Mature Students: How to Make Going Back to College Easier
There is no doubt that going back to school as an adult comes with a distinct set of challenges that younger students who are fresh out of high school don’t face. Mature students have often already got an established career or are working full time, whilst many also own a home and some even have their own families to think about. Because of all these extra commitments which many adults who return to education later in life have, studying can be more difficult for them than for most. But, if you’re an adult who’s looking for a career change or want to further your own career prospects, study may be inevitable. Here’s how you can make it easier for yourself.
Why Consider E-Learning?
If you’re feeling a bit worried about the idea of going back to the classroom, you don’t have to thanks to online learning. Online schools are becoming more and more popular, and taking an online course such as the DNP online from Bradley University means that you will be able to complete your education from the comfort and familiarity of your own home. There is a whole range of courses available to study online, from high school diploma courses right up to advanced degrees such as a doctorate in nursing practice, making it suitable for both those starting further education for the first time or building on top of an existing degree. Online learning also offers you a lot more flexibility, making it easier for you to juggle all of your existing commitments.
Studying Part-Time
If you have a lot of commitments or need to continue working full-time when you return to school, you might want to consider studying part-time, rather than full time. Part-time study may take longer to commit to, but you will be able to spread the course out over a longer period of time, giving you more breathing space and a better chance of fitting everything in comfortably. Part-time study is available for both online courses – even advanced courses such as a doctor of nursing practice degree, and courses held in physical classrooms.
Getting Prepared
When it comes to going back to education as an adult, it’s even more vital to make sure that you are fully prepared, especially if you have had a few years away from the education system. Not only should you make sure that you are mentally prepared for what can often be a drastic lifestyle change, it’s also vital to make sure that you plan ahead for any potential financial implications, for example having to cut down your working hours in order to make time for studying. As a mature student, you may be eligible for certain grants or financial aid, so it’s definitely advisable to do as much research on this as possible and apply for anything which you think you may be eligible for.
Going back to college as an adult can definitely be daunting at first, but with so many different options available, you can have the best time of your life as a mature student!
Guest Author: Carol Trehearn
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