I Want To Go To College

Peacock · #1 09/23/07, 07:46 PM

I've had this dream for many years...I want to finish college. I have an Associate degree in Liberal Arts, and made it two quarters into my Junior year toward that Bachelor's degree. That's done me pretty well till now, I guess. I consider myself fairly well educated, because I've continued to just teach myself whatever I needed to know.

But I LOVED college. I've been in and out...finished that degree, took a break, went back...last time I was on the Dean's List with a 4.0 average. And I really, really want to get that four-year degree. I think it'll help my career, if only to boost my confidence. Sets a good example for my kids about the importance of education, too.

This IS homesteading-related. See, if I get that degree, I'll have a better chance of success at that home business, so I can stay out of the "employee" rat race.

With my business I can work *anywhere*, in the city or way out in the boonies.

Now that's established...I have no clue what to do next.

I guess I need to visit nearby college campuses (that'd be Univ. of Dayton or Wright State, probably) and chat with the admissions folks. I know it's the wrong time of year for this...but I'm not a traditional student and it might take me till next fall to get my ducks in a row anyway!

I know I could go to a virtual campus -- do it online -- but I really want to actually GO to school. I think it would be so good for me!

Anybody done this? Did you learn anything during the process you can share with me to make the process go more smoothly?

Or tell me I'm wasting my time?

I haven't broached the subject with DH yet. First I want to make sure I CAN do this...

....and that I'm not doing it for the wrong reasons. You know, a mid-life crisis kind of thing, or just a way of escaping my current stressful life, you know? Like you look at something and say, "if only this would happen...that would solve everything."

Alice In TX/MO · #2 09/23/07, 07:51 PM

YES YOU CAN! I went to college the first time in 1972. Got married, had kids. Finished my bachelors degree in 1989, with my kids in elementary school!!

Go by the admissions office now. Best time. Not a crowd! Find out what you need to get done to either start in January or in the fall. Go by the financial aid department, too. Get all the forms for grants and scholarships. Apply for everything!

On the first day back, carpool with someone. That way you can't chicken out and go home when you feel overwhelmed!

uyk7 · #3 09/23/07, 07:58 PM

Visit WGU.edu (Western Governors University). They offer online degrees at a great price. They are accredited. Email if you would like to enroll because I can send a form that waives the application fee.

Ravenlost · #4 09/23/07, 08:03 PM

Of course you can do it. I went back to college at age 24 after I got a divorce. I had two children in diapers. I graduated jr. college with honors and received an academic scholarship to go to a four year university. I was 28 when I graduated and one of my best friends while in college was 72!

You can check your chosen college's website and request information. That would be a good start.

http://www.udayton.edu/

http://www.wright.edu/

River · #5 09/24/07, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edayna

Now that's established...I have no clue what to do next.

I guess I need to visit nearby college campuses (that'd be Univ. of Dayton or Wright State, probably) and chat with the admissions folks.

How about Miami University in Oxford? (http://www.miami.muohio.edu/) They have a greater focus on teaching than many state colleges and are considered a "State Ivy League" college.

River

turtlehead · #6 09/24/07, 10:43 AM

Definitely visit the admissions offices of both schools you're thinking of attending. Get all their literature and spend some time reading through it. Find out what degrees they offer, what kind of financial aid is available, what kind of job placement track record they have for the degree programs you're interested in.

I did kind of like you - got one degree right away then went back for a more advanced degree. The second time I was working full time so had to go to night school and take a lighter load but I don't think that applies in your case. If you have small children at home you may need to consider night school though (I don't remember how old yours are).

If you go to "day school" it will be mostly younger people with a few older folks scattered throughout. At night school, the ages are all over the place.

Tricky Grama · #7 09/24/07, 11:28 AM

Went 'back' to college when my kids were in ele school. Had only 6 credits behind me b/4 I started back. Was NOT easy but it sure can be done!

Patty
PS-it is easier I bet if you don't go thru a divorce in the middle of it all like I did.

Wolf mom · #8 09/24/07, 11:54 AM

You can do it!!

I finally got my degree when I was 44 after going forever, sometimes just taking subjects to help me with my then current undertaking.

My only caution is if you spread it out too far, I found that I had to take a couple classes over as they were considered taken too long ago.

