Returning To School As An Adult
High school students can generally count on their parents, teachers, and guidance counselors to help them make a smooth transition to college. But what if youve been out of school for years and no longer have a network of experts at your disposal?
Returning adult and nontraditional students typically have different responsibilities than those attending directly from high school. Responsibilities could include children, job, home, aging parents, previous military experience, among others, says Moira Kelley, Senior Counselor and Communications Coordinator for the Adult Career and Special Student Services at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The Adult Career and Special Student Services at UW-M assists students in transitioning back to school by providing resources and career advice. And while some may find the thought of juggling family and classes overwhelming, Kelley finds adult students often achieve academic success.
I have found that returning adult students are often more motivated and have clearer goals than traditionally-aged students. While returning adults tend to doubt their abilities, they typically do better academically than they expect they will, adds Kelley.
They Dont Care About Your Skills
Many people try to come in to sell skills, saying theyd be a great asset to the class with all the skills they have, whatever it is that they do. But they dont care about your skills.
They care about the intangibles youre bringing to the class as well as the experiences youve had that will lead to you being a great classmate. Those experiences are things you will be talking about during the interview or writing in your essays that will draw the attention of the admissions committees. All of that, without selling yourself.
Degree: Ba In International Studies
As a 55-year-old freshman with zero college credits, Theresa had a steep road ahead of her when she enrolled at NYU School of Professional Studies. There had been a 38-year gap since her last formal schooling. She had no SAT scores, but she did have decades of life experience from which to draw.
“I’d been a business manager/outreach coordinator for a prominent children’s theater. I’d developed and managed a world-class Arabian horse farm. I’d been heavily endorsed as a candidate for the Seattle School Board, lobbied the Washington State legislature on education issues, and ridden across the United States on the Bicentennial Wagon Train. But I couldn’t secure a minimum wage job. I was being screened out because I had no college degree.
“My B.A. concentration in International Studies will bring my resume up to date and I’ll maximize my earning potential for the rest of my productive life. Has it been challenging? Yes. Worthwhile? Hell, yes. It helps that my personal standards are in sync with the university’s high bar.”
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Is It Too Late To Go Back To School At The Age Of 25
Anytime may be the right time to head back to college. Theres no such thing as too old for knowledge and learning.
In fact, you may find that college is a much better fit for you now than it was when you were 19. As an adult learner, you may have the professional experience and personal maturity to take your studies seriously and understand how theyre relevant to your life. You may also be more motivated to succeed.
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Earning a college degree may be one of the proudest moments of your life at any age. So if you have yet to complete your degree, whether it was from being academically dismissed, or if you think 30 is too late to go back to school, it may be one of the best decisions you make for your future.
Find The Money For College
Did you know that student loan debt among retirees has increased 71.5% over the last five years and that seniors aged 60-69 collectively owe $85.4 billion in student loan debt? If you don’t want to be doling out student loan payments into your golden years, make a plan to pay for your triumphant return to college before you do anything else.
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Take The Next Step In Your Learning Journey
Starting college at 25 or beyond may feel daunting, but its worth your while when the result is accomplishing your goals and pursuing a more fulfilling career.
Adult learners can have challenges to overcome, but dont let that hold you back from pursuing an education! Learn about these 9 Surprising Student Resources You Didnt Know Rasmussen University Offered to find out about some of the support services youll have to help you on your way to academic achievement.
1William Hussar and Tabitha Bailey. Projections of Education Statistics to 2026: 45th Edition National Center for Education Statistics. April, 2018
Youll Be Able To Appreciate The Classes More
Another way that you might actually have an advantage over some of the other students is that you will be able to appreciate the classes better.
This is because many students will struggle to motivate themselves to study when they do not understand why the class material is important. Whereas, you will have had some more time to get experience so it should be easier for you to see the benefit that the classes provide. This should help you to do better academically.
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Working While In Nursing School
Most nursing students find it difficult to work at outside jobs once they complete their prerequisites. Hunt describes what to expect at this stage of the degree. “Students ⦠take at least 12 credits of didactic, labs, and clinical courses. A student can expect to attend classes and labs at least days per week and an additional day of 6-8 hours of clinical. In general, for every credit/clock hour of theory/didactic the student should expect to complete at a minimum an additional hours of reading, writing, and studying.”
“Employment during these years is almost impossible,” Dobratz says. “My class was told to discontinue any employment during our final year. I was glad I did.” Older students, especially those with families to support, may have to take out loans. A growing number of schools offer prior learning assessments that award credit for previous work experience.
Creating A Degree Plan
Now that youre a little older, you may have a better idea of what you want to do with your life. You can choose a degree program that matches up with your career plans and your interests. There may even be opportunities to select a concentration or elective courses.
Understanding from day one how this degree will fuel your dreams may motivate you to stay the course.
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Feel Fortunate For The Blessing
When most of us are fighting for the necessities of survival you discovered your dream.
Where most of the people dont get solitude time, you know what makes you blissful.
Yes you are fortunate! How could you dump this wonderful opportunity?
There are many people who might replace you in your unfulfilling job. But make sure no one replaces you in the work you do the best.
Why Are There Age Requirements For Firefighters
The fire service doesnt intend to discriminate based on age. The reasons they may have upper age limits are because younger people can be more likely to demonstrate the other attributes that the job demands.
This doesnt mean that a 40-year-old cant be fitter than a 20-year-old, for example. Of course they can.
But in general terms, a would-be 20-year-old firefighter is going to be fitter than your average 40-year-old. They also may have more years of the productive, physical work that is expected of firefighters.
