Never Too Late For College

There are many reasons to feel anxious about going to college as an adult student. You may wonder if you're too old to keep up with the younger students. You're probably worried about how to pay for college. There are lots of reasons to feel nervous. But there are so many more reasons to feel hopeful, excited, and confident!

Increase Your Opportunities

By furthering your education, you're opening yourself up to so many opportunities. Of course, there will be career and financial gain once you've compoleted your degree. It's common knowledge that obtaining a college degree increases your income potential. Other opportunites exist for you when you make the decision to go back to school. You'll meet many people throughout your education. Many of these can become important networking contacts and may even lead to lifelong friendships.  In college, you'll be exposed to opportunities to try new things and open your mind to new possibilities. Who knows where these opportunities and experiences can lead.

Grow As a Person

Don't laugh. You have no idea the growth I've seen in students in just a two year period at community college.  The opportunities and experiences you'll be exposed to while pursuing higher education are bound to lead to internal changes. I came across this great article from a woman who went to college twenty years after grrduating from high school. She talks about her insecurities and how she overcame them through the expriences she throughout her continuing education. You will become more confident in both your academic abilities and your personal strengths because of going back to school, as long as you're open to change. I can promise you that!

Count On Your Experience

As an academic adviser, I always told my adult students that if they could raise children or manage a household, they could surely be a successful college student. When I returned to graduate school with two kids and a full-time live-in job, I thought there was so nervous about handling everything. I did some reading about women returning to school, and I learned that women, in particular, doubt themselves. The best way I know to get past that fear and doubt is to recall a time in your past when you've overcome an obstacle or accomplished a challenging goal. What skills did you use to do that? We all have internal resources as well as external abilities that serve us well in our lives. Give yourself a pep talk, remembering how you got through past difficulties. Use those skills and resources to help you overcome your fears related to going to college.

What are your bigget fears? I'd be happy to talk about them in more detail. What are some ways you've overcome either academic or personal challenges?

Photo by mckaysavage

Welcome to Never Too Late For College. This is your place to find answers to the questions you have about going back to school. The information here is geared toward adult learners. Your needs and concerns are different from those of traditional aged students. I know what it's like because I've been an adult student. I've also worked as an academic adviser at the community college level, where I helped many adults navigate their way through the ups and downs of college life.

We'll discuss everything here, from the college admissions process and financial aid to study tips especially for busy adults. We'll also take on issues like how to handle nagging self-doubts and ways to deal with the stress that often comes with raising a family, holding down a job, and managing a household - all while working towards your degree.

Please let me know what specific questions you have! I have the practical experience of working as an academic adviser, as well as the academic background of a Master's degree in College Student Personnel, where I studied topics specific to counseling in higher education. If I don't know the answer, I have a wide network of professionals and friends. I'll work to find the answer for you!

Again, welcome to Never Too Late For College. I can't wait to get to know you!