Good luck - have fun!

woodsrunner · #9 09/25/07, 10:40 PM

I had a guidance counselor wanting me to apply here way back 25yrs ago.

http://www.sterlingcollege.edu/

Biggest mistake I ever made was not listening to him.

Second biggest mistake. I was accepted to Cornell's ag school. I got a summer job in a union shop that paid more than my dad made. I decided to make the summer job a permanant job rather than attend college. The plan was to live home for two more years and save every penny I could. Then buy a chunk of land in NY's Allegany county and set up homestead there. All went according to plan, until a week before closing on my dream 36 acres. Then they announced the plant closing and everything fell apart.

The irony of it all. Just after my 25th birthday I found myself in Ithaca, NY working as a plumber. I changed alot of toilets in the off campus student housing in the next four years. So, I ended up spending four years at Cornell anyhow, just didn't spend them as a student.

Hmmm. I wonder if Sterling has any learning at a distance courses.

Feral Nature · #10 09/25/07, 11:48 PM

Edayna, good for you! And I know how you feel as I want to go back to school to. I was a freshman at Texas A & M in 1974 as an Ag major (Animal Science). I was going to apply to vet school. But i only went to college for 2 years before falling in love and getting married.

Then in 1988, I started college again...this time nursing school for my RN, at San Jacinto College. It was wonderful to walk across that stage and be handed that diploma. I felt like a great roll model for my 4 children.

By waiting so long to finish college though, i lost all the science classes that i took at Tex A&M and had to take them over, so I had to re-take chem and something else but i can't recall right now.

So you may lose some hours.

If you want to go next fall, then start now. Get your official transcript. Get 2, one official one with the seal on it for the school you are applying for and another for your records that you can keep. Visit an advisor and make a plan. The college application will most likely have an essay question in it and that can make or break you. Express yourself well and let the school know that you will not be a waste of space if they admit you.

You can never start getting your plans laid out too early. I will go back to Texas A&M one day and finish my degree there. Yes, I have my RN degree from another college, but I won't feel like my life is complete til I get that AGGIE RING!

Shygal · #11 09/26/07, 12:21 AM

I graduated this year at 45 with my nursing degree.

willow_girl · #12 09/26/07, 05:11 AM

Don't want to throw cold water on your dream, but college is very, very expensive. If money is no object, and you have $10,000-$15,000 to burn, hey, go for it!

If you're hoping for a degree that will lead to increased earnings later, analyze the local job market and figure out where you can get the most bang for your buck.

You're currently a freelance writer and editor, correct? It has been my experience that a degree may help you break into the field, but if you're already "there," it's not going to help much. Employers will look at your portfolio first -- if you actually can do the job, they won't mind that you don't have a degree. Conversely, a degree won't save you if your clips aren't impressive!

I wouldn't recommend going back to school unless you have your sights on a particular job that definitely requires a degree/certification. In which case, you should try to line up an internship with your employer of choice, or otherwise work in the field in some limited way while you're still in college. A degree alone may not be enough!

I just started a really crappy $13-an-hour job ... 2 of the girls with whom I trained had just graduated with degrees in criminal justice, yet they were no farther ahead in the game than some folks in our class whose only work experience was asking, "Do you want fries with that?" And they'll be struggling to pay back student loans while living on a modest salary ... OUCH!

Think long and hard about what you're doing. A degree CAN be the ticket to a better life, if you play your cards right ... or it can be a very expensive form of entertainment!

MorrisonCorner · #13 09/26/07, 05:37 AM

While I appreciate the "better life" and "investment" arguments, there are some things you can't hang a price tag on, benefits of actually attending classes and being part of the roil and optimism on campus that extend far beyond the extra dollars you might make with a college degree.

Go for it! I've recently re-assessed my life plan (law degree at 53) because I discovered after being deeply involved in a legal action that I don't enjoy doing what lawyers do (well.. who'd a thunk!). But that doesn't change the basic plan: go back to school as part of my retirement package. I'm thinking about environmental science now... something that allows me to give back.

