Returning to school after 6 years...am NERVOUS! what to do?

Question

I am a little nervous about going to grad school since its been about 6 years since undergrad. I know I abit rusty in study skills, but, I have deferred my dream quite long enough. It's definitly time to improve my circumstances and get a more specialized education.

However, I cannot shake the nervous feeling. Dare I say, lack of confidence? I can say that this is coming from is from being extremely eager to return to school, but being a bit shaken due to the length of time since I was last in school. When last in school I did well, graduating quickly and with honors. So why am I really in such a state about returning.

Anyone else had to try to shake the heebie jeebies when thinking of returning to school after an extended period away? What did u do to fight this feeling? Or, is the only cure DOING it?

Answer 1

Wow! Your question looks like it was written by me! I too, am thinking about returning to school after 6 years. I have a BS degree in a field that I'm not particularly passionate about and I feel like in order to do what I really want (Graphic Design) I need to go back to school. It's very exciting for me to think of the change and the eventual outcome, but I'm also equally nervous about how much time it will take, finances, what school to go to, being in school with younger kids, etc. However, I know that if I don't go for it, I will always question, "What if..."? So, what am I waiting for?!
This may not be the answer you are looking for, but sometime it helps knowing that there is someone else out there in the exact same predicament. I've pretty much decided the only cure for me is DOING IT. Good luck!

Answer 2

I would say your feeling is normal because you are basically venturing into something new that you knew what is it about but yet not sure what it will be. This is a problem because we often like to guess what is in front of our future while knowing so little about it.

When I was experiencing the same, I work especially hard everyday starting from 1 week before the class begins so I do not have time to think of ths study and go home dead tired.

Once class begins, I sit in, attend and learn and learn and learn..... then I got busy with my assignment and no time to think about future again.

Who knows by the time I got the break, i already finish 1 semester or 2, then I already know what is it about and just move on.

However, as usual, first 2 semester is a bit difficult because need to re-adjust my work, time and habit.

Answer 3

The only cure is just doing it. I was like you, graduated with honors, use to write 20 page papers with ease, passed the CBEST without studying... Learning came so easy to me. However, I too was very nervous about returning to school, after a 8 year hiatus.

Because of my past success in school, I did not think that it would be difficult to get back into the swing of learning, reading, and writing reports/papers, etc...; especially since learning came so easy to me in the past and that I have been a working professional (Social Worker) since I received my BS in Justice Studies.

The first day of class, I realized that I was the only non-manager in the MBA program. I was the only one who did not have a desk job, to complete assignments at work, and a plethora of other factors that had me on edge. I got home, feeling very over-whelmed and attempted to write my first assignment. I stared at a blank computer screen for over an hour with these four words written, "The purpose of this paper ....". The key to getting through this is to just relax, read up on study tips, set a quiet time to prepare, and surround yourself with people who will encourage you to finish.

After the first day.... Class became so much easier because the anxiety had past. I just completed my MBA Program and am very happy that I did not let my nervousness discourage me! Good luck, I know you will do well!

Answer 4

I'm in the same boat, returning to school after 10 years. It's nerve wracking, but the only way to get over it is to just do it.

Like any other change in life, it will take some adjusting and sacrifices. But the results will be worth it.