Advice for Adults Returning to College

Attending college can be intimidating for most students, but for those who have not stepped foot on a college campus for years, the thought of entering a classroom can be overwhelming.

With the job market looking more uncertain every day, more adults are heading to college, either for the first time to pursue their bachelors degree or for a second or third time to earn their masters or doctoral degree.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 39 percent of students enrolled in a degree-granting institution during the 2005 fall semester were aged 25 years or older.

Despite the increasing number of adult students attending college, these students can still experience some anxiety as they think about returning to school. Fortunately, there are some steps that adult students can follow to help ease their academic transition.

Step 1: Develop an educational plan that will fit into the big picture of your life.

Unlike their younger counterparts, adult students are more likely to have additional responsibilities to consider. From work to family, these responsibilities can be challenging to juggle when trying to fit school into their schedules. It is important to for adult students to take stock of these concerns when enrolling in classes. How many credits could they feasibly handle each semester in addition to their other responsibilities? Would campus-based classes make sense, or would online courses provide greater flexibility?

Step 2: Keep in mind that college is intimidating for everyone.

The thought of stepping onto a college campus can be intimidating for most students, but for adult learners, the thought of being surrounded by younger students can feel extremely uncomfortable. However, it is important for adult students to keep in mind that their younger counterparts are probably just as nervous as they are. Furthermore, younger students might even be a bit intimidated by the thought of competing with more mature and experienced students.

Step 3: Familiarize yourself with the college campus.

Knowing your way around campus can go a long way in helping the first day of school go smoothly. For those attending a campus-based college, adult students can take a tour of the campus in order to learn where important buildings and offices are located. For those taking online courses, it is important to become familiar with the online resources provided by the institution.

Adult students also should take the time to get to know their financial aid advisor, admissions counselor and academic counselor. Additionally, they should look into whether their college offers services specializing in working with nontraditional students.

Step 4: Build study time into your daily routine.

Juggling work, family and school can be challenging so adult students might need to get creative with their study time. While establishing a solid studying routine is important, adult learners can increase their academic efficiency by finding hidden gaps in their daily schedules. Perhaps lunchtime at work would be perfect to review your class notes. Or you can read that assigned chapter while waiting for your child's doctor's appointment.