BackToLearn.com - Helping adults find the best college

Do you have the time to return to school?
August 9, 2011 at 8:32 am — by enid | No Comments
Category: Blog

What do you consider to be the biggest challenge as you complete your college degree?  How will returning to school challenge your life at work and at home?

Many adults consider a lack of time as their biggest challenge when they consider returning to school. With work, children, household chores, and other daily tasks, adult students barely have time to get eight hours of sleep. So, how can you find time to go back to school?

Adult learners want to return to school for many different reasons, but why? Many people will answer “to make more money” but there are undoubtedly more answers to this question.

Do you want to earn that degree, acquire knowledge, improve your marketability, move up the corporate ladder, start your own business, obtain a better job within your current industry or is your prerogative linked to personal goals? Whatever the reason, there are only 24 hours in a day and seven days in a week, so it’s imperative as a college degree seeker to make some time-management decisions.

Create a time budget

Brooks Doherty, Academic Dean at the Rasmussen College Brooklyn Park, MN  college campus recently said, “One of the most difficult challenges for college students can be learning to effectively manage time. Careful planning is required to complete coursework and still have time for work, family, and life’s other obligations.”

Many of us have a household budget to balance money management. A best practice for successful college students is this: create a time budget or practice time management. The budget serves as a flexible evolving document; essential to the fluidity of your day-to-day life. While some items in your household budget will remain the same, others will increase or decrease and you may add or remove items from your budget.

So, what do you do? Here are the following steps to take for create a time budget:

1) Write down everything you do in a day; even the most minute task. Keep work, school, family life, extracurricular activities, weekly meetings, for example, all in mind when creating a list.

2) Create a personal calendar. There are many software packages that can help you do this: including Microsoft™ Excel and/or Microsoft™ Word.

3) We cannot always work or study, so pencil in some blank “me” time in your time budget. We must have some downtime to relax. You must “Prioritize and carefully budget your time to make use of every minute; being efficient and disciplined” (via Thinking of Going Back to School? Just Do It!). If you are going to count every minute, make sure you count time for downtime including time to rest. Give yourself enough time to rest and relax to avoid burnout.

Just like a financial budget, you will have to make some adjustments from time to time. Some classes will require more of your time than others, and some classes will be harder than others. Part of the challenge is trying to come up with the plan for each quarter or semester, so look ahead at your schedule and try to image how much time do you realistically need to earn a good grade in that class while keeping a good work/life balance.

About the author: Michael Mancini Jr., is an instructor for the Business degree program at Rasmussen College Online. He has worked in the field of management for more than 20 years, and has owned a small business. Michael has a bachelor’s degree in information systems from Kennesaw State University, a MBA from the University of Phoenix and he is currently finishing his dissertation for his Doctorate of Management in organizational leadership from the University of Phoenix.

How to study smarter
April 20, 2011 at 4:11 pm — by enid | No Comments
Category: Blog

We’ve all been there before. We get to the end of a chapter in a book and don’t know what you just read. Or we sit through an entire lecture, only to walk away wondering what the professor was talking about.

The key to studying smarter is being engaged. It’s not enough to look at the words in a book or sit through a lecture. You need to participate in the learning process.

Here are a few tips:

Reading: Instead of reading an assignment just to get it over with, try to become aware of what the author of the book is saying. One effective method for reading textbooks is called SQ3R. It stands for: Survey, Question, Read, Recite and Review.

Doing these extra steps will actually save you time and energy. You’ll understand the reading the first time, so you won’t have to read it over again. And you won’t forget important information.

Use your notes: Try to understand what the teacher wants you to learn. What is the main topic of each lesson? What are the important points? Does the teacher mention specific details that you need to know? How you use your notes is just as important as taking good notes.

Do the work: Understanding the reading assignments, the class notes and doing the homework will make it easier to study for the test. Homework offers you a chance to use the information that’s being taught. It’s one thing to read or hear about a topic, but real learning comes from the work you do yourself.

Study for tests: Studying for the test won’t seem as hard if you’ve been paying attention and keeping up with your work. You’ll want to start studying at least a few days before the test, so the information has time to sink in. Starting early also gives you time to ask the teacher for help if you don’t understand something. When you sit down to study, be sure to review, recite and rehearse.

As you continue your education, the information you learn will get harder! Practicing these techniques now will prepare you for handling college work.

Excerpted from an article by Paula Refici Cummings. For more on going back to school, go to www.BackToLearn.com

Trying to find the right career? Take this quiz!
April 12, 2011 at 3:54 pm — by enid | No Comments
Category: Blog

Answer these questions honestly and find a career option that may be right for you! (This isn’t scientific or anything, but it’s fun to see how you score!)

1. What’s your favorite thing to do in the summer?

a. Anything outdoors.

b. Working a side job.

c. Attending social events with friends.

d. Spending time with nephews and nieces, grandkids or your own kids.

