You are cruising down the highway of life. Just when you thought you could put your academic track on cruise control, a brick flies through your windshield. Whether it’s personal health, military serviced, your curriculum is not for you, a financial issue, unexpected children or just plain bad luck, you stop going to college. This doesn’t mean you can’t go back…and online colleges offer an excellent way to get back on track.
The important thing is realizing you’re not alone. The U.S. Census reported 33% of college freshmen drop out, half of them in good academic standing. It also reports that of the 18.9 million current college students out there, 37% were returning drop outs, many going to school part time while holding down jobs. These numbers are still vague, and more study is needed, but they do say you’re not alone.
There are five important points about going back to school. They involve a bit of self-evaluation and, to be honest, the path is a bit more difficult the second time around. Here’s what they are:
Evaluate Why You Left – Colleges can be very forgiving about health, military service or personal disaster (such as death in the family). It’s more difficult, but not impossible, if poor grades, crimes or maturity issues are involved. If it’s the latter, it might be a good idea to go part time at first, if not to repair any poor grades you had previously, then at least to prove you really are serious this time. This is one area online colleges come in real handy, as you can improve your grade average from the comfort of home and still hold down a job.
Do You Want To Pursue Your Original Curriculum? – Many a high school senior thinks he/she is the next Einstein, Obama or Mozart, and then switch majors mid-stream. Be certain about your curriculum. If not, there are always needs for everything from engineers to tech writers. Don’t be surprised if you lose some credits because of this shift.
Choose Your Target Schools – This is where online colleges really do come in. They are very familiar with “non-traditional” students, by that it’s meant both students holding down full-time jobs and going part time or dropping out and coming back in. Target schools that offer the curriculum you’re really interested in, and then don’t be shy about getting advice from those school.
Financial Aid – If you had college loans you had better either paid them off or been making payments. If not, get on the stick or forget about it. There are plenty of college grants, scholarships and loans for those who want to return. Check with your schools’ financial officers on that count.
Pull The Trigger – Fill out the paperwork and apply. Don’t be surprised with the additional life experience you gained while away from online schools, getting an online accredited degree becomes a lot easier, too. That brick that went through your windshield could be the cornerstone of a more solid foundation.
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