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How to Make a Smooth Transition Back to School

By Joe Cooper
Learning & Life Columnist

Thinking of going back to school? You can find increased career prospects or simply enrichment from night classes or an online degree program. Whether it's one course or several years of education that you're considering, these strategies can help.

Over 50% of adults go back to school in some form, taking classes either for fun or career training. The transition from working full-time (and maybe raising a family too) to becoming a student again can be tough. Here are 5 tips for making it easier:

1. Take It Slow
   With most education courses, you can plan out your schedule, taking as many or as little courses at a time. Remember that you're just getting back into it, and you should only schedule 1 class at a time to get back into the groove. Online degree programs are great for this.
2. Have Goals
   You can go back to school for anything from art classes to a Ph.D. Consider what you want to learn, if this is just for fun or your career, and how long you want to be in school. You'll then be able to find the right online or campus degree program to fit your goals.
3. Financial Aid Isn't Just For 18 Year-Olds
   There are education grants and scholarships available to older students, not to mention Federal aid. If you have a family, claiming them on an application can help too. Many online degree programs qualify for financial aid just like campus programs.
4. Manage Your Time
   Finding time for family, career, and you when you go back to school can be the hardest part. Some say that you save 3-4 hours for every hour you plan; try scheduling your coursework for exact time periods throughout the week.
5. Use Your Resources
   Many busy people are getting their education online. Almost 2 million students are predicted to be pursuing online degree programs next year. Community colleges are great for single classes. Taking a class with your spouse or a friend can be a great way to have fun with your education, too.

Using these tips can help you get the most out of your return to education whether you're enhancing your career or just love to learn. Sources

• Boston Globe
• The Northwestern
• Washington Post

About the Author
Joe Cooper is a freelance education and technology writer and edits medical literature. He holds a bachelor's in American Literature from UCLA.

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