Thinking about Returning to School?

Are you bored with your current job and want to change careers? Do you want to obtain a graduate degree to further your career? Do you want to finish the required courses to obtain your undergraduate degree? Are you interested in attending classes for personal enrichment? There are many reasons why adults choose to return to school. If you are thinking about going back to college, here are some tips to help you through your journey.

Do not feel intimidated. Many adults may be intimidated about returning to college because they may feel that college is only for young people or they may feel too far removed from school. If you have feelings of apprehension, please keep in mind that college is for anyone who wants to learn. Many professors actually prefer to teach adult students because adults bring real world experience to the classroom and often have more motivation and desire to learn than younger students.

Evaluate your options. The reason why you want to return to college will help determine which school and program is right for you. When evaluating a school or program, consider these questions:

What programs are available?
When and how are courses offered?
Are there any programs specifically designed for adult students?
How do my previous credits transfer?
What is the application procedure?
What support services are available to adult or part-time students?
What is the cost per credit?
What types of financial aid are available?

Get involved. Once you have chosen a school, become familiar with your campus. Meet fellow adult students by attending orientation programs designed specifically for nontraditional students. Take advantage of support groups for adult students.

Maintain academic success. As a returning adult student, you may need a refresher on the best ways to study and maintain academic success. Be sure to:

Complete reading assignments every day so you don't fall behind.
Review notes after each class to increase understanding and retention.
Discuss what you have learned with another person to help remember the information.
Pick a quiet place to study.
Study when you are most alert.
Take breaks often when studying.
Ask for assistance if you need it.

Don't overextend yourself. Keep your health your first priority. If you begin to feel stressed and tired all the time, you may want to cut some activities out of your schedule. Ask your family to help out more around the house. Recruit a friend to watch your children while you study. Those who care about you should be happy to assist you.

If you have questions about the process of returning to college as an adult student, contact your school administrators. For more tips on returning to school, be sure to check out Advice for Adult Students.

Posted: 6/6/2007