Graduating from college is often seen as a meaningful personal milestone. This could be a huge point of pride, reflecting a challenging yet transformative journey. Unfortunately, some hardworking and talented students struggle to cross the finish line, with various personal or academic challenges standing in the way. These stalled plans could feel discouraging, but this may not be a cause for giving up completely — it is never too late to return and finish your degree.
Not sure how to get back into the college mindset after taking a break? A little support could go a long way, and we are here to help. Keep reading to learn how to go back to college after dropping out and discover why returning to college could be so worthwhile.
Exploring the Reasons to Return to College
If you are interested in going back to college after dropping out, you may not be alone. Insights from the UPCEA (formerly the University Professional and Continuing Education Association) suggest that, as of 2021, over 40.4 million adults could be referred to as “some college, no credential” or SCNC. Additional information from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center reveals that, in any given year, some make the decision to return to school. For example, an estimated 864,000 SCNC adults re-enrolled in 2021.
These students mention many reasons for dropping out (with financial challenges and a general lack of engagement topping the list), but tend to agree on a few key reasons for returning. These reasons consist of possible job security, potential career advancement, and the sheer love of learning. As you strive to understand your why for returning to college, consider whether any of these factors feel relevant:
Reigniting Your Career Ambitions
Could your career use a boost? Perhaps you feel stagnant in your current role or are intrigued by senior-level opportunities. Either way, the right degree program could equip you with valuable skills and support so you could take the next step in your professional journey.
Engaging coursework will help you address skill gaps while remaining invested in your education. Through theoretical coursework and immersive experiences, you could develop technical skills and soft skills such as communication and collaboration.
Your degree may align with some employer preferences or requirements, as some job postings list bachelor’s or even master’s degrees as outright requirements. Along the way, you may gain access to a robust network of students, alumni, and faculty members, who may offer further support as you take the next step in your professional journey.
Expanding Your Knowledge and Skills
Regardless of your specific career ambitions, skill development is always worthwhile. The process of developing new skills could be exciting, and once you have achieved a certain level of mastery, you may enjoy a major boost in confidence.
Remember that the act of acquiring new knowledge could be deeply fulfilling, igniting a sense of curiosity or a zest for life that may have been missing since you left college and settled into professional routines. Yes, skills are essential in the workplace, but the intrinsic value of learning could also be acknowledged. This could drive much-needed motivation, especially if your love of learning encourages you to select the courses and programs that feel personally gratifying.
Preparing for Your Back to College Comeback
Returning to college could feel intimidating, even if you have already navigated the college environment in the past. Still, you recognize that things may have changed since your previous college experience, and you may feel nervous about navigating new technological platforms or finding balance as a working student. A little preparation could go a long way, so take the time to clarify your goals and get your financial situation in order.
Assessing Financial Considerations and Aid Options
College may provide a return on investment, but this cannot be realized unless you feel fully capable of actually making that initial investment. Unfortunately, it is possible that this obstacle prevented you from completing your degree in the first place. However, your financial circumstances may have changed, and depending on your current situation, you may now be able to pay tuition outright or even secure grants or scholarships. Some employers are even willing to help cover the cost of tuition.
Be mindful of financial opportunities and consider how these options might influence your college journey. Be sure to compare tuition rates and other financial factors to determine the best and most practical path forward.
Understanding the Importance of Accreditation
Completing your degree is important, but where and how you study could make a world of difference. Still, assessing your options may be difficult, and you may struggle to determine which programs promise the best personal or professional outcomes.
This is where accreditation comes into play. Confirming the ability of various programs to meet high academic standards, accreditation could provide a much-needed vote of confidence. Be mindful not only of general accreditation for your preferred colleges but also of program-specific accreditation, which could help shape your decision.
Beginner’s Guide: How to Start Your Journey Back to College
Ready to take the leap and return to college? This journey could pay dividends, setting you up for success in your career while also helping you achieve a sense of pride and personal satisfaction. First, you need to clarify your why for returning to college, and you also need to navigate the application process. Follow these steps to get started:
Step 1: Defining Your Educational Goals
Compelling goals may provide a powerful source of motivation, producing a clear framework for your college journey while keeping you on track when you run into obstacles. These goals should feel deeply personal so that they continue to drive inspiration and accountability when challenges emerge.
Consider using the SMART goal acronym as a blueprint, as the most effective goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. For example, you might plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in a field such as business, psychology, or healthcare to explore areas of interest or build on your previous studies. A related goal could be to deepen your understanding of evidence-based practice by completing a certain number of research-based assignments within a set timeframe.
Step 2: Researching Potential Colleges and Programs
Now that you understand why returning to college is crucial and how this might benefit you in the long run, consider which colleges are best capable of helping you meet your unique goals. There are many ways to approach this, although, as a returning student, you may be more likely to select a program based on your current career path or previous experience. If you know what you want to study, determine which colleges offer relevant programs and whether their curricula and experiential opportunities align with your goals.
