In a survey done several years ago, adult students were very frank about having high levels of anxiety about beginning or returning to college. Some told about making appointments to meet with an admissions counselor only later to be too afraid to keep the appointment. Their fears, while very real, are not rational. By following a handful of rules, returning adults can easily meet or exceed their educational goals.
1. Make the effort to meet your classmates. Whether you choose an online degree program or a campus-based degree program, connecting with others will help you become more engaged. And, dozens of surveys have shown that engagement and academic success go hand in hand.
2. There is no substitute for getting off to a good start. Limiting yourself to six credit hours initially is probably a good idea, as is avoiding any courses with which you expect to have difficulty. After you have had a good semester you can carry a more challenging academic load.
3. Buy your textbooks as soon as possible. Try to start your reading well before the formal beginning of classes.
4. Be sure you get to know and spend time with your academic advisor. Be candid with him or her about your educational objectives, career goals, strengths, and weaknesses. If you do not find your advisor helpful, request another advisor immediately. Do not wait.
5. Put together a detailed calendar with all of your assignments, major papers, and exams. Then structure your study time so that you have a daily schedule which will allow you to meet assignment due dates and be well prepared for exams. This has long been a "trick" of successful students.
6. Let your family and friends know that you are returning to college and tell them what you believe further education can do for you. If those who mean the most to you know how much additional education means to you they will understand if your academic responsibilities sometimes have to be your highest priority.
Despite the numerous challenges they face, adults who continue their educations almost always do so successfully. And they are extremely well respected by their classmates and professors. You can be as well.
1. Make the effort to meet your classmates. Whether you choose an online degree program or a campus-based degree program, connecting with others will help you become more engaged. And, dozens of surveys have shown that engagement and academic success go hand in hand.
2. There is no substitute for getting off to a good start. Limiting yourself to six credit hours initially is probably a good idea, as is avoiding any courses with which you expect to have difficulty. After you have had a good semester you can carry a more challenging academic load.
3. Buy your textbooks as soon as possible. Try to start your reading well before the formal beginning of classes.
4. Be sure you get to know and spend time with your academic advisor. Be candid with him or her about your educational objectives, career goals, strengths, and weaknesses. If you do not find your advisor helpful, request another advisor immediately. Do not wait.
5. Put together a detailed calendar with all of your assignments, major papers, and exams. Then structure your study time so that you have a daily schedule which will allow you to meet assignment due dates and be well prepared for exams. This has long been a "trick" of successful students.
6. Let your family and friends know that you are returning to college and tell them what you believe further education can do for you. If those who mean the most to you know how much additional education means to you they will understand if your academic responsibilities sometimes have to be your highest priority.
Despite the numerous challenges they face, adults who continue their educations almost always do so successfully. And they are extremely well respected by their classmates and professors. You can be as well.
About the Author:
Daniel Z. Kane is a career educator who has helped high school, college, and graduate school students make educational and career decisions. He now publishes educational websites which include information on online degrees and online colleges.
0 comments:
Post a Comment