Going Back to School, Accredited Schools, Degree Programs

Six Tips for Adults Going Back to School

If you are a working adult considering going back to school, you are not alone: according to the US Census Bureau, 37% of all college students are adults aged 25 or older. You don’t need to be worried, and you don’t need to put it off any longer. What you do need is a plan. Whether you’re just starting out on an undergraduate degree, or trying to complete your education after a few years off, here are six tips for a successful experience for all adult learners.

1. Find balance
Can you fit in a few hours of studying after work but before you pick up the kids? Can you find the energy to go to evening classes several nights a week after your day job? These are the kinds of questions that working adults must ask themselves as they consider going back to school. Unlike the “party animal” college students seen in the movies, who are often portrayed as having endless free time to do anything except study, adult students face a set of competing demands on their time. If you want to go back to school, you need to find a way to balance your time. Are you ready for this?

2. Research your options.
If possible, discuss your educational plans with your employers. Can they be flexible about working hours? If not, can you complete a degree program while maintaining your current work schedule? Should you go online?

Talk to your family and friends about managing family commitments, childcare, and expenses. Explore transportation options. Can you drive to class? Can you use public transportation? Do you need to take classes from home? Finally, research schools and their programs. Scour the web, talk to coworkers, friends, and college admissions representatives, and try to find a program that is a good match for you.

3. Funding Issues
School can be expensive. Do you have enough money saved up? If not, look into the financial aid options available to you. This could include a grants, loans, and scholarships. If you or your spouse is a veteran or currently in the military, research military discounts or GI Bill funding. Learn to think of finding funding as part of the educational process. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, two-thirds of all undergraduate students received some sort of financial aid during the 2007-2008 school year.

4. Online or Campus?
Figure out how much time you can free up for going back to school. If time is so scarce that evening night or weekend classes might be a problem, consider online options. Going to school online provides an excellent opportunity for working adults, and some colleges even offer mixed (online and campus) programs.

5. Make a plan
Do not simply sign up for a program and see what happens. You are inserting an important obligation into your already busy schedule, and it will take organization to ensure that you find time for both studying and your other commitments. Even if you enroll in an online program with flexible hours, consider making a weekly schedule outlining your plans. Also consider how quickly you want to graduate. Many schools offer accelerated programs, allowing students to get to the job market more quickly through taking a more concentrated courseload. Whatever path you choose, don’t overload yourself! Remember that the most successful students-like the most successful employees-are those who most carefully structure their time.

6. Stick to it!
Don’t neglect your other commitments. Far too many promising students are forced to suspend or abandon their educational plans because other aspects of their life get in the way. Maintain your professionalism at work, and remember that juggling multiple responsibilities is an important skill. It won’t be easy, but if you stay on top of things, you can do this.

Doing the necessary legwork-determining whether online or campus education is right for you, researching schools and programs, looking into funding options, and planning your life around your new educational commitments-is half the battle. Once you’ve made a coherent, realistic plan, you can rest easy and focus on what really matters: your education.

1. infoplease.com/spot/back-to-school-census.html

2. chronicle.com/news/article/?id=6307