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So, You Wanna Go Back to School?

© ML Arthur

Non-traditional students (generally defined as those college students who meet one or more of the following four criteria: being married, a veteran, or over the age of 25, or having children) are going back to college in unprecedented numbers. There is no longer a stigma associated with being the same age (or even older!) than the professors. Students in their eighties have even gone back to college, either for a degree or just for enrichment.

There are many reasons why individuals do not earn their degrees right after high school, ranging from marriage and childbearing to lack of financial resources. Some non-traditional students have a few college credits or even a year or two of coursework, others have never set foot in a college-level class. The reasons for going back to school are as diverse as the students themselves. Some are looking for career advancement or for promotions to positions that require a degree. Others are bored in low-skill jobs or as stay-at-home moms. Some face empty nests as children leave for college. Others are recently divorced and need credentials. Some use college as a way to get back on track from criminal or drug-addicted lives. Others face terminal illnesses and decide to make the most of the time they have. Still others just decide they want some enrichment in their lives.

If you are a non-traditional student, there are many options out there for you. You need to begin the process by taking standardized tests (a test-prep program or workbook will help you gear up for the event) and making sure your high school credits are in order (get a transcript or earn a General Equivalency Diploma [GED - see http://www.ed.gov/databases/ERIC_Digests... for more information]). Second, think about what kind of educational opportunity you desire.

You have just as many options as a traditional college student. You can choose a 2-year degree or a 4-year degree. If you choose a 4-year degree, you can start out at a community college if you wish and transfer later. A class or two at a local community college is usually a good idea for students who have been out of school for a long time, just so they can get acclimated. You may want to consider distance learning programs (see my article on that topic). Especially attractive to many adult degree earners are focused, specialized programs that combine distance learning courses with life experience credits and three-week or summer-long face-to-face sessions. Many public universities and some private colleges and universities offer special evening and weekend degree programs for those who are returning to college. On your school's webpage, look for links like "programs for adult learners" or "continuing and professional studies."

The copyright of the article So, You Wanna Go Back to School? in Higher Education is owned by ML Arthur. Permission to republish So, You Wanna Go Back to School? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.