Returning to college as an adult can be a great opportunity to prepare for a new career and a more successful future, but there are some tips and advice that can help you avoid some very common mistakes that could cause you to fail.
Do not overload your class schedule - As an adult going back to school you may have responsibilities and priorities in addition to your class load. You may have a spouse, children, and other family members who depend on you, as well as work responsibilities. A good rule of thumb is that for each credit hour you will usually have 3-4 hours of work and studying each week. Make sure that this is calculated into your schedule, and avoid taking too many classes all at once.
Take the easy classes in the beginning - As a new student you should ease into college, and this can be done by taking your less demanding classes first. This will allow you to get into the habit of studying and other college requirements before you start taking any really demanding classes.
Create a space that is just yours - Adults returning to school may have children and other distractions at home, and it is important to create a space which is quiet, and that is off limits to anyone but you. This will give you a space to store all of your books and work, as well as your supplies and the other essentials needed for your courses.
Ask your family for support - Talk with your family before you begin classes, and discuss how important your studying and course work is to the entire family. Even younger children are old enough to understand the need to be quiet when you are taking care of your class requirements or trying to concentrate on learning the material. You can arrange for your spouse to take the children on an outing for a few hours, so you can get work done uninterrupted.
Don’t give up - Although it may seem difficult at times, don’t give up. If you are struggling in a subject arrange for tutoring or extra help from the instructor. Take this step as soon as you start having trouble for the best results.
Academic advisors can help - An academic advisor can be very helpful if you have questions or concerns about any classes or your college education. These advisors can help you change or add classes, and give you advice on the best course of action so that you get your degree as soon as possible, without any avoidable delays.
Get to know your instructors - Make it a point to get to know your instructors, but do not try to be too friendly or informal. If you have any issues or obstacles a discussion with your instructor may take care of them. Do not try to get sympathy, but if you must be late occasionally or leave class early once a week because of family or work responsibilities discuss this with the instructor, to see if there will be a problem in class because of these issues.
There are many programs out there and sometimes the options can be overwhelming. We offer options to adults going back to school, at no cost. Our Education Advocates will listen to your personal situation, understand your areas of interest and will connect you with 1-3 schools that may be a good fit for you. You can reach the Education Advocates at 877-543-2655 or through the website collegecomplete.com
Good luck in your endeavors
what i have experience since going back to college late in my life is the importance of understanding what you are getting yourself into. i highly recommend to anyone deciding to go back is to enroll in the college success program at your school. you may feel you have enough knowledge to withstand any challenges in class but you will discover that the requirements are much more demanding. the college success program will help you understand the demands of your college courses, such as writing essays, and research papers. also it will remind you to budget your career, personal and college expenses. Next, it will reconnect your confidence in you. The class itself will make you feel you can handle college and a adult life at the same time. enjoy it! don’t let your age discount you because in the end you will have degree work and experience that is hard to compare.
Excellent advice, Jennifer. Thanks much for sharing!!