2. If you were in a talent show, what would you do?

a. You’re more into the behind-the-scenes work, so you invented this really cool, inexpensive smoke machine for the show.

b. Performance really isn’t your thing. Instead, you sold key chains that you made yourself.

c. You and your friends created this hilarious comedy skit involving chef hats and a chicken … OK, so you had to see it to understand …

d. The kids in your neighborhood wanted to do something, so you taught them a song and did a little play.

3. Which famous person would you most like to emulate?

a. Marie Curie, early investigator of radioactivity and Nobel Prize winner.

b. Thomas Edison, inventor of the electric light, the motion-picture camera and phonograph.

c. Matt Lauer, co-anchor of NBC’s “Today Show.”

d. Martin Luther King Jr., leader of the nonviolent civil-rights movement.

4. What was your favorite activity at school?

a. The computer lab. You can surf the net, check the news, write a paper…the possibilities are endless!

b. The home-ec room. You’re always cooking up something new.

c. The commons. All your friends hang out there, so it was the most fun place to be.

d. The library. It’s quiet and a good place to relax and read.

5. What kind of TV do you watch?

a. Nature shows

b. Infomercials

c. Soap operas

d. The History Channel

Key

If you scored mostly As, consider becoming a scientist. Scientists have high levels of organization and patience. They are generally ambitious, self-confident and good at strategic planning. Their primary interests are not understanding a concept, but applying it and making it useful.

If you scored mostly Bs, consider becoming an: entrepreneur/businessperson. Most entrepreneurs have a high degree of independence and ability to take risks. Generally, entrepreneurs are able to view the big picture and see how different pieces fit together in a business. They also have high-energy personalities and a drive to accumulate wealth.

If you scored mostly Cs, consider becoming an: entertainer/communicator. In order to survive in the cutthroat field of entertainment and communications, you must have a high sense of self-confidence, energy and self-defense. But don’t be too self-confident; you’ll need to learn from the criticism you get. People in this field are generally independent and good listeners.

If you scored mostly Ds, consider becoming a: teacher. The most important trait for a teacher is patience. Organization, a sense of humor and lots of energy are helpful, as well. You must also have self-confidence and a love for the subject matter. Enthusiasm is a must!

Excerpted from an article by Katie Macpherson. For more career advice, go to BackToLearn.com!

Use this transfer checklist for a successful transition
April 7, 2011 at 4:31 pm — by enid | No Comments
Category: Blog

Want to go back to college but not sure where to start? Well if you already have some college courses under your belt, you can transfer to a new school or program by following these steps. Stay connected and informed to make sure your transfer is successful!

Make an appointment with a transfer counselor. Discuss your transfer plans with a counselor, who can help you discover your options.

Go to transfer fairs. If your college offers them, take full advantage of college-transfer days, which are excellent chances to get information from four-year colleges. Some colleges may schedule routine visits to your campus throughout the year. Find and become familiar with the fair schedule.

Use technology. Virtual tours, websites and promotional videos can tell you a lot about the programs a college offers, the type of students on campus and the surrounding area. Check out the college’s website for an online application, too.

Find some money. Check out transfer-student scholarship opportunities. Your transfer office will have information regarding how to fund your education.

Write for more info. Write to admissions offices and department chairpersons at four-year colleges for information about degree requirements and application deadlines.

Apply for admission. Follow all admission application procedures. Start by requesting all the appropriate materials. Be aware of all application deadline dates. This is particularly important for high-demand programs.

Go the extra mile. You are creating an application portfolio that tells a college of your capabilities and how you will be an asset to the campus. Request an admissions interview so you can articulate your interest in that particular school. These are all ways to give admissions officers a better sense of who you are beyond your transcript.

Ask your transfer office for help. There’s a bit of paperwork involved, such as transcript requests and credit evaluations, so be sure to ask for help! It’s OK to lean on an expert, you’ll be glad you did.

Send your deposits in by deadline, and review the credit evaluation.

Review your financial-aid package. Learn what each item in your package means, and ask if you can expect the same kind of funding each year, provided your FAFSA data doesn’t drastically change.

Read all materials your transfer school sends you.

Also, to help with the transition, download our Free Adult Education Guide!

Excerpted from an article by Christopher Belle-Isle and Jennifer Mailey, both are past presidents of NYSTAA, the New York State Transfer and Articulation Association. For more on going back to school, check out BackToLearn.com.

Want to keep earning? Keep learning!
March 23, 2011 at 3:31 pm — by enid | No Comments
Category: Blog

Going back to school is just the beginning of a lifelong learning journey. With the rapid advancement of technology, a fluctuating economy and societal and corporate changes, you must adapt a learning mindset if you want to succeed. The key to lifelong earning is lifelong learning. But to become a student for life, start by finding out how you learn best.

There are three ways human beings learn:

• hearing (auditory learning)
• seeing (visual learning)
• doing (kinesthetic learning)

If you are not sure which type your prefer, ask yourself how you like to be given directions. If you are an auditory learner, you prefer to be told how to get somewhere. If you are a visual learner, you prefer to be shown. If you are a kinesthetic learner, you prefer to drive yourself there first.

