It's great that you have decided to go back to college or university to continue with or complete your degree! If you are in the category of what is referred to as adult learners or mature-age students, chances are you might be enrolled in coursework on a part time basis because you have a career and perhaps a family that you are are responsible for. Non-traditional students are more often than not passionate about succeeding in whatever they do. They also have a good grasp on time-management skills and they have very focused.
As the economy changes, so will the need to keep colleges and universities up to speed with market demands. However, it is important to remember that your key priority is to keep focused so that you can attain your degree with as little distraction as possible.
Research resources show that mature-age students face particular issues in making a successful transition to university. These may be significant other commitments for example family, employment, mortgage etc). If you have been out of school for a while, the first semester can be a challenge. Some of the concerns you may have may include: Why do my classmates seem so young; How will they view me? How will I balance study with all my other demands? How will my partner and/or kids cope with me returning to school? I have test anxiety - how should I study? How do I work the computer? Will I be able to afford school? Will I get a raise or promotion after I graduate, or a new job?
Some ways that you can get a smooth transition into college is by first know what will be expected of you as a student. This mean you will do some work into learning about what support networks are available for you as a student. One thing you can do is to form study groups and get to know your academic advisor or college counselor. Get to meet other students like yourself and exchange ideas with them. A good indicator of students who perform well in college is whether they are in touch with their academic advisers or professors. Professor tend to work more actively with students who seem engaged. Remember too that having good time management skills is key, especially if you have other obligations.
In general, you will be assigned an academic advisor when you first enroll in a new university or college. Get to know your advisor well and make appointments with them from time to time. Also most professors are cognizant of the other demands that mature-age students may have. This nonetheless does not mean that they do not expect you to put in your fair share of your work. They will expect you to be both self-motivated and self-directed. It also means that you should be as organized as possible. Some strategies to use are setting up and keep notes on a calendar, keeping a to-do list and keeping track of important dates and deadlines like filing for graduation. In addition, figure out your learning style and make it work for you. For example, some students are visual learners, so using graphic organizers might be a good strategy to adopt.
Keep in mind that time is a valuable resource. Put your school-skills to work. You will be spending a considerable amount of time reading, therefore read up on effective study and research strategies. Take advantage of resources on the Internet.
In all this however, do not lose sight of life outside of school. Take the time to step away from the books and relax. Take a Friday evening off. Spend time with you friends and family. Take your dog for a walk. Anything to relax your mind. You will feel more stress free and ready to take on that assignment. Most of all, you will be happy with the decision you made to get that degree.
As the economy changes, so will the need to keep colleges and universities up to speed with market demands. However, it is important to remember that your key priority is to keep focused so that you can attain your degree with as little distraction as possible.
Research resources show that mature-age students face particular issues in making a successful transition to university. These may be significant other commitments for example family, employment, mortgage etc). If you have been out of school for a while, the first semester can be a challenge. Some of the concerns you may have may include: Why do my classmates seem so young; How will they view me? How will I balance study with all my other demands? How will my partner and/or kids cope with me returning to school? I have test anxiety - how should I study? How do I work the computer? Will I be able to afford school? Will I get a raise or promotion after I graduate, or a new job?
Some ways that you can get a smooth transition into college is by first know what will be expected of you as a student. This mean you will do some work into learning about what support networks are available for you as a student. One thing you can do is to form study groups and get to know your academic advisor or college counselor. Get to meet other students like yourself and exchange ideas with them. A good indicator of students who perform well in college is whether they are in touch with their academic advisers or professors. Professor tend to work more actively with students who seem engaged. Remember too that having good time management skills is key, especially if you have other obligations.
In general, you will be assigned an academic advisor when you first enroll in a new university or college. Get to know your advisor well and make appointments with them from time to time. Also most professors are cognizant of the other demands that mature-age students may have. This nonetheless does not mean that they do not expect you to put in your fair share of your work. They will expect you to be both self-motivated and self-directed. It also means that you should be as organized as possible. Some strategies to use are setting up and keep notes on a calendar, keeping a to-do list and keeping track of important dates and deadlines like filing for graduation. In addition, figure out your learning style and make it work for you. For example, some students are visual learners, so using graphic organizers might be a good strategy to adopt.
Keep in mind that time is a valuable resource. Put your school-skills to work. You will be spending a considerable amount of time reading, therefore read up on effective study and research strategies. Take advantage of resources on the Internet.
In all this however, do not lose sight of life outside of school. Take the time to step away from the books and relax. Take a Friday evening off. Spend time with you friends and family. Take your dog for a walk. Anything to relax your mind. You will feel more stress free and ready to take on that assignment. Most of all, you will be happy with the decision you made to get that degree.
About the Author:
Sophie Peters is the editor of a site that has articles on PhD degrees in education and PhD degrees in psychology. For more articles on other doctoral degrees, visit her website.
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