However, you are going to be expected to show the following characteristics:
Be in a good state of health and be physically fit. It might surprise you to learn that the number one killer of firefighters is not fires or even smoke. Its coronary heart disease.
The younger you are, the more healthy that you are likely to be. Then you also need to be able to haul 75 lbs. of equipment around with you, possibly for hours, when on a call. You need to be able to climb stairs and crawl on your knees in hot conditions, and even carry someone while you do it. There is a definite advantage to being young for these things.
Be in a good state of mental health and be mentally fit. Reaction tests are a good way of gauging mental fitness and youll find that younger people do better than older ones in this respect.
That means investing in training produces a much lower return on investment. In many cases, too low of a return to be worth it.
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Applying To A College Vs Looking For A College
You can look for a college no matter how far you are in high school. As a matter of fact, it is possible for a freshman to start checking out colleges and paying each of them a visit with their parents.
However, most experts agree that the best time for a high school student to start looking for a college is during their junior year.
It is a terrible idea to look for a college when you are already in your senior year. Thats because it will only leave you more stressed as the last year of high school is the busiest. When you are in your 12th grade, you should focus more on completing your college application requirements.
This is especially true if you are planning on applying early decision or early action to increase your chances of being accepted to the college of your choice.
On the other hand, applying for college is usually done just before you graduate from high school. This is why most colleges will accept students who are at least 17 years old as its the age when most people graduate from high school.
However, before your senior year in high school, you may apply for college scholarships that can help make getting your college diploma easier on the pocket.
Also, you can take some college classes while still in high school so that you may earn college credits.
You may apply for college even if you are already in your 20s, 30s, and even 50s. Thats because there is no upper age limit in terms of college application and admission, too.
Degree: Phd In Leadership And Change
Rhoda recently received her Ph.D. in Leadership and Change some 30 years after earning her master’s degree. Many friends and colleagues asked her why she would do this. After all, she had a successful career and she didn’t need her Ph.D. to advance.
“It was something I always wanted to do for myself, a personal goal. It certainly wasn’t easy. It took a good seven years to complete, all the while keeping up my work schedule, my leadership commitments, and many other commitments.
“What helped me was the fact that it was a high-residency program. It met throughout the year for determined periods of time. Half my cohorts were over 50 and I listened to older graduates who had been through it. I learned a great deal about leadership, organizational change, quantitative and qualitative research, and so much more.
“You’ll need friends inside and outside the program to support you emotionally. And, yes, I’d advise everyone to do it and I would likely do it again.”
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There Are Many Reasons To Consider Entering Nursing School As An Older Adult
There are plenty of reasons to think about becoming a nurse. Some go back to childhood and the Cherry Ames nurse mysteries. Others are pragmatic, based on analysis of the employment outlook. Some common reasons to go to nursing school as an adult:
Bonus: You Have Advantages As An Adult Student
Adults who enter college and nursing school do well, often better than younger students just out of high school. Your life experience and wisdom give you an edge. Research shows that mature students excel because:
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How Can I Juggle Family And Class
Your family may need to make adjustments to their normal routines. Be sure to communicate your goals to your significant other and children to help clarify the need for change.
Get the whole family on board , and ask for help. Enlist the kids with age-appropriate tasks. Prioritize, organize, and ditch perfection. Carve out a study space at home that is only for studying . Many returning adults talk about how they and their kids enjoy doing homework together. Remember, they are role models for their kids, says Kelley.
Many schools also offer child care services. Rates and hours will vary among schools, so make sure you verify the details before enrolling.
Baccalaureate Completion: Academic Concerns
Another concern of nurses who have been out in the field for a number of years: Will they be successful academically? If this is you, remember that RN to BSN programs are often managed by the adult learning department one of the goals of the school is to accommodate you, and people like you. Tutoring is sometimes included as a part of the package, even in an online program. You may want to read The Successful RN to BSN Student: Skills for Success Going Back to School.
Academic anxiety can include concerns about technology. Is online education just for the tech-savvy younger generation? Computer skills do matter, but the level of skill required will vary. In some cases, its the basics: You will need to be familiar with the internet, for example, and know how to upload and download attachments. Remember that you wont be the only one in class who didnt grow up surfing the internet or making PowerPoint presentations in class. Schools often include computer skills in their orientation. Again do some research, and make sure you feel comfortable with the particular program.
If you are feeling uncertain about your readiness, you might want to start with a light schedule. Many programs allow you to take just one class at a time. Check out the article From RN to BSN: New Skill Sets to gain a better understanding of the program and what to expect.
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I Learned As Much From My Fellow Students As I Did From My Professors
To get the most from your college experience, you must go all in. Resist the urge to retreat or get on with the rest of your day when class is over. Make time to study with other students, chat in the hallways, and sit with students in the dining hall.
And if you’re asked to socialize after school with your classmates, say yes! One of my best times at school was a night out at an arcade bar playing retro video games, filled with unrestrained laughter and silly competition playing DDR and Ms. Pac-Man. I would have missed out on a good time and new connections if I had not stepped out of my comfort zone. These connections opened the door for discussions about my classmates’ LGBTQ experiences, being first-generation students, working through past traumas and other stressors and anxieties.
As I work toward furthering my education in psychology, these informal chats with fellow students who I now consider friends gave me invaluable insights to younger generations, teaching me greater empathy for the different world that they have grown up in.
Pushing my boundaries of thought, learning, and relationships was a challenge that went beyond simply attending classes. It is a challenge I would recommend for anyone wondering “What if I went back to college?”
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