If you are an adult and have been out of school for a few years, going to college or technical school can be a frightening concept. You may wonder if you have what it takes to be successful in school and how you can compete with younger students who are used to studying. While some adults will go to school full time, others must go part-time while juggling work, family, and other responsibilities. You may wonder how you will be able to pay for your education. Consider these tips, which can help to make things more manageable:
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Plan your future with input from your family. By including your family
in the planning process and using a team approach, they will be more willing to
share responsibilities and make your going to school work for all.
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Set short and long-term educational goals. Assess
barriers that could keep you from accomplishing those goals and determine what
support systems you need to make things work. Decide who can help or what
changes you need to implement to keep on track. Act upon your decisions.
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Contact your local adult education program to see what resources are
available to help you brush-up on rusty skills or learn new skills that will be
necessary for college-level work. You may be more ready for school than you
think. Although you may not have been in a formal learning situation in a while,
each time you read a book, discuss social issues, write reports for your job, or
use math to solve a problem, you are preparing for college-level work.
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Take a study skills course.
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Work closely with the college admissions counselors and the financial
aid director to take advantage of all their resources. They want you to attend
their school and be successful, so they will be willing to help work out
reasonable problems. Understand that paying for your education is primarily your
responsibility, but take the time to research available scholarships, grants and
shop for low-interest loans. Meet all deadlines.
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Time management can be crucial. If you tend to procrastinate, create a
time line for doing papers and projects and stick to it! Be proactive. Try to
finish assignments earlier than required in case of family emergencies. Include
time for family in your busy schedule. Combine activities whenever possible.