Should I or Should I Not?
Some Tips on How Adults Can Attend or Return to College
Should I or Should I Not? Some Tips on How Adults Can Attend or Return to College
It is much simpler for an adult to begin or return to college than many think. Of course, desire is of the utmost importance, and the desire to go to college differs widely amongst those desirous of attending. But, desire with no motivation nor direction gets one nowhere. Many adults feel foolish verbalizing that they want to go to college because oftentimes they are ridiculed by co-workers, friends and loved ones alike; however, if truth be told, many would go if they had the knowledge of how to get there, finances (or where to obtain them), and a support system.
Oftentimes, in the case of women, they are responsible for the household and those living therein in terms of preparing meals and clothing, etc., for the next day, as well as being in the middle if there is a "sandwich" situation within the household. Thus, she must find the time and oftentimes, "permission" to be away from home to attend college. But, regardless, it is doable if it is something that is truly desired.
First things first--attend an information/recruiting workshop at all local colleges, universities and community colleges to determine the one that is right. Ask yourself some serious questions in determining what is "right" for you, i.e., if the college is accredited or not; proximity to work or home; parking on campus; experiential learning* and babysitting on campus.
Many people, today, are attending the community college for the first two years, to obtain credits for their general studies, i.e., math, science, English, etc., to save money. Also, at the end of two years in the community college, one can apply for and receive an Associate's Degree. Then, the earned credits are transferred into a Baccalaureate College (one that grants Bachelor's Degrees). Many times, you will find that state systems have "articulation agreements," approving this type transaction.
Second--Submit your application, with any transcripts from former schools, and other information requested, i.e., letters of recommendation and essays.
Thirdly--while waiting for your application to be approved, you may take time to locate financing--If you work, the first place I advise looking is with the training unit of the human resources office to determine if there is tuition remission available, and the eligibility requirements, if any. If not, then, you may begin to determine with whom in the community, i.e., banks, that you might obtain financial assistance. (Make certain that you always complete a government financial aid [FAFSA] form each semester, regardless of whether you use it or not.)
Also, at this time, you may begin to locate scholarships and grants that will help defray the cost of your education if you plan to pay for it yourself. FASTWEB is an Internet source used by many because you only need to complete one form to submit.
Fourth--Round up your "support network." This can include your family members, friends and employees. The more people you can get to provide you with the support, the better off you may be. You will find you will need it.
Fifth--Once you are accepted and notified, attend the college orientation; it will get you connected and oriented to what's happening. You will usually be given a tour of the college, attend workshops, and meet other students, new and hosting.
Sixth--Register for your classes before they "close." If it is necessary for you to alter your schedule later, you may "drop" and/or "add" courses to obtain the schedule you will need to be a successful adult learner.
(You will notice that I left out taking the S.A.T. as I am not aware of any colleges requiring adults to sit for the test; however, you may have to take "placement" tests, that are usually in the areas of math and English, especially writing. These determine where you begin with math and English.)
Think about how many classes you should take per semester; you don't want to overdo and fizzle out. Different things can come into play in determining the number of courses, i.e., some financial aid providers require you to be enrolled half-time.
Seventh-- -Attend your classes. -Review your syllabus. -Check your schedule. -Ask your professor if you are allowed to fax and/or email information to them, especially if your job requires you to travel. -Discuss with the instructor, at your advising session, if you anticipate missing any classes. -Obtain a "study buddy" on your first day, if possible... this individual may prove very beneficial to you if you need to be absent. -Read and prepare lessons ahead of time so that you are ready to submit them when they are due. -Listen. -Take notes... in your own "shorthand" in a blue notebook, then transfer them into "longhand" in a red notebook, while the notes are still fresh. -Start or join study groups, if necessary. -Study with your children if you can... it will enhance the learning of all. -Take your children with you to the library, if permitted. -If you have a diagnosed and documented "learning disability" or "physical challenge," request assistance. -You might find it beneficial to earn credits, in the following order, for your a) general studies; b) major; c) minor and/or electives... your advisor will help you determine that. -Tip on studying math and science... "learn the formula/method" first, and then plug in the numbers (of course, we all learn differently and this may not be your style). -Relax; if you hated school before, now that you are older, if you give it a chance, you will see how different education is, and you can apply many of your life experiences, i.e., if you are taking a chemistry course, think of yourself in your kitchen, cooking. -Take your time.
If you choose to embark on your college career, I wish you the best in your endeavors. On tomorrow, some of my last former students will graduate from tomorrow, from Trinity College, Washington, DC. It will be the first graduation that I have missed since beginning with them in 1993.
*Experiential learning programs: some colleges and universities will allow you to receive college-level credit for life experiences. It is not an easy task, but it is also not the most difficult one either (I earned 24 credits as a student at American University).
About the Author
Andra Powell Henderson, a former adult learner and adult learner specialist, began college as the divorced mother of three small daughters, in 1976. She stopped out in 1982, to pay more attention to her pre-teen and teen daughters, and returned to study in 1987. Andra earned 24 experiential learning credits in the areas of advanced copy editing, graphics, community corrections, processing the issues of death and dying, evaluating government employees, and reinventing the American family. She received an Associate's Degree from the American University, May 1990; a Bachelor's Degree the following year; and was cited as the outstanding adult student and spoke at the annual dinner.
Since graduate school was the next step, she applied for and obtained a professional position with American University, and her tuition remission of two classes per semester financed her Master's Degree, that she received August 1993. During some trying times, between 1995 and 1998, Andra attended a doctoral program in educational administration, at the American University. With one class, one comprehensive test and the dissertation to complete, she gave it up, though she continues to encourage her former adult students to pursue their PhDs (her motto when she worked with them was, "If you want to hang with me, you have to get a PhD." Many, with whom she has stayed in contact, have obtained their Master's Degrees.
Now that she is a breast cancer survivor, and disabled, it is doubtful she will ever return to receive the PhD, especially since she shredded the first three of five chapters of her dissertation!
Andra calls Washington, DC, her home where she has resided throughout her life, and where she is near her immediate family consisting of her three children, nine grandchildren, four sisters, one brother, mother, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins.
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