Been Away? Follow These Steps for Going Back to the Classroom
Going to college after years away, or for the first time as an older student, can seem daunting, but it’s possible to juggle papers and exams with family, work, and other time-consuming obligations.
A friend of mine has been doing just that, pursuing her master’s while holding down a full-time job, and the duties of a wife and a mom of two young kids. She’s put in the hard work, sacrificing sleep for school at times, but has received the rewards of gaining knowledge about a passion that should lead to a new career or career advancement.
As she and many other adult students can tell you, succeeding in a back-to-school endeavor is no easy accomplishment. That’s why we’ve turned to Joyce M. Stern, dean for Student Academic Support and Advising at Grinnell College in Iowa, for her tips on tackling school when you’re out of your 20s. For starters, find out how your work experience could assist you in getting a jumpstart on school, then try these strategies once you’re back in class…
Get organized.
On the first day of class, grab the course syllabus and mark down any test or assignment deadlines on your calendar or planner, suggests Stern. That can be on your computer or on paper, depending on your preference, “Determine what can get done now, what can get done tomorrow and what you need to do later in the week,” she adds.
Take it step by step.
Create interim goals or due dates for parts of a project, whether it’s a 10-page research paper or a midterm, Stern recommends. That way, you won’t cram the night before or put all of the pressure on one day. She points out that scheduling blocks of time – and sticking to them – will help minimize the intensity of a project.
Just get started.
If you’re unmotivated by the task or subject matter, don’t procrastinate. Stern says it’s OK to give yourself permission to work in small segments (for example, stop after 10 minutes) if you continue to have a hard time. “Often starting on a project is the hardest part, and you may find it’s not as unpleasant as you anticipated,” she says.
Push aside those perfectionist tendencies.
Stern points out that perfectionist students, or those facing “writer’s block,” sometimes can be helped by composing their thoughts in a different manner. She recommends taking a notebook to a coffee shop or library and write out all your ideas long hand, or typing on the computer without the screen lit (turn off the monitor). When all else fails, write, “Done is better than perfect” and tape it to your computer. “Repeat it the next time you are tempted to make another change,” she says.
What are your best school tips? Share them in the comments.
Article by, Lori Johnston and courtesy of CollegeSurfing Insider.
