Ready To Go Back?

Whether you’re just beginning your college journey or returning after some time in the workforce, adult learners have special considerations and needs. Adult students often have more responsibilities and busier schedules than traditional students, as many adult learners have families and careers. Adding school to the mix is exciting, but can be overwhelming too.

We’re here to help you succeed, in both your education and your education financing. Keep these six points in mind as you think about where, when and how to further your education.

1. Understand your strengths.
In managing your day-to-day life you’ve been exercising skills that you’ll need in college too. The key skills you need to be a successful learner are exactly those you use in everyday life:

• Time management
• Problem solving
• Asking questions and being a good listener
• Recognizing your strengths and working on your weaknesses

2. Find out how colleges in your area make it easier to go back to school.
Some colleges offer unique admissions criteria to adult learners, such as:

• Past academic records may be erased
• You may be awarded credit for life experiences and/or credit by examination
• Your school may offer specialized programs and resources for adult learners

3. Learn about financial aid.
Financial aid isn't just for 18- to 21-year-olds. In fact, most of the same financial resources that traditional students use—such as grants, loans and scholarships—are available to all students. Be sure to look at all the great resources CollegeInvest offers for undergraduate students and graduate students.

If you’re currently working, your employer may pay for all or a portion of your college expenses. Many large and medium-sized companies offer tuition benefits, and the first $5,250 in benefits each year is tax-free.

If you're planning to or have already quit your job to go to school full-time, be aware that your financial aid award will initially be based on last year’s income. So, to get the aid you need, you may want to consider appealing the initial results of your FAFSA. Many colleges’ financial aid offices will work with you to adjust your aid to reflect the income level you expect when you're a full-time student.

4. Create a schedule.
Learning is flexible and can fit around your needs. But if you don’t have a plan in place, you may find balancing your time especially challenging with the new tasks that continuing your education brings. Schedule time for:

• Family and household commitments
• Work
• Class time and study time
• Friends and family fun
• Yourself

You may need extra support from your family and friends and maybe even from your employer. So share your schedule with them.

5. Believe in yourself.
Take a few steps to set yourself up for success. You need to be your best advocate for success. You can do this!

Adult students may worry about being "rusty" or about feeling uncomfortable surrounded by younger, technologically savvy classmates. The following tips can help you survive re-entry:

• Value your experience. Think of the lessons you've learned since you were last in school. Your real-world experience gives you a different perspective from many younger students. You know what you want and you know the value of education. That knowledge will keep you motivated and can give you an advantage over your less-experienced classmates.
• Start off on the right foot. Talk to your loved ones about your return to school and the commitments and responsibilities you’ll have. Create your schedule and manage your time efficiently, practicing good study habits from the start. Ask your school if they have any special programs for re-entry students and take advantage of financial aid, career counseling, childcare, health services, housing, support groups or tutoring your school might offer.
• Get comfortable with technology. You may already be using a computer, cell phone, BlackBerry® or other device. But if you’re not comfortable with newer technology, now’s the time to dive in. Look for free or low-cost computer orientation courses offered by your school or at your local library. There are also many resources available online.
• Develop a support network. Your current support network of friends and family can be a great resource, but if time- or information-management becomes overwhelming, an adult student support group can be a good place to talk to others facing the same challenges. There are even online communities for non-traditional students.

6. Keep your eye on the prize.
If things get tough, remember the reasons you decided to return to school. Chances are, whatever you’re going through, earning your new degree will be worth it.