SunsetSonata · #14 09/26/07, 08:20 AM

Definitely figure out if what you'll end up making will be worth the debt you will incur. I don't think anyone regrets being better educated - but you might regret it if you are expecting to reap huge rewards that don't come. So think long and hard about what you want to do, what entry level pay is, what you will owe in loans, and the job market. I did this myself this year. Wanted to further my degree by becoming a counsellor - willing to go into debt half the value of my house - until I noticed that most of the entry level jobs in that field around here are only part-time, which also suggests there are no benefits. I'm on my own and can't risk that kind of insecurity. Paying my dues by working part-time jobs would probably cause me to lose my house. Can you afford the consequences if the financial rewards aren't as big as you hoped? Does your husband support you no matter what happens? I've no answers, just sharing all the questions I would be asking in your shoes.

MelissaW · #15 09/26/07, 08:33 AM

Best of luck Edayna! At the library, I was recently helping a young man re-entering college after awhile off. Some of the issues were, making sure that all of his former courses are transferable. With your transcript, the admissions office will be able to tell you if certain credits are or aren't. Also, his particular college required a pre-test to determine placement for several classes, including math. He was actually able to do this online as long as we (the librarians) were available to proctor. I think it's a great idea. If you decide to work away from home one day, many places only interview people with a Bachelors or higher.

Peacock · #16 09/26/07, 09:57 AM

While I am a darn good writer (patting self on back) and my portfolio isn't shabby at all, I seem to lack the confidence and...something else I can't put my finger on...maybe it's the skill to market myself effectively in order to earn what I should be earning in my field. Which can be quite impressive. I know exactly what major I need (well, choice of two depending on how I want to niche myself).

A lot of employers have said I'm "in-between positions" -- I'm too advanced and experienced for junior copywriter and too green for senior. If I were to actually seek employment I think the degree would make the difference that would bump me up to the higher level.

Most freelance clients don't get to see my academic credentials anyway since I don't show them my resume. But an education gives you more than a diploma.

Well, I'm still thinking about it. I can't do much at the moment till we figure out what's going on with my mom, anyway. But I really appreciate your responses and advice!

Wolf mom · #17 09/26/07, 10:14 AM

Degrees always help. I don't think that you have to spend an arm & a leg either if there's a state university near. Plus you're half way there!

You could always take a couple or one course at a time & on your resume state currently enrolled....

just my 2 cents...

willow_girl · #18 09/26/07, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edayna

While I am a darn good writer (patting self on back) and my portfolio isn't shabby at all, I seem to lack the confidence and...something else I can't put my finger on...maybe it's the skill to market myself effectively in order to earn what I should be earning in my field. Which can be quite impressive. I know exactly what major I need (well, choice of two depending on how I want to niche myself).

A lot of employers have said I'm "in-between positions" -- I'm too advanced and experienced for junior copywriter and too green for senior. If I were to actually seek employment I think the degree would make the difference that would bump me up to the higher level.

Most freelance clients don't get to see my academic credentials anyway since I don't show them my resume. But an education gives you more than a diploma.

Well, I'm still thinking about it. I can't do much at the moment till we figure out what's going on with my mom, anyway. But I really appreciate your responses and advice!

College is an awfully expensive way to get what you're seeking.
Sounds like what you need is a bit of polish and self-confidence.
There are ways to obtain those things that won't cost $10,000, LOL!

Keep a journal. Do a critical self-examination. What have you liked most and least about your career? What is your goal? If you don't have one, set one! What steps will you need to take to reach that goal?

Ask people you trust to critique your portfolio, your appearance and your interviewing skills. Beg them to be brutal!

Read, read, read. IMO, you can get most of what you need from books, without paying for a class. Start at the library (it's free!).

Network, network, network. Don't be afraid to mentor others.
And let others know your goals. Don't be shy about asking for help! Most people are flattered when you seek out their opinion.

You can do this! Yes, college requires less self-discipline, because it gives you a structure and support system of sorts ... but you can do it on your own, at a fraction of the cost, if you put your mind to it. Good luck!

Shygal · #19 09/26/07, 11:01 AM

College doesnt always have to cost 10,000 dollars either

And learning by reading is fine, however it doesnt give you the credentials that employers often look for.

Cornhusker · #20 09/26/07, 11:32 AM

If you want to go and can handle the financial end, go for it.
Sounds like you are doing it more for your own sense of accomplishment than future financial gain, so the job thing shouldn't matter that much.
If I could go back to school, I would but I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.