You've decided it's time to do something for yourself. Now that you've raised your children and are either settled in your career or are looking for a career advancement, it's time to go back to college. Yes, you may be older than most of your classmates, but making the decision to become an "adult learner" may be one of the best you've ever made.
If you're working full time, will you have time to take classes at a college campus? Will you be looking for online classes? Online classes may offer wider opportunities because you can take any class from anywhere, but maybe you're looking for the interaction that comes with an on-campus class. Either way, make sure your computer skills are up to par before you sign up for a class as assignments are typically posted online and even if you're sitting in a classroom, there will likely be an online component. If you need to brush up on your computer careers, do that before you make the plunge into classes.
Will you have the time to attend classes? Do homework? Work on projects? Gauge your outside responsibilities before you decide how many classes you will take at a time. Be advised, though, if you are seeking financial aid, you will likely have to become a full time student. If you're not certain how you'll do in a classroom setting after what might have been decades away from it, start out slow; take one or two classes and see how it fits in with your life. Set realistic goals.
A benefit of going to college after you've become established in your life or in your career is that you will likely have more of an appreciation for college than you would have when you were in your 20s. As an adult learner you will be more invested in your college learning than you might have been earlier in life. Also, with the amount of practical knowledge you've gained during the course of your life, you may be better able to apply college lessons to life's practicalities.
There is something to be said, too, for being a lifelong learner. Studies have shown that individuals who keep their minds (as well as their bodies) active may be able to slow or diminish the effects of Alzheimer's disease. And who doesn't appreciate a challenge? Maybe you had no desire to learn about biology or history or didn't figure you'd ever have to write a business letter, now you have the opportunity and you embrace it.
Do some research at college campuses near you, go online and see what kind of classes are available. Determine whether you want to take a class "just for the fun of it" or whether you're pursuing a degree and begin the process. Remember, you're never too old to learn!
If you're working full time, will you have time to take classes at a college campus? Will you be looking for online classes? Online classes may offer wider opportunities because you can take any class from anywhere, but maybe you're looking for the interaction that comes with an on-campus class. Either way, make sure your computer skills are up to par before you sign up for a class as assignments are typically posted online and even if you're sitting in a classroom, there will likely be an online component. If you need to brush up on your computer careers, do that before you make the plunge into classes.
Will you have the time to attend classes? Do homework? Work on projects? Gauge your outside responsibilities before you decide how many classes you will take at a time. Be advised, though, if you are seeking financial aid, you will likely have to become a full time student. If you're not certain how you'll do in a classroom setting after what might have been decades away from it, start out slow; take one or two classes and see how it fits in with your life. Set realistic goals.
A benefit of going to college after you've become established in your life or in your career is that you will likely have more of an appreciation for college than you would have when you were in your 20s. As an adult learner you will be more invested in your college learning than you might have been earlier in life. Also, with the amount of practical knowledge you've gained during the course of your life, you may be better able to apply college lessons to life's practicalities.
There is something to be said, too, for being a lifelong learner. Studies have shown that individuals who keep their minds (as well as their bodies) active may be able to slow or diminish the effects of Alzheimer's disease. And who doesn't appreciate a challenge? Maybe you had no desire to learn about biology or history or didn't figure you'd ever have to write a business letter, now you have the opportunity and you embrace it.
Do some research at college campuses near you, go online and see what kind of classes are available. Determine whether you want to take a class "just for the fun of it" or whether you're pursuing a degree and begin the process. Remember, you're never too old to learn!
About the Author:
Ellen Matheson is an instuctor at a well known online college. She holds two online degrees and a PhD from a traditional university.
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