College can feel easy to some students and more difficult for others. If you’re considering returning to school, congratulations! It’s a big step that can pay off personally and professionally. Here’s everything you need to consider before you get started.
Can You Go Back to College After Dropping Out?
Students may drop out of college for many reasons, including feeling overwhelmed, not being academically prepared, or feeling unsure of their decisions for a degree or school. Some students drop out for medical or family reasons as well.
Whatever the reason was for dropping out in the first place, know that it’s perfectly normal to re-enroll later in life. Maybe it’s a feeling of being more disciplined or driven as an adult than as a first-time college student. Perhaps the limitations encountered in the past, such as medical or family issues, are no longer a concern. Maybe you have a clearer picture of your degree and career path.
Fortunately, now is a great time to return to school. There are so many more options than traditional learning alone. Students can take online courses, complete entire degrees online, or earn certificates or other professional credentials instead of a degree – the possibilities are endless.
Tips for Going Back to School
If you find yourself feeling anxious about restarting your education journey, don’t worry! Here are some tips to prepare for re-enrolling in school as an adult to make picking up where you left off as simple as possible:
Understand Your Goals
Before you start looking at schools, think about why you’re going back to school in the first place. Are you looking to finish what you started? Switch careers? Earn more money? Your reasons and goals for going back to school can help you plan your approach toward earning a degree to make the most of your time and financial investment.
For example, if you’re looking to change careers, you can explore the schools and degree programs that are appropriate for your new career. If the specific degree is less important than the accomplishment of earning a degree, you have more flexibility in your options for a major.
Choose Your School
It’s important to find a school that not only supports your degree goals but offers the most benefits for you as a returning adult. If you’re considering finishing the degree you started, you may wish to attend the same school. Conversely, a new college may give you a fresh start to focus on your degree and degree programs that better align with your educational and career goals.
Make sure to consider different schools and their transfer credit policies, the cost of tuition and supplies, networking opportunities, and online learning. For example, some schools cater to adult learners with different programs and resources designed for working adults, while others may have accelerated programs and robust online courses to give you scheduling flexibility.
You should also look for schools that have additional campus resources that are appropriate for you, such as tutoring, mental health resources, and career planning resources. These may be important for planning your career path and getting support after your education is complete.
Meet with an Admissions Advisor
Your advisor is your most important asset returning to school as an adult. They can help you choose the right degree program and course format, prepare for admissions, and transfer your applicable credits. Each school has different admissions requirements, so your advisor will let you know if you need college transcripts, standardized test scores, recommendation letters, or any other materials.
If you need financial aid, your advisor can help with the process. Be sure to ask about scholarships and other resources to help with the cost of college. In addition to the scholarships offered by the school, you may be eligible for other scholarships from professional organizations, government agencies, and more.
Consult with an Academic Advisor
Once accepted to your school of choice, your academic advisor will help with next steps. They can offer advice on the courses you should take, in what order, and may be able to recommend alternative options like work-study programs, summer sessions, or course challenges to “test out” of courses based on your existing knowledge.
Consider Online Learning
While returning to school as an adult is a rewarding experience, it can be difficult to manage coursework with responsibilities to work or family. Online learning, particularly with asynchronous formats, can be a crucial part of academic success for some.
Many colleges offer online courses or full degree programs that can be completed online. You also have the option of completing courses online with platforms like Sophia. With self-paced online general education courses and partnerships with over 60 colleges and universities, Sophia offers flexible courses in a subscription format to help you complete your gen eds and save time on your degree with credits designed to transfer.
Make sure to check with your advisor about your preferred school’s transfer credit policy.
Stay Focused on the Finish Line
Going back to school as an adult offers a different experience from going to school right out of high school. You may have more challenges, such as a full-time job, children or family obligations, and a household to manage. In fact, these challenges are often why adults choose not to get a degree.
However, there are advantages to going to school as an adult that shouldn’t be overlooked. As a working adult, you may have industry knowledge and work experience that can help in your college courses. You probably gained time-management skills and organizational skills in your personal and professional life as well. Adult learners are often more disciplined and have a strong sense of their goals for higher education as well.
Get Started with Sophia
If you’re planning to re-enroll in college after dropping out, Sophia can help you refocus, take college-level courses accepted for credit at our partner schools, and get a jump on your college learning. Start your free trial today!
