Archive for May, 2016

A Guide Book for Adults Returning to College: Brainstorming and First Steps

Tuesday, May 31st, 2016

Before I start, I’d like to give a quick shout out to the Campus Clipper. The Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC, from the East Side to Greenwich Village. The company helps support students in so many ways, from their coupon booklet to their Official Student Guide. Now, on to the blog!

In this post, we will discuss where you should begin if you’re thinking of returning to school.

Think about why you want to return to school.  Why is it constantly on your mind?  Will earning a degree help you get more out of life or will it help you find the right job?  Decide on what you want to study and begin your research.  What are you good at?  What would you like to do?  Make sure you are returning for the right reasons.  That way your determination will get you through it.  If the time is right for you to return it will be rewarding.

(If you are not interested in earning a degree but want to take classes in your field of interest to develop your profession or are endeavoring in a life-long learning experience, you can take non-degree courses as well.)

Mature female student raising hand in class

 

There are several colleges and universities offering a continuing education program and nontraditional student programs.  Look into colleges that you are interested in or is convenient for you.  If you are worried that this decision doesn’t fit your lifestyle needs, don’t let that stop you.  Talk to the people in your life, seek their support.  Your family and friends will support your decision.  

After you’ve looked into colleges you are interested in, try to attend their information sessions, or visit the admissions office and ask questions.  It may take some time to gather all the records you will need.

You’ll need to access old test scores, transcripts, immunization records and recommendations letters.

college-sat-testing-booklet-story-top

  •  Transcripts and old test scores should be sent directly from your previous college to your college of choice.  (Unless you apply to return to the same college you dropped out of)
  •  If it’s been more than eight years, your SAT scores may no longer be acceptable. You may have to take the entrance exam.
  •  You may need to access your old high school transcripts or GED test results.  Have them sent directly to the college you are applying to.
  •  You’ll need to submit your immunization records once admitted.
  •   It is recommended that you apply for financial aid at the same time.
  •   Don’t let these steps scare you.  Take care of it.
  •   Once you get it done, you’ll feel better.

Write your college essays, gather two recommendation letters from colleagues and send out your applications.  Remember that most colleges and universities are always looking to expand the campus diversity.  Some professors enjoy having the perspective of older students in the classroom.  Keep this in mind.

college

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By Rona Ramjas

A few words from the Campus Clipper –

The Campus Clipper not only help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create these amazing E-Books, but we give them a platform to teach others. Follow each new blog post to read a chapter of our various books and to learn how the Campus Clipper can help you follow your dreams!

Craving student savings while you catch up on your reading? Click on the link to download the Official Campus Clipper Coupon Booklet! And check out our newest YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during this year’s Welcome Week.

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A Guide Book for Adults Returning to College: Adjustment

Sunday, May 22nd, 2016

Before I start, I’d like to give a quick shout out to the Campus Clipper. The Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC, from the East Side to Greenwich Village. The company helps support students in so many ways, from their coupon booklet to their Official Student Guide. Now, on to the blog!

In this post, we will discuss how find a support group on campus. You’ll need a buddy that you can relate to.

During my first semester back at school, I had to take a workshop on adjusting to college life as a non-traditional student.  The Dean of Students mentioned forming a buddy group with other students like myself.  At the time, I thought it was silly.  Later that year when I found myself struggling and the challenge was mounting, I began to reach out to other students like myself.  I slowly came to understand the Dean’s advice.

friendship

Fortunately for me, as it is a time when most adult students are returning to school, I had two close friends who had just enrolled into college.  I met with them, talked with them about school and discovered that they were experiencing the same obstacles and reactions as I was.  It took a load off our shoulders to know that there were others who were in the same situation.  It was a comfort to relate to them.  Knowing that you are not the only one experiencing challenges makes a big difference.

friends

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By Rona Ramjas

A few words from the Campus Clipper –

The Campus Clipper not only help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create these amazing E-Books, but we give them a platform to teach others. Follow each new blog post to read a chapter of our various books and to learn how the Campus Clipper can help you follow your dreams!

Craving student savings while you catch up on your reading? Click on the link to download the Official Campus Clipper Coupon Booklet! And check out our newest YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during this year’s Welcome Week.

 

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A Guide Book for Adults Returning to College: Getting Ahead

Monday, May 16th, 2016

Before I start, I’d like to give a quick shout out to the Campus Clipper. The Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC, from the East Side to Greenwich Village. The company helps support students in so many ways, from their coupon booklet to their Official Student Guide. Now, on to the blog!

In this post, we will discuss how you’re ahead of other students. You already have social and professional skills.

