Making the decision to return to college as an older adult can be daunting. You may feel like you are the only one in your class who is not a recent high school graduate. But don't worry, you are not alone! There are many other students in your shoes, and there are plenty of resources available to help make the transition back to college easier for you. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips that will help make returning to college a little bit easier. Let's get started!
Make Sure That Returning To School The Right Choice For You
Before you commit to anything, sit down and assess your reasons for wanting to return to college. Is it for personal enrichment? To further your career? To finish what you started many years ago? Once you know your motivation for going back to school, it will be easier to stay focused and motivated throughout the process.
Next, take a look at your schedule and see if there is room in your life for classes. If you are working full-time or have other commitments that cannot be changed, consider taking online classes or evening/weekend classes. This way, you can still work towards your degree without having to completely rearrange your life.
Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help!
Talk To Other Adults Who Have Returned To College For Advice And Support
Many colleges also have programs specifically designed to help older students transition back into the college atmosphere. Do some research and see what resources are available to you. Some career fields have especially high demand for men, such as nursing. These industries also usually have career councilors available to help adult students better understand the process.
Should You Take Online Classes Or Learn In A Classroom?
There are pros and cons to both taking online classes and learning in a traditional classroom setting. It really depends on your learning style and what will work best for you. If you feel like you need more structure, a classroom setting may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer to learn at your own pace or have a busy schedule, taking online classes may be the way to go.
Another big advantage for many older "Non Traditional" students is that with an online class it is a lot more comfortable since you won't be looked at as "the old guy" in class. Additionally, online classes give you the flexibility to balance work and family with your educational pursuits.
Get Organized And Create A Plan For Your Return To School!
Now that you know a little bit more about what returning to college as an older adult entails, it's time to start getting organized. Create a plan and set some goals for yourself. This will help keep you on track and motivated throughout the process.
Depending on the specific program and course structure you may need to purchase specific supplies and books but at very least you'll need to carve out time for both attending lectures as well as completing homework.
One challenge that many guys face when they return to school is that we are returning to a phase of our lives where we aren't expected to already know all the answers.
This can be thrilling but it is also frustrating and challenging. That's why it is essential that you create a plan that might include scheduling specific time away from family and other obligations where you can focus on reading your course material and researching various topics online so that you can contribute effectively in class.
Cheating Is Always Wrong But There Are Tools To Help Make Classes Easier
While we do not condone cheating, we understand that sometimes it is tempting, especially if you are struggling in a class. If you find yourself in this situation, there are resources available to help you get through the class without resorting to cheating.
With online courses, one of the most common platforms is Canvas and you might think it is easy to cheat by looking things up on you computer by switching browser tabs but it will actually register this activity if you do it and that implies you were cheating rather than answering the questions based on your own knowledge.
If you need help though, there are some easy solutions:
Talk with your professor and ask for help
One way to get help is by talking to your professor. They may be able to offer suggestions on how best to approach the material or even offer extra credit opportunities.
Contact your school's educational tutoring center
Additionally, many colleges have tutoring centers that can provide additional assistance outside of class.
Work with a writing coach or editor to improve your essay writing
Unless you are in an English or creative writing class, you are being judged on your knowledge of the subject matter, not necessarily how good of a writer you are. As such, one option for men who haven't had to write an essay since high school is to hire an academic essay writer at EssayPro or other similar writing services. They can help take your original thoughts and ideas and transform it into a well written document instead of letting your knowledge be lost behind poor writing skills.
Check out online study guides, YouTube videos, and other resources
There are also websites and apps that can provide you with access to study guides and other resources that can help make learning the material easier. However, it is important to use these tools as a supplement and not a replacement for actually attending class.
Don't Let Age And Time Prevent You From Returning To School!
Returning to college as an older adult can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation and resources it can also be a very rewarding experience. We hope that these tips have helped you get started on making the transition easier for yourself. If you have any questions or need additional help, don't hesitate to reach out to us or your school's counseling center.
