Scared to go back to school, any suggestions?

Question

I graduated High School in 2003 and want to go back to school, but I'm very nervous about it. I don't think I did great in High School and think I need to freshen up. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

college is much different and easier, try enrolling in a community college in january you will be glad you did

Answer 2

You are a completely different person than you were three years ago. Whether you've noticed it or not, you've changed. Thankfully, it was probably for the better and it will make you a better student in the long run.

Also consider that you are the one that is in control of your education now. You get to decide what you want to study and not your parents. A major reason people drop out of college is because they didn't want to go in the first place; they were just following the directions of their parents. In this respect, it seems like you've got a big leg up.

To freshen up, you need to read. Read the newspaper everyday, and any book out there that interests you. Make sure you are actually comprehending what you are reading, too, and not just staring at a page for an hour.

Be sure to write as well. From your question, I can tell you've got better grammar skills than most Yahoo users out there. Still, though, you need to reacquaint yourself with the process of writing. Write informative emails to people you know a few times a week. Heck, answering questions here might be another way to practice your writing.

As far as the third R goes, arithmetic, you might consider taking a really low level class. Maybe even below algebra if you haven't done math in a few years. Of course, retaking the ACT or the SAT could also give you an idea of what math course to start out with.

So read, write, and do math any chance you get. These skills might not get you an instant 4.0, but they'll at least get you on the right track towards getting one.

Answer 3

Well, one thing you didn’t mention is whether you’re looking at going back to school on a full-time or a part-time basis. Since it’s been three years since you graduated, so I’d assume you’ve been working. Full-time versus part-time school is a very different experience, so that’s going to be one consideration. A full-time student is, obviously, going to carry a full academic course load, and your peers are going to be other students. If you’re thinking about a part-time approach, you’ll most likely be doing one or two classes in the evenings. For a lot of people, that’s the only way they can manage it given their other responsibilities, and that’s fine.

In EITHER case, it’s important that you approach this in the right way. You did say that you didn’t do that well in high school. Neither did I! But after a break of a couple years (just like what you’ve done), I went back full-time and did extremely well. One of the things you’re going to want to pick up are, for lack of a better phrase, some “study skills.” There are resources to help you with this, and a lot of schools (especially junior colleges) can formalize your introduction to this stuff, but some of the basic concepts related to going to class PREPARED, meaning that you’ve read the chapter and/or other assigned readings before class, not after. There are ways to take effective notes during lecture, and that’s something you’ll want to understand. During class, PARTICIPATE. Think about the material and ask questions. By vocalizing more, you’ll actually retain a lot more than you would if you don’t do this. Study on a regular, disciplined schedule. I remember that most students would frantically cram for tests shortly before they took them. For a student with good study skills, exam week is like a vacation!!! You’ve already done the studying, and you know the material. You’ll also have to juggle assignments like papers. If you take the allotted time to do the research, compose the paper, and then revise a little, this process can be pretty painless. Engage your instructors during office hours when possible. Learning can be greatly enhanced (and made a lot less stressful) if you can turn these teachers into “human beings” just like you are, making them easier to relate to in the process.

Again, there are good resources out there that talk in a lot more detail about study skills; you can probably find some materials at your favorite large bookstore.

But do enroll! If you do it right, it can be one of the best experiences, and having the degree has positive benefits on almost every aspect of your future.

Enjoy it! You know, I sometimes think that if I won the lottery or something and didn’t have to work, I’d enroll in some college or university and just study topics I like for nothing else but the joy of learning!

mz

Answer 4

I think that furthering your education is excellent - and I think that you will find that college is a lot different from high school. For one thing - the teachers treat you as adults, not children. And the learning styles are often more open and flexible. If you really are nervous about it - try taking just one or two classes your first semester and see how you like it. I found it much easier than high school. And the other students were great too. Unlike the gossip, teasing and cliques that you find in high school. Good luck and give it a go.

Answer 5

It's never too late to return to school, even though it seems like a daunting experience! It's great that you're even considering it. If you want to take things slowly, definitely look into your local community college and enroll in a few classes there. They offer tutoring, skills development courses, study skills classes, and even reading and writing centers to help you get started. If you want to transfer to a university after a semester, they can also help you with that. The atmosphere at community colleges are pretty relaxed and many adults attend classes in conjunction with work. Good luck with furthering your education! :o]

Answer 6

Regard higher education as fun. "The higher you go, the cooler it becomes" also applies to higher education, where teaching and learning seem to be more leisurely and interesting than at the lower levels. You have more freedom and choice at the higher education level. All sorts of students populate higher schools/colleges/universities, not only the best brains, and all (or nearly all) of them manage to graduate, in various grades though. Don't miss the fun of going back to school.

Answer 7

Just relax, it's nothing to be worried about, go back to school, it's the best.

Answer 8

Dont go, loads of jobs you could do without an education xx find a guy to pay for you xxx

Answer 9

dont worry, just try your best. if you will feel bad about it, you may quit anytime