Another important aspect of learning is whether you are left- or right-brain dominant. 1) “Left-brained” people are good with logic, analysis, math, language, writing and reading. 2) “Right-brained” people are good with imagination, colors, graphics, music and rhythm. Of course, we do have the capability to think both ways. When we are able to tap into both sides of our brains, we use our full brain potential.

Many famous people used their “whole” brain. Strive to use your whole brain when studying, working and interacting with others. Also, be selective with what you feed your brain. As the adage says, “garbage in, garbage out.” The same holds true for the programs your brain uses. Only put in positive, healthy and educational programs. Your thoughts, along with the ability to add, change and discard them, are what define your mind.

Excerpted from an article originally written by Michelle L. Casto, a Whole Life coach and author of Get Smart! About Modern Career Development: A Personal Guide to Creating Your Life’s Work.

Wondering what to study? We can help
March 18, 2011 at 12:55 pm — by enid | No Comments
Category: Blog

If you aren’t sure what major to choose, don’t worry. Picking a major is difficult until you really figure out your interests and strengths.

Not every major is the right fit for a student—a forensic science major and a queasy stomach aren’t a good mix. Here are six majors and the strengths you would need to pursue the degree.

• Biology: Only students who enjoyed their biology in high school should consider majoring in biology. Don’t expect college biology to hold your interest if you snoozed through the basics years ago.

• Business: You should enjoy subjects like accounting, marketing and entrepreneurship. Also consider your past interests and whether they were business related.

• Economics: An economics major needs to have a knack for numbers.

• English: Students who want to major in English should love to read and write. Not the right choice if you cruised through high school on Cliffs Notes.

• Nursing: Nurses must have math skills, good memories and the ability to pay attention to detail. Nurses also must follow doctor’s orders, contribute to decisions and have good people skills. Foreign language skills are also helpful. An ability to teach others is important.

• Psychology: Be prepared for graduate school and beyond. “A bachelor’s doesn’t buy you much in the field of psychology,” Peg Hendershot says. Students who want to major in psychology should also be comfortable with the competitiveness of finding a job in the field.

Excerpted from an article by By Emilie Le Beau. For more information on going to college, visit BackToLearn.com.

Be a strong transfer candidate
February 11, 2011 at 1:46 pm — by enid | No Comments
Category: Blog

There are some things you can do to make sure you are an attractive transfer student for a four-year college.

Thinking of transferring to a four-year college? Here are 5 ways to be an attractive transfer candidate.

1. Take a set of solid courses at your community college

A roster of solid classes will help your transfer school recognize that you are a student who is willing to be challenged academically. High-quality, demanding courses taken from an institution’s approved list will show you haven’t avoided challenging work.

2. You should look for any articulation agreements available through the community college and the four-year university you plan to attend.

3. Earn a strong GPA

Show that not only are you willing to take a demanding course load, but that you have the ability to be successful while doing so. Minimum transfer GPA requirements exist; your goal should be to achieve much higher than the minimum.

4. Discuss why you are transferring—and why you’re a good match

If an essay is required, this can be a great topic to write about. If an essay isn’t required, submit a brief personal statement with your thoughts, feelings, etc. about transferring.

5. Arrange a transfer interview

Many institutions recommend, but do not require, an interview as part of the transfer admission process. Often an “interview” may actually be more of a “discussion” with a transfer admissions counselor. If you do participate in an interview, it will give you the opportunity to show off your personality to interviewers and make your case for why they should admit you.

Excerpted from an article by Andrew H. Hendrix. For more information about going back to school, go to BackToLearn.com.

Are you cut out for online learning?
February 4, 2011 at 8:44 am — by enid | No Comments
Category: Blog, Uncategorized

Going to class online to finish your bachelor’s degree sounds tempting, but take this quiz to find out if it’s your best option.

Just because there are many distance-learning programs to choose from doesn’t mean they are all right for you. How do you know if distance learning is the best option for you? How do you know if you will learn better in a face-to-face environment or online? Here are some questions to help you decide:

• Will you feel motivated without regular personal contact with your instructor?

• Do you have 10 to 15 hours a week to devote to schoolwork?

• Can you learn by reading alone instead of listening to a lecturer?

• Do you have regular access to a computer and the Internet?

• Are you comfortable using word processing and spreadsheet software?

• Do you communicate well in writing?

• Do you tend to work ahead of schedule?

• Do you have extensive work and/or family commitments?

If you answered mostly NO

If you: Then you would probably do better in a traditional, on-campus environment.

If you answered mostly YES

Then distance learning may be the answer. Distance learning students are generally very organized self-starters who work well independently with limited reminders on assignments and due dates. If you think that distance learning might work for you but are nervous about making that kind of commitment, look for an institution that offers blended or hybrid courses. These courses offer the best of both worlds. They incorporate aspects of both the on-campus and online environments.

It is important to have a good understanding of your learning style before you enroll in your first class. If you are unsure as to how well you will do in the online environment or if your schedule will not allow you to attend a traditional online course every term, try to find an institution that offers both. This will allow you the flexibility you need to be successful in reaching your educational goals.

Excerpted by an article by Christine Javery, manager of student services and academic advising with distance education at Southern New Hampshire University.