Some Tips About Going or Returning to College
So, you want to go to college or return there to earn a degree. Congratulations! That’s wonderful! Do you know the first steps to fulfilling your dream? If not, this article is for you.
I am planning on returning to college to attend Illinois State University in the fall semester (2023) for the 2024 school year. I’m excited and will work on earning my bachelor’s degree for now, then on to Southern Illinois University for my Master’s.
I was asked by a YouTube follower to share tips on going to college as a non-traditional student (that’s what they call old people, LOL). Here are my ideas and thoughts that I have learned about returning to college from a first-hand account.
Tip One:
The first step is to choose a college. Most colleges have tours they offer new or returning students that are free of charge. Take them up on one of them to examine campus and speak to a student counselor.
There is a big difference between a community college and a university.
A community college offers certificates and associate degrees, whereas a university offers all that plus the ability to earn your bachelor’s degree or higher. The more education you have, the better your prospects of doing your dream job.
Tip Two:
The next step is to fill out a FAFSA application. The FAFSA allows your college of choice to see how much financial aid you are eligible for to pay for your schooling. First, you must make a login and password for yourself (keep these in a safe place, you will need them later).
The FAFSA is not difficult to fill out, and if you have any problems, you can always call the financial aid office of your university or college.
Tip Three:
If your financial aid falls short of your needs, you have two choices.
One, you can search your community for grants. Look at banks and other financial institutions in your community first. Then branch out to community foundations and big corporations such as Walmart or McDonald’s. Talk to your financial aid office for more information.
Two, you can take out a student loan. Be cautious as you will be required to pay back the money after graduating or even if you do not graduate.
Tip Four:
Keep in contact with your student counseling service as they will have tons of ideas about how you should choose and take your classes.
Tip Five:
You should hear back from the college you have chosen within a few weeks of filling out your FAFSA. In the meantime, you should be making a schedule using the college’s website and checking it with your advisor. Your advisor will often be the chair of the major you are going for and will be assigned to you before you begin making out your schedule.
Tip Six:
If you are disabled, the college or university must be made aware so they can make proper accessibility for you. If you are in a wheelchair or have mobility problems, you can request a handicapped parking placard and a desk that pulls up instead of the one you sit in. Both will make your life easier.
If you have ADHD and need help when testing, the college can allow you to take any exams in a separate room from the other students so you do not get distracted.
Any physical or mental disability must be reasonably accommodated by the college, and questions of accessibility solved. This includes but is not limited to sign language interpreters, braille books, etc.
Tip Seven:
Make sure not to take so many classes that you set yourself up for failure. Studying for classes takes time and memory space in your brain so a full load may not be advantageous.
Classes that are taken online can solve some of the stress of going to college but be aware that online classes are notoriously more difficult than in-person classes.
Tip Eight:
Take advantage of all the benefits allowed to you on campus and online. Join a club to get to know other students and get to know some study buddies.
I hope this article was relevant and has helped you. Shirley
Its kinda helpful but there is two issues that hold me back. Being in places I dont know and people. I have some agoraphobia so was hoping to just do most of the work online. Second is, I cant drive in places im not familiar with or big towns. I don’t plan on doing teaching but more less want to feel like I am worth something. The degree would be just for me more or less. Silly thing I know.. thank you shirley. Ill go over this with my therapist and see if maybe we can bump heads and come up with a plan..
You can audit classes too. That means you attend online or whatever and don’t get graded. That takes all the pressure off going to college. Most colleges offer online degrees just look online. I’m sure one near you does. Good luck, my friend. Shirley
Awww thank u shirley..