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Are You Ready (Really?) To Go Back to School?

If you’re stuck in that “maybe” stage, here are some ways to realize your goals

By Pat Stevens

3/5/2007 3:00:23 PM

Picture this: You’ve graduated from a bachelor’s degree program, are working for a major accounting firm and earning a MBA with an impressive GPA. Imagine working full time while balancing a rewarding life filled with special people, a fitness routine, an active social calendar and a cat. It may sound like a storybook version of a bestselling novel, but it’s Liz Leeds’ real-life success story.

Her dream-come-true journey started with the same question all nontraditional students ultimately ask: “Am I ready to go back to school at this point in my life?” There are only three answers—yes, no or maybe—but each answer has the potential to inspire a dream or shut the door.

If you’re stuck in that maybe stage, here are some actions to take.

Identify your personal objective
Some students return to college when they “realize they need to, but family and work responsibilities may have precluded being enrolled in traditional programs,” says Dave Malley, admissions counselor for the FOCUS Degree Completion Program at Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minn.

Sometimes adults realize it’s now or never. Often, it’s an economic decision or the need for an improved lifestyle. “There is a huge difference between incomes in families with high school diplomas and college degrees. Master’s and doctoral degrees make even bigger differences,” says Chris Cohen, director of admissions at Texas Wesleyan University in Ft. Worth. At some point, you recognize you might not make any real career progress without advanced training.

“Consider why you want to go to school. Do you want to change careers, increase your earning potential or finish a degree program?’’ asks CariAnne Behr, project/team coordinator of Mapping Your Future, Inc.

Do your homework
Identify specific programs, schools and degrees that will complement you at this stage in life. Start at the Association for Non-Traditional Students in Higher Education (ANTSHE, www.antshe.org ), a clearinghouse for resources that connect adult students to other students and professionals.

Consider enrolling in interesting classes at local community colleges, polishing your study skills and updating your computer skills with refresher classes. Taking advantage of lower-pressure learning opportunities can accelerate a smooth transition into more difficult college programs and jumpstart your enthusiasm for learning.

“Your mindset has to be ready. Adult learners are very cautious. They pay an extremely high price in terms of time away from family, hobbies and work. Once non-traditional students position themselves, they are successful and benefit from college,” says Gabe DeGabriele, executive director of ANTSHE.

Maximize your time, energy and rewards
“Apply for financial aid early. See if your company offers tuition reimbursement. Look into scholarships,’’ stresses Cohen.

Also fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (www.fafsa.ed.gov ) even if you don’t think you will qualify for loans or grants. Find adult programs that waive fees for returning students, and explore opportunities for working on campus in return for free or discounted tuition. Consider low-interest student loans to help pay for college. However, exercise caution before accumulating exorbitant debts.

Choose time-saving class options, such as distance learning (no travel) and weekend (more availability) programs.

“Develop a plan to achieve your educational goals. Do you want to complete your education by a certain date? Review your plan to determine how it will fit your lifestyle,” advises Behr.

Balance sacrifices and rewards
Be realistic. Analyze both the reality of assuming another responsibility and perceptions about being a college student again. Keep monetary costs in perspective—an education is an investment.

“Although education costs money, think about new career opportunities and how much more you could potentially make,” says Leeds. Compare how different degree plans will be cost-effective when you pursue new career opportunities. Expect to make some trade-offs and short-term sacrifices, but also expect long-term advantages.

Create short-term and long-term goals and backup plans
Returning to college requires adjustment, flexibility and endurance. Don’t expect to remodel your home, have a baby, tackle new work assignments and take 15 credit hours your first semester. Be realistic about the start-up time it will take to get settled, and be committed to your long-range goals. View interruptions in your plan as glitches, not as permanent obstacles.

Establish a support network
“Are you ready?” also means asking “Is your family ready?” Cover your bases at home by identifying reliable childcare and surrounding yourself with supportive people who remind you how exciting your new endeavor is. Rely on enthusiastic mentors at work and special friends who share your dream of a better life.

“Communicate with family and friends concerning your time commitments. Don’t overextend yourself,” says Leeds. “Emphasize potential career advancement, potential salary increases and enhanced quality of family and personal life.”

Prepare for new dreams
Get excited about new opportunities, avoid tunnel vision and stay focused on your long-term goals.

“Attend orientation sessions,” says Behr. “Does your college offer a Survival Skills 101 class where you can learn about effective study habits, test-taking anxiety, stress management and organization?”

Success stories don’t happen overnight, so lay the foundation for success one day at a time. Focus on the basics—good nutrition, a fitness routine, sufficient sleep and a healthy, upbeat outlook.