Step 3: Evaluating Online vs. On-Campus Programs
Online programs may have been available when you attended college in the past, but at this point, you may enjoy access to far more online options. As a working student with a busy schedule, you may find this approach compelling. Still, there are advantages to attending classes on campus. Weigh your options carefully to determine what works best with your unique learning style and current way of life. Be mindful of financial implications, as tuition could vary between online and on-campus programs.
Step 4: Gathering Necessary Documents and Information
Now that you know which programs are available and best suited to your situation, you could be nearly ready to apply. First, however, you might want to gather relevant documentation. Your transcript may play an important role in the admission process, as it can help the school determine which credits may transfer. Get in touch with your previous college and request an official transcript. This may also be a great time to update your resume.
Step 5: Applying to Your Chosen Institutions
Applying to colleges may be nerve-wracking, but this final step is crucial. Keep in mind that this process could look considerably different from your previous applications. In addition to securing official college transcripts, you may need to navigate online portals.
As you apply, be mindful of deadlines and other college-specific requirements, which could determine how you navigate the application process. Consider applying to multiple colleges, including a mix of aspirational (or ‘stretch’) programs along with safety schools where you feel confident you might be admitted.
Navigating the Admission Process as a Returning Student
Many college programs welcome former students, regardless of where they pursued their previous degrees or why they dropped out. Still, the admission process could be complicated, as you may need to verify that you are currently in a place to excel as a college student. Be prepared to answer potentially difficult questions and be honest about your journey as a student and professional.
Tips for Writing Your Application Essays
Your application essay may provide one of the best opportunities to overcome a potentially weak transcript or other issues that may stand in the way of a seamless admission process. This may be your chance to tell your story and to reveal where you are headed. Aim for a concise yet compelling essay that reveals your past growth and future ambitions.
Preparing for Possible Interviews
Many institutions conduct admission interviews to help determine college readiness. This is not always necessary and may depend on your previous GPA or other factors. Still, preparing could help. Even if you ultimately do not complete an interview, the prep process might encourage you to reflect on your unique reasons for returning to college.
Begin by researching each program to confirm core values or philosophies. This could help you determine which questions you are most likely to answer during the interview. Stage practice interviews to put you in the right mindset. Avoid memorizing or overly rehearsing your answers, as this could make you seem less authentic.
Making the Most Out of Your College Experience
You have received your acceptance letter and are excited to get started. Remember, the hard work certainly does not end once you are admitted. You almost certainly understand this, having previously navigated the challenges of the college environment. This time, however, you may enter this journey equipped with insights and skills you previously lacked. Follow these tips to make the most of this exciting opportunity:
Engaging With Campus Resources and Support Systems
Campus resources may help you navigate various academic, personal, or financial challenges. Take some time to learn about available services and consider how you might fully leverage these as you navigate the college experience. Remember that you do not need to wait for urgent or difficult situations before reaching out.
Options such as tutoring could keep you on track, while career services could help you prepare for future internships or job interviews. Consider getting involved in extracurricular or other enrichment opportunities, which could make your college experience feel more engaging.
Time Management Strategies for Non-Traditional Students
As a non-traditional student, you may need to juggle a packed schedule that includes not only challenging coursework but also various workplace obligations or even caretaking responsibilities. At this point, there is little room for procrastination or haphazard approaches to studying. Use these time management strategies to stay on track:
- Make the most of digital tools. Classic planners have their place, but non-traditional students often find greater success with digital alternatives, which may be easier to update on the go. Favorites include Google Calendar and Todolist. Use these tools consistently to designate work times, class meetings, or study sessions.
- Strive for balance. Many students struggle to fulfill their college ambitions because they eventually succumb to burnout. This often results from taking on too much, too soon. Balance could be difficult to achieve, but it is certainly within reach. Build self-care into your schedule, using meditation, exercise, or other physically beneficial practices to help you clear your brain and remain as healthy as possible.
- Study smart, not hard. How you study may prove more important than how often. The right strategies could boost retention, so you do not need to spend as much time reviewing the same material. Explore structured learning techniques such as SQ4R (survey, question, read, recite, relate, and review) or the Feynman Techniques (teaching recently mastered concepts to others). Spaced repetition could also be helpful. This involves reviewing material, but at slowly increased intervals to boost long-term retention.
Kickstart Your College Journey With Post
There is no need to feel intimidated when going back to college after dropping out. At Post University, we offer a welcoming and supportive environment, where you may find the environment supportive and encouraging. Learn more about our college programs and support services — or take the next step and apply today.
Thank you for reading! The purpose of this blog is to provide general information to the reader, and as such, this information may not directly relate to programs offered by Post University.
Please note jobs and/or career outcomes highlighted in this blog do not reflect jobs or career outcomes expected from enrolling in or graduating from any Post program.