It isn’t enough to have academic merit to be completely successful. There are other important factors that can lead to success.  Social skills, confidence, ingenuity, and having a social network are great attributes that an older student may have.

For some, college can be more rewarding as an adult because you have gained these attributes.  Your life experience is what will help you with your college achievement.  You are ahead of the other students in your class because of this.  We all have different needs to succeed than what the educational system accommodates.

social skills

Another reason why you’re ahead of the game is that you are studying for yourself and not for your parents.  This decision to return to school is yours.  You know what you want and will be determined to achieve it.  And most likely you are paying for it, so you will really understand the value of and education.

You already know what’s out there in the world and you know what to expect when you graduate.  Even though you may end up working in the same field as you were before, you know that once you do graduate you will be making twice as much with a degree.

When I asked Danielle what she finds most rewarding about being an older student, she said;

“I truly look at my education as a gift, a privilege, something I relish and enjoy.  I want to learn and immerse myself in my studies.”

education

I share the same feeling as Danielle; I enjoy learning and now that I am one year away from graduating, I am also thinking of going to graduate school.  I am eager to continue my studies.

As challenging as it has been, being an older student, I can’t say enough how rewarding it has been.  It truly has been one of the most rewarding experiences.  It is more than just knowing that I will have a higher income, it has been a deeply satisfying process and that has giving me a sort of comfort in finding my place in the world.

finding your place

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By Rona Ramjas

A few words from the Campus Clipper –

The Campus Clipper not only help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create these amazing E-Books, but we give them a platform to teach others. Follow each new blog post to read a chapter of our various books and to learn how the Campus Clipper can help you follow your dreams!

Craving student savings while you catch up on your reading? Click on the link to download the Official Campus Clipper Coupon Booklet! And check out our newest YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during this year’s Welcome Week.

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A Guide Book for Adults Returning to College: Balancing School, Work and Family

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2016

Before I start, I’d like to give a quick shout out to the Campus Clipper. The Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC, from the East Side to Greenwich Village. The company helps support students in so many ways, from their coupon booklet to their Official Student Guide. Now, on to the blog!

In this post, we will discuss how returning students’ needs differ from that of an 18 year old student. How does one balance their personal life, social life and college life?

If you have a full time job or a family, returning to school can incredibly taxing. It requires multitasking. You have different needs from that of a younger college student. Your lifestyle is different. Make a schedule around your life depending on what works for you. If you have a full time job, begin with one or two classes. You will be busy but you can still have time for self and family. You’ll just have to learn how to manage that time.

While you don’t have to completely sacrifice your personal and social life, you will have to learn how and when to say ‘no.” You will not be able to make it to every social event or family dinners. You will be less available so choose when to say no.

Commuting could be a challenge as well. While most college students live on campus, older students have to commute. Make sure that you can manage your time. Riding the train or bus can be a valuable time to read or catch up on studying. Make use of that time.  If you have to commute a long distance, schedule your classes so that you don’t have to go to campus every day; try to schedule your classes in one or two days.

Talk to your professors. Let them know your situation and take advantage of their office hours to ask questions to help you keep up with the class. You’d be surprised at how receptive your professors can be to your situation and maintaining a relationship with them will be a great help for you.

law-school-professors

I spoke with Danielle, a thirty five year old student and a mom with three kids.  She says that balancing her time is by far the most difficult aspect of being a full time student, a full time mom and wife.

“There are times when I spend too much time on my work, and other times when I neglect my work to spend time with my family.  Unfortunately, no matter what I am doing- whether it is finally getting ahead in my studies or having some fun family time, I am always plagued by guilt.”

college

Danielle is learning how to take it one day at a time. The beginning was challenging but she is adjusting. She says that when she is in school, she is completely immersed in her studies, and when she is at home, she devotes herself to her family. During midterms and finals, she makes school her number one priority and has finally accepted this as not being a bad thing, but as necessary at the moment.

“When it comes to balancing time, I’ve accepted my limits. There is only 24 hours in a day and only so much that I can do. If I have a paper due, the dishes in the sink can wait. And there have been times when I’ve regretfully declined invitations to family gatherings because I’ve had to study for an exam.”

college2

~~~~~

By Rona Ramjas

A few words from the Campus Clipper –

The Campus Clipper not only help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create these amazing E-Books, but we give them a platform to teach others. Follow each new blog post to read a chapter of our various books and to learn how the Campus Clipper can help you follow your dreams!

Craving student savings while you catch up on your reading? Click on the link to download the Official Campus Clipper Coupon Booklet! And check out our newest YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during this year’s Welcome Week.

 

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