Your Guide to Going Back to School Successfully As An Adult

Do you often think about returning to school? You may have dropped out of school for some reason and now feel it’s time to go back. You may want to advance in your career by acquiring new skills through education.

You may be a continuing student returning to school after a summer break. No matter the reason, returning to school as an adult can be great but overwhelming. This guide will provide the right strategies for confidently resuming your academic journey.

Laying the Groundwork to Return to College

The hardest part of any journey is the first step. Find a program that best fits your passion. A little soul-searching will be handy here: What are your long-term career goals, and which work environment best excites you? After you have answered that, you can search different programs, courses, colleges, and universities—looking into their structure, learning styles, and accreditation.

Next, let's discuss finances. Students who attend school as adults often have very unique financial situations that should be considered. The good news is that there are various benefits specifically targeted toward adult learners. You can research federal and state opportunities for financial aid, scholarships for returning students, and grants offered by colleges and universities. Do not hesitate to call a financial advisor who can help you outline a plan to minimize the expenses of going back to school.

Building a strong support system is equally important. Tell your family and friends about your decision. Ask for their help – you might need assistance with childcare, errands, or chores during study marathons. You can also connect with other adult learners through online forums or support groups for encouragement and practical advice.

Preparing for Student Life

It can sometimes feel like you're walking a high-wire tightrope, balancing work, family, and school. However, you can excel in all of these areas with the right strategies. You can use the list below to gauge how prepared you are.

• Time management: Develop a realistic schedule with dedicated study time, work, and personal commitments. Be honest when assessing your available time, and don’t overload yourself. Schedule the most challenging coursework for your most productive times.
• Create an ideal study environment: Find a quiet space at home, in the library, or the coffee store—anywhere there will be a minimum disturbance. If you can, add a comfortable chair and good lighting to the area—a dedicated study space will prime your mind for learning.
• Brush up on academic skills: This is especially important if you have been away from the classroom for a while. Sharpen your reading comprehension and writing skills. You can take a refresher class or learn independently using available online resources as your guide.

Regaining Momentum as a Continuing Student

If you are a continuing student returning after taking time off, don't be too hard on yourself because of the summer slide. Review key concepts from your previous courses and ease into academic reading and writing.

Rebuilding academic routines and habits is essential. Reconnect with professors and advisors during office hours. Seek out classmates and form study groups – learning with peers can be powerful for reinforcement and motivation. Apps like Quizgecko can make revising your course material more fun with quizzes and flashcards.

Most universities offer resources specifically designed to support continuing students. These might include time management and study skills workshops or peer mentoring programs connecting you with experienced upperclassmen for guidance and support.

As you get back to full academic work:

• Have realistic expectations: You won’t be able to perform at the highest level from day one. Give yourself some time to adjust to the volume of work.
• Focus on building momentum: You can focus on minor goals and gradually increase the difficulty as you gain confidence.
• Practice self-care: Get enough sleep, eat healthily, and relax. A healthy mind and body are essential for success.

Tips for Going Back To College As An Adult

Juggling between work, family, and school is a delicate balancing act, but it is quite achievable. The following tips will help you as an adult learner:

• Evaluate the financial implication before you enroll: You should count the cost of this phase of your academic journey before embarking on it, and if you discover that you may need some financial aid for your adult education, apply for it.
• Build campus relationships: College is much more than classes and books. Get to know your classmates, professors, and neighbors through simple interaction opportunities. Join a club if you have some time for it and engage in small talk with your peers.
• Use the available resources: Many colleges have resources that make life easier for adult learners. Seek academic counseling, tutoring, and time management workshops.
• Communicate with your professors: Tell your professors about your unique circumstances. Many are understanding and can offer accommodations or flexibility to help you succeed.

Balancing College with Your Life

A good support system helps make things easier. You should discuss your return to college or the university with your family and friends, letting them know what you are trying to achieve. You might need their help during study marathons. Be clear about the support you need- financial, practical help with tasks, or emotional encouragement.

Here are some tips for dealing with family and friends:

• Be open and honest when communicating your needs and expectations.
• Appreciate their support and help.
• Reassure them that you are still up for spending time with them despite being busy.
• Offer to help them in return when you have time.

Study Tips for Adult Learners

Returning to studying after an extended break doesn’t have to be a drag. Here are some tips for adult learners:

• Relearn Academic Skills: Brush up on note-taking techniques, reading comprehension strategies, and time-management tips. Workshops that can help bring you up to speed are held in many schools. Also, keep an eye out for related refresher online courses.
• Develop effective note-taking strategies: Find a method that works. Two proven note-taking methods you can try are the outlining method. Proper note-taking will help you retain information better.
• Use life-work experience in your studies: You can relate your coursework to real-life experiences to solidify information and make it more memorable.

Campus Resources for Adult Students

Many colleges know that adults returning to school face unique challenges. So, they provide helpful resources to help them succeed, which can be invaluable.

• Study services for non-traditional learners: Some schools offer tutoring and advisory services. You will also have a personal academic adviser who will guide you on course selection and could possibly help you draw out a personalized academic plan. Other available services include counseling and childcare– anything to help ease your burdens so that you can focus on studying.
• Adapting to college as an older student: Many campuses have programs to orient adult learners, introduce them to other adults, and make them feel more comfortable. They also have clubs and organizations for adult students that foster interaction and socialization with others experiencing similar challenges.
• Building a relationship with your instructors: Professors sometimes become mentors who offer guidance, graduate school or career decision advice, and even letters of recommendation. Keep up with their office hours, engage in their class discussions, and consult them about any questions or concerns.

Advice for Previously Dropped Out Students

It takes some form of bravery to return to school after dropping out. The mere thought of it may trigger some anxiety. Regardless, always remember that it is never too late to do so. As you take the bold step, below are some points to address:

• Check your transcript for any gaps. Some colleges offer credit for prior learning experiences like work or military service, which you should take advantage of to reduce the duration of your program.
• Overcome past academic challenges: Find out why you dropped out earlier. Was the course too tough, or was your workload huge? Resolve these issues, and your success potential will improve dramatically. Many colleges offer some form of academic support for this, like tutoring or counseling.

You are in good company. Many successful people in the world today dropped out of school earlier. Their stories indicate the power of never giving up.

Conclusion

Going back to school as an adult can prove a worthwhile effort. The new career opportunities that open up and the additional skills gained will only instill more confidence in you. With some intentionality, resourcefulness, and proper support, your dream of completing your degree can be realized. Embark on a journey toward a brighter future. Take a deep breath and accept the challenge with a spark in your spirits.