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So You Think You’re Ready To Go Back to School?

Imagine this: You have graduated from a bachelor’s program, are working for a reputable accounting firm and working toward a MBA with impressive grades...

12/01/11

Meanwhile, picture yourself working full time while also balancing time with special people, a work-out routine, a busy social calendar and a pet.  It may all sound like a fairy-tale, but it is Liz Leeds’ non-fiction success story.

She started with the same question most adult-learners ultimately ask: “Am I ready to go back to school at this point in my life?” There are only three answers—yes, no or maybe…if you’re in that maybe stage, here are some things you can do.

Carefully weigh the sacrifices and the rewards
Be honest with yourself. Consider the reality of assuming one more responsibility. Also, keep monetary costs in perspective—think of an education as an investment.

Do your homework
Identify specific schools, degrees, and programs that will complement you at this stage in life. Check out the Association for Non-Traditional Students in Higher Education (ANTSHE, www.antshe.org), a resource that connects adult students to other students and professionals.

Take a test class
Think about signing up for a course at a local community colleges.  Here you can revive your studying habits and refresh your computer skills. Utilize lower-pressure learning opportunities to ensure a smooth transition into potentially more difficult college programs and boost your excitement for the educational process.

Identify your personal objective
Some adult learners return to college after they realize they need to, but family and work responsibilities may have precluded being enrolled in traditional programs.  Sometimes adults realize it’s now or never. Often, it’s an economic decision or the need for a better lifestyle. Others may recognize that they might not make any real career progress without advanced training.

“There is a huge difference between incomes in families with high school diplomas and college degrees. Master’s and doctoral degrees make even bigger differences,” says Chris Cohen, director of admissions at Texas Wesleyan University in Ft. Worth.

Consider the financial aspects
Apply for financial aid early! Also, check and see if your company offers tuition reimbursement.  In addition, definitely complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (www.fafsa.ed.gov) even if you don’t think you will qualify for grants or loans. Some adult programs may even waive fees for returning students. You may also want to consider student loans with attractive rates. However, exercise caution before accumulating exorbitant debts.

Choose time-saving options, such as online learning (no travel) and weekend (more availability) programs.

Create short-term and long-term goals and backup plans
Going back to college requires flexibility, adjustments and determination. Don’t expect to remodel your home, have a baby, tackle new work assignments and take 15 credit hours your first semester. Be realistic about the start-up time it will take to get settled, and be committed to your long-range goals.

Establish a support network
Sometimes a family needs to be ready for the changes as well as the individual.  Cover your bases at home by identifying reliable childcare providers and surrounding yourself with supportive family or friends who remind you how exciting your new endeavor is. Speak regularly with enthusiastic mentors at work and special friends who respect your dreams of a better life.

Reproduced and excerpted with permission from NextStepU.com.

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