5 Smart Moves for Adults Returning to School

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If you’ve made the decision to return to school after several years in the working world, you’re not alone as many do the same year after year. Some want to finish what they started, others seek graduate degrees, and a few are headed to college for the very first time, just not as youngsters. If you are still paying off loans from your first go-round in college, consider refinancing the debt through a private lender. This will help open up room in your budget by immediately cutting monthly expenses. Plus, you’ll have the chance to refinance at lower rates and spread out the repayment period over a more reasonable time frame. In any case, as you head back to school to complete a degree or obtain a graduate diploma, try the following five-step system for choosing the school that’s perfect for you.

Do an Honest Self-Assessment

Whether this is your first time to attend college or you’re returning after several years of work, be honest with yourself about why you’re taking this big step. This is one way to get clarity about which school to attend. Are you seeking a degree to attain a specific job promotion, or are you doing this so you can say you finished college? Additionally, make a list of your academic strengths and weaknesses. Many schools specialize in particular areas like mathematics, engineering, literature, or teacher training. Knowing what you’re good at is an ideal place to begin the hunt.

Attend Community College First

If your aim is a four-year degree, don’t fall into the trap of thinking all four years must be at the same institution. In most medium-sized and larger cities, it’s possible to do one or two years at a community institution first and then transfer to a four-year school or university. Opting for this approach can save you thousands of dollars in education expenses.

Speak with a Professional Counselor

If you have access to free counseling services, take advantage of the opportunity. Otherwise, think about paying the modest hourly fee to speak with a career counselor who can guide you toward institutions and specific courses of study that suit your strengths, skills, and preferences.

Look for Value

There are all sorts of lists that rank educational institutions. Some only examine four-year schools while others look at universities and graduate schools. Look for some of the annual listings of what educator’s call value schools. Each one offers a solid return on investment, reasonable tuition fees, and the ability to place graduates directly into the job market. Value schools aren’t always well-known, though some are. The point is to not get caught up in a name but dig deeper and discover what you can get out of the curriculum.

Don’t Rush the Process

There’s no need to meet or beat a deadline. Take your time, do the necessary research, explore all the financing options, speak with counselors, visit several schools, and make notes as you gather information about each institution. Once you come up with a short list, phone each admissions office and schedule an in-depth tour and interview.

Bonus: Keep Safety In Mind

When looking for a school or college it’s good to keep school safety in mind. Unfortunately, there have been a lot of school related security incidents over the last few years including school shootings and other incidents that could pose a problem for you. It’s important to draw up a school safety checklist before deciding on where to study because it can help you pick the right place to study. There’s a lot that goes into picking a place to learn but school safety has to come near the too.

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