Back to College

Thinking about going back to College?

College is a serious proposition. Consider these questions to wrap your head around the idea of going back to College. Further education is an investment that usually pays off. Yet, now is not the time to assume anything.

1. Why are you thinking about going back to college? Why is going back to school on your mind? Is it because you need a credential for a better job or promotion? Are you bored and looking for a way out of your current circumstances? Have you moved or are considering moving? Are you retired and want the enjoyment of earning a degree you've always desired? Motivation is important to completing what one starts, since earning a degree can take years and requires determination to see it through.

2. What exactly do you want to accomplish by going back to college? What is it that you're hoping to achieve? Is it to finish a degree you never received ? Or are you trying to complete a new degree ? Do you have your GED or high school diploma? If not you will need to pass the GED examination first, which can take up to three years. Completing college will take several years as well. Are you prepared to spend the time it will take? If you already have one degree and want to specialize, you've got lots of options. Is your goal you want to change career paths? Picking a path and sticking with it will be more efficient and more economical.

3. Can you afford to go back to school? School can be expensive, but help is out there. Do you work for an employer who will sponsor either part or all of your education costs? If you need financial aid, do your research ahead of time. Have you considered alternative ways to reduce the cost of school such as credit by examinations, PLA and open courseware? Estimate how much money you need. Estimate where it might come from. Explore possible avenues to keep the costs down. Student loans aren't the best option. Look into grants and pay-as-you-go. Co-operative education is another way to pay-as-you-go. Do you want to go back to school badly enough to make the work and expense worth it? Will you see a good return on your investment which can be calculated by estimating the difference in your annual take home pay spread over ten, twenty years?

4. Does your company offer tuition reimbursement? Many companies offer to reimburse employees for the cost of education. This isn't just out of the goodness of their hearts. They stand to benefit too. If your company offers tuition reimbursement, take advantage of the opportunity. You get an education and a better job, and they get a smarter, more-skilled employee. Everybody wins. Keep in mind that most companies require a certain grade point average and a commitment to stay employed. If you are going to work full-time and go to school, try and pace yourself.

5. Can you afford not to go back to school? Investing in your education is one of the smartest things you will ever do. The National Center for Education Statistics collected data in 2007 showing that a 25-year-old male with a bachelor's degree earns a median income more than $22,000 higher than one with a high-school diploma spread over 50 working years. The degree level you earn also increases your opportunities for higher income.

6. Is this the right time in your life? Life demands different things of us at different stages. Is this a good time for you to go back to school? Do you have the time you'll need to go to class, read, and study? Are you planning on taking classes online? Do you know how to manage stress? Will you still have time to work, to enjoy your family and live your life? Consider the things you might have to give up in order to devote yourself to your studies. Can you do it?

7. Is the right school and program something you can pull off? Depending on your goal, you might have lots of options open to you, or very few. Is the school very selective? Do you have what it will take to be admitted? Remember that getting your degree or certificate might be possible from many alternatives. Consider which school best matches what you want to achieve, and then find out what their admission process requires, and what alumni say about their experience.

8. Do you have the support you need? Adults learn differently than children and teens. Are there people in your life who will support you? Do you need someone to help you with child care while you go to school? Will your employer allow you to study during breaks and slow times? Finishing school will be up to you, but you don't have to do it alone.

9. Have you assessed yourself? Do you know your interests and motivation to learn? How do you learn? What type of learner are you? Do you like listening to lectures? Would you prefer self-paced independent study? Do you like writing? Do you like speaking? How do you like puzzles and tests? Can you solve problems in your head? Knowing how you learn and what makes you excel should help you select the right environment and format.

10. What is the payback for going back to school? If you are 50 and have fifteen more years to work, can you achieve the payback in the salary differential you expect? If you are 25 and it will take you ten years to finish your degree part-time, that means you will be 35 when you graduate. The cost to finish college in real dollars is one thing. How much time will it take away from other avenues of life is another. Will the payback from the investment be worth it? Are you considering going back to school regardless of the financial return? Will you be happier?

What next? Why not assess your interests, motivation and aspirations? Or, research Colleges and Universities and their transfer policies.

Should I Go Back to College?

When? Where? Why? How can I? Do I have the time? Do I have the energy?
We are sure you have many questions and choices to consider.

Should I Go Back to College?

Back to College

Thinking about going back to College?

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Should I Go Back to College?

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