Six Tips for Adults Returning to College
Despite amazing technological gains in the last twenty years, adults are working longer and harder than ever before. Thus, many of us in the workforce are a bit reluctant to return to college. We just aren't always sure we have the time and energy to chase that next degree. The reality is that additional education is within your reach if you just commit to the six tips below.
1. Whether you enroll in a traditional or online college, get to know some of your fellow students. It will make school much more fun, and you can support each other.
2. Be sure to get off to a good start. Take a relatively light credit load during your first semester, and adhere strictly to a daily study schedule. If you start strong you are far more likely to achieve your educational goals.
3. Register for courses on the earliest possible date. That way, you can purchase your books and begin your reading prior to the start of the semester. If you get a head start on your reading it will make life easier for you when you are first adjusting to returning to college.
4. Schedule frequent meetings with your advisor. A good advisor is a great asset, so ask lots of questions and be open to any advice you are given. If, for any reason, you are unhappy with your advisor, get another one: do not settle.
5. Obtain the syllabi for your courses as early as you can, and chart all of your major exams and papers on a large calendar. Then, use the calendar to create a daily study schedule that will allow you ample time to complete your assignments on schedule, without undue pressure.
6. Make sure that the important people in your life know you are returning to college. In addition, alert them to the fact that achieving your educational goals will require significant amounts of your time and energy. Be kind but firm about sticking to your academic work schedule. If you tell them what the degree you seek will mean to you, they should understand.
Adults who return to college face the challenge of balancing academics, employment, and family. Yet, most of them are extraordinarily successful. You can be too.
1. Whether you enroll in a traditional or online college, get to know some of your fellow students. It will make school much more fun, and you can support each other.
2. Be sure to get off to a good start. Take a relatively light credit load during your first semester, and adhere strictly to a daily study schedule. If you start strong you are far more likely to achieve your educational goals.
3. Register for courses on the earliest possible date. That way, you can purchase your books and begin your reading prior to the start of the semester. If you get a head start on your reading it will make life easier for you when you are first adjusting to returning to college.
4. Schedule frequent meetings with your advisor. A good advisor is a great asset, so ask lots of questions and be open to any advice you are given. If, for any reason, you are unhappy with your advisor, get another one: do not settle.
5. Obtain the syllabi for your courses as early as you can, and chart all of your major exams and papers on a large calendar. Then, use the calendar to create a daily study schedule that will allow you ample time to complete your assignments on schedule, without undue pressure.
6. Make sure that the important people in your life know you are returning to college. In addition, alert them to the fact that achieving your educational goals will require significant amounts of your time and energy. Be kind but firm about sticking to your academic work schedule. If you tell them what the degree you seek will mean to you, they should understand.
Adults who return to college face the challenge of balancing academics, employment, and family. Yet, most of them are extraordinarily successful. You can be too.
About the Author:
Daniel Z. Kane is a career educator who has helped high school, college, and graduate school students make educational and career decisions. He now publishes educational websites which include information on online degrees and online colleges.
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