2007-07-14 01:48:10 · 5 answers · asked by beachgirl_123456 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
1. You really can go back, at any age, and you can study just about anything you want.
2. Self motivation is always important when college is involved, but even more so when you go back as an adult. The peer pressures and parental pressures that motivate you as a high school student going into college for the first time will not be there this time.
3. You will be competing against young, bright students, but you have the advantage of experience and wisdom. Learn how to use it.
4. Maturity helps, in that you will not have the distraction of the novelty of being in college for the first time.
5. Don't go back to study something that you do not really have a strong interest in.
6. Related to 5, figure out the end game. Where do you want to be after going back to college? That should help determine where to go and what to study.
7. Work-life balance is critical. If you do work+school+ family there will be little time for anything else.
8. Related to 7, you must get the buy-in from family up front. There are going to be times when you have to study, and you just are not going to be available for everybody, plain and simple. You will not be able to go to every single family event, and the customary movie on the weekend may have to change. And you cannot be made to feel guilty about this. Things will be different for a while, and family members need to be on board.
9. Related to 7, if you are going to work while going to college, make sure to keep your courseload light enough so that you do not lose momentum on the job.
10. When you apply you will need to take SAT's, GRE's, GMAT or something. Do study for these (use a guidebook). Your experience and the study should help you.
11. College costs a lot of money, more than it used to. Be prepared for this.
12. Get a good personal computer with high speed Internet access. These have emerged as important research and study tools.
13. Have a quiet place picked out where you can read and study. If that does not exist at home, pick out a library, student center or park bench where this does exist.
14. Do not get discouraged if the work is hard. Worthwhile college work is never easy. Stick with it, and get help when you need it.
15. Keep the commute in mind in selecting a college. A bad commute to college is work in and of itself.
16. You will not be alone. The U.S. population base is aging, retirement age is extending out, and people are living longer. The second (even third) career is becoing popular. This means more adults will be going back to college to be refreshed/retrained.
17. You may have time on your side, and should use it to your advantage. When you get out of high school, you often want to get through college and onto your career, and you want to do it quickly. Going back as an adult, you may have more flexibility to take your time. If that is true, take advantage of that flexibility.
18. Your professors may be close to your age. I recommend that you still call them "professor" and give the professional courtesy nonetheless (I am 50, my advisor is 54, but I call him "professor").
19. Job prospects may not always open up immediately once you have your college degree. But if you study the right field and use the career resources that are available to you, you should achieve success.
20. Don't forget to have fun!
2007-07-14 04:22:02 · answer #1 · answered by Edward W 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't know about 20 things.
But people don't take you seriously during a career change. You better find something health-care related or educator related.
Consider carefully against student loans. Sallie Mae is "socialized risk with privatized profits". Defaulted accounts are sold to their own hired gun. Student loans have special status that can place garnishment on 100% of your retirement funds including SS. And there are other negatives about government student loans.
Pluses include self-satisfaction, expanding your mind, and how stupid your younger, fellow graduates truly are.
2007-07-14 09:03:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
check out this website: http://www.back2college.com/
It has quite a few FAQ and more helpful information about reentering school as an adult.
know that adults often work 5x harder than the younger students because they feel they have something to prove to the younger generation and/or really want to do well and have their priorities straighter than younger students. adults often also have job experience that gives them the edge at school. usually adults go back to school to be promoted at their current employer.
remember that you can do it and that you actually have an edge on the younger students from life experiences. good luck!
2007-07-14 09:16:14 · answer #3 · answered by ciessa1203 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Where did "20" come from?
Is this an arbitrary number or have you read/compiled a list?
Logic and statistics might be a good start.
2007-07-14 10:24:30 · answer #4 · answered by surffsav 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
hi !!! they should know greendays lead singers name,,,, how much cider costs, how to make an ink pellet,,,,re discover how you make that rasping sound by cupping your hand under your underarm,,,and most importantly how to way "whateverrrrrrrr"in that funny tone ;O) hope that helps !
2007-07-14 09:06:22 · answer #5 · answered by Bluebudgie21 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