There are plenty of reasons more and more adults today are choosing to go to college. At any age, going back to school is a big decision, but it’s an investment in your future. Having a college degree is an extremely valuable asset in the workforce, and it opens up new doors for you and your career.
When transitioning from high school to college, there are many resources available–but that’s not necessarily true for adults (even though 30% of all college students are 25 or older). If you’re an adult going back to school, here are some helpful tips you can utilize in the process.
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Pick the right school for you
Not every school is going to align with your specific needs. When choosing a school, it’s very important to consider your schedule and responsibilities. For example, you might be working full-time while attending college. In this case, you might want to consider going to a university that offers night or online classes, a very popular option for adult learners. This way, you’ll be able to attend class and get your schooling done on a schedule that works around your life.
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Do your research
As mentioned, choosing to go back to school is a huge investment. Because of this, it’s crucial that you research your desired career before committing to a school or a program. For example, if you want a career in accounting, research what kind of education an accountant needs so you can make informed decisions about your education.
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Apply for financial aid and scholarships
It’s no secret that college is expensive. Whether it’s in-person or online, paying for college can put a heavy burden on your finances. Luckily, there are resources available to you to help you pay for tuition. Financial aid is available to all college students. You can apply to receive financial aid online. There are a number of different considerations that go into how much financial aid you will be awarded, but most college students receive $14,950 on average. You can also apply for scholarships through your school or privately. Scholarships are a great option for students because they do not need to be paid back, whereas federal and private loans do. You can learn more about financial aid by visiting the official website.
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Take advantage of your resources
Once you’ve applied to and have been accepted by a school, you will be assigned an academic advisor or guidance counselor. This person will answer any questions you have about anything regarding your college experience. They may also register you for classes. You probably will also have access to a number of other resources, such as a career guidance counselor. All of these resources available to you exist to make your college experience as smooth as possible–take advantage of them!
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Do your homework
It may seem obvious that you have to do your homework to be successful in college, but if you’re not used to doing it, it can be a difficult task to get in the habit of. You can use a planner to make sure you’re completing your homework, and utilize your time management skills to get them done on time. Managing your time well is especially important if you’re working while going to school or have other responsibilities.
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Get support
Having a support system at school, such as your academic advisor, is important, but its also important to have personal support as well. Find people in your personal life and tell them you’re going back to school. It can be friends, family members, or a spouse. Whomever it may be, having a supportive person or group of people to help encourage you on the path to graduation can make all the difference.
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Get excited!
Finally, get excited! Whatever reason you’re going, attending college is a big milestone and it can be a very fun and enjoyable time. Don’t forget to enjoy your time in college.
