but I do have the college degree. I work in a temp position, doing boring data entry work, on an interesting project for a great company. However, I'm waaay overqualified and it only involves perhaps 10% of my CS background.

I'd be in better shape if I had varied my work experience in school to broaden my skills a bit. I have the degree but don't have the 5 years of experience in these specific technologies which the job listing suggests are required.

I think you're in good shape on the experience end. Once taking classes, you might consider an internship at a tech company (if you can afford little-to-no pay). With your experience, you'd probably make a good impression. Internships are a great way for companies to "test out" potential employees.

Good luck.