Thinking about returning to school as an adult? There are many potential reasons why you may not have finished your degree or certificate program earlier in life. Perhaps you decided to dive straight into the job market after high school, or maybe you chose to start a family. Alternatively, you may have completed a degree in the past and are now returning for further education. Regardless, now that you are making plans to return to college, you may be wondering how to go back to school as an adult.
The good news? With the right support system in place and a little planning on your part, going back to school as an adult does not have to be overly stressful or complicated.
The Importance of Continuing Education as an Adult
There are many valid reasons to return to school as an adult learner (age 25 or older), but you may need to be prepared to overcome some potential obstacles along the way.
The Benefits of Going Back to School
Whether you are 25 or 55, returning to school could help you advance your education and achieve both personal and professional goals. Adults going back to school often find that their previous work experience enhances their learning experience. For example, you completed some college after high school but never earned your formal degree. By returning to school, you could finish your degree while gaining valuable skills and knowledge applicable to your field. Additionally, returning to school could also be a great way to make a career change or pivot. If you are looking to explore a new field, the skills and knowledge you gain through a degree or certificate program can open doors to fresh career opportunities.
Overcoming Common Challenges and Fears
For many adult learners thinking about returning to school, the primary concerns are cost and time management. With the cost of a bachelor’s degree ranging between the $11,610-$62,990 mark at some institutions, many students have concerns about being able to pay for school. Meanwhile, for those who already have full-time jobs, families, and other important obligations, the time commitment involved in completing a degree or certificate program may seem overwhelming.
Fortunately, with some proactive planning, it is possible to overcome these obstacles and set yourself up for success when returning to school as an adult learner.
Preparing for Your Educational Journey
As you contemplate your return to school, it could be helpful to think about your own motivations, as well as your current workload and schedule.
Identifying Your Educational Goals and Reasons
Start by considering why you want to return to school. Are you looking to finish something you started years ago? Do you want to build your skill set or possibly even break into a new industry? By taking the time to write these reasons down, you may find the motivation you need to move forward.
Assessing Your Current Schedule and Time Management
Take some time to think about your current schedule and obligations, too. If you are working, are you working part- or full-time? This may affect the number of college courses you could take at any given time. If you have children or other important obligations that require a time commitment, you may also want to consider this when choosing your class schedule.
Essential Steps to Get Started
As you prepare to go back to school as an adult, here are a few practical steps you could follow to help you get the ball rolling.
Step 1: Researching Potential Schools and Programs
If you are wondering how to go back to school as an adult, the first step is to research schools that offer flexible schedules and support for adult learners. Ideally, you may want to find an accredited school that offers convenient online courses with flexible scheduling to suit your busy schedule. Be sure that the school you are considering offers the specific degree or certificate program you are most interested in taking.
Step 2: Understanding Admission Requirements and Deadlines
Different schools may have different admission requirements and application deadlines, so take note. Give yourself plenty of time to complete your application and submit all necessary documents. Even the process of filling out a college application can be daunting when you have other responsibilities to fulfill, so it is better to start the process sooner rather than later.
Step 3: Gathering Necessary Documents and Application Materials
Most colleges will require documentation in the form of previous school transcripts (either from your high school or a previous college you attended), so you may need to reach out to the school’s records department to obtain those documents. Depending on whether you are requesting paper or digital transcripts, the process could take some time. Having said that, do not wait until the last minute, as this could cause you to miss your application deadline.
Step 4: Applying for Financial Aid and Scholarships
If you need help paying for school, be sure to complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal loans, grants, and even work-study funds. In addition to completing your FAFSA by the deadline, you may also want to apply for scholarships not just through your chosen school, but for third-party scholarships as well.
Navigating the Admission Process
Depending on the program for which you are applying, you may be required to submit a personal statement, take an admissions test, or even complete an interview.
Tips for Writing a Compelling Personal Statement
The purpose of a personal statement is to demonstrate to your chosen program why you are a good fit for the program, what you will bring to the program, and how the program itself could help you accomplish your goals. Take your time crafting a compelling personal statement that adheres to your school’s specific requirements.
Preparing for Any Required Admissions Tests or Interviews
If you will need to take an admissions test or attend an interview with an admissions committee, be sure to set aside time to prepare by studying the test material in advance and/or even participating in mock interviews with family and friends.
Making the Most of Your Academic Experience
While you are in school, there are some additional tips worth keeping in mind to stay on track.
Strategies for Effective Learning and Study Habits
When returning to school, make the most of your experience by getting into the habit of asking questions when you need clarification, as well as taking plenty of notes during course lectures and discussions. When things get challenging, refer back to the reasons you decided to return to school in the first place for that extra boost of motivation you may need to power through.
Leveraging Online Resources and Campus Support Services
Ideally, the school you choose may offer dedicated resources to its adult learners, so take advantage of these. Online tutoring, writing help, and even instructor office hours could make a major difference in your experience. The same applies to campus support services that may be available to you through your school, such as mental health counseling and career/professional development resources.
Balancing School With Work and Personal Life
One of the best tips for adults going back to school is to create a structured study schedule that balances work and family responsibilities. There are some tips that could help with just that.
Time Management Tips for Adult Learners
Adult learners returning to school may need to sharpen their time management skills to find success. This may include formally setting aside time to study and work on course materials throughout the week and blocking out hours as needed to make education a priority.
Finding Support From Family, Friends, and Peers
This may also be a critical time to lean on family, friends, and other loved ones for additional support. Remember that it is okay to ask for help, and the ones who want to see you succeed may be there when you need them most.
Get the Support You Deserve at Post University
The thought of returning to school as an adult learner may seem overwhelming, but it does not have to be — especially when you keep in mind these tips for adults going back to school. In addition to identifying your own goals and having an excellent support system in place, choosing the right school that supports adult learners could also make all the difference.
At Post University, we are proud to offer a number of flexible undergraduate degree and certificate programs as well as graduate degree programs, all of which are designed to meet the complex needs of adult learners. This includes programs offered exclusively online for added versatility and convenience. Learn more about the programs and resources we have to offer or get started with your online application for admission today.
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Please note jobs and/or career outcomes highlighted in this blog do not reflect jobs or career outcomes expected from any Post program. To learn more about Post’s programs and their outcomes, please fill out a form to speak with an admissions advisor.
