Today many adults, people in their twenties, thirties, forties and older are returning to school to earn a college degree. In fact, current data reveals that more than 40% of all college students are in fact 25 years of age or older. And if you are over the age of 35, well you will be just one of more than three million such college students.
Of course, by returning to school we mean enrolling in college courses. With an Internet connection and a personal computer, you can work toward an online degree from the comforts of your own home. However, many students today utilize a combination enrollment, called a hybrid schedule, which mixes online education with traditional classroom study. While this isn’t a truly 100% online degree, the convenience of combining an online education with traditional classroom study makes it easier for many adults to return to school.
Believe in Yourself
First, have confidence in yourself when pursuing your college education. Yes it may have been a while since you have been in the classroom and yes you may need a refresher on the best methods for studying. But you will bring with you a wealth of experience that many of the younger college students will not have. You will see connections between the material you are studying and the world of work, connections that younger college students simply cannot make.
Regardless of your course of study, major, or college education program remember that as an older student you will not be alone. You will soon learn that you will have many colleagues to work with regarding the best ways to study as you pursue your college degree.
Utilize all Services
Once you select a college or university, take the time to learn what services are available to students. Attend orientation sessions at these colleges and universities so you can meet other students. Make a point of going to support group meetings provided by these colleges and universities so you can see the challenges others are facing and learn from their experiences. Most importantly, communicate with your professor and classmates. Use discussion boards and e-mail to connect with others that are attending your college or university of choice and be sure to take advantage of the office hours offered by your professor.
Stay on Top of the Material
First and foremost, complete all assignments, especially reading assignments, and do so by the date required. Do not fall behind on these basic expectations or the quality of your college education will suffer. Whenever possible, review your class notes soon after taking them in a class while everything is still fresh in your mind. If something is unclear at any time, seek help. Talk to classmates and your professor whenever a topic causes you difficulty. If you want to get the most out of your college education, you cannot be afraid to ask questions.
In order to get the best college education, you also have to pay special attention to studying. Be sure to find a quiet place for uninterrupted study so you can remain focused. At the same time, select a time to study when you are fresh and alert. Burning the midnight oil sounds impressive but you may not absorb a whole lot of material at that time of night. And most importantly, to maintain freshness take study breaks. Three or four hours of study time is much more effective if it is divided into three or four very focused segments of time.
Don't Get Overextended
If you are a working parent pursuing a college degree you will need to be efficient and creative with your study time. Have key materials with you whenever you go somewhere you might have to wait. Whether it be sitting at the doctor's office waiting for an appointment, sitting in the car as you wait to pick up the kids, or those few quiet minutes before your spouse comes home from work, take advantage of short spans of time to accomplish key college related activities, even if it is only to review your notes from that day's class.