3 answers
Adiama
Student
Elizabeth City, North Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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What advice can some of my wiser, more experienced, counterparts give about going back to school after taking an 8 YEAR GAP! #Spring25?
Share your tips and tricks to get started here :)
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3 answers
Jazhel Honrado
Academic Svcs Administrator
52
Answers
Updated
Jazhel’s Answer
Hello Adiama,
It took me almost ten years to go back to school. I was one of the fortunate ones who had the option to stay home and take care of my kids. Going back to college was definitely challenging, but it was worth it. I paced myself so I wouldn’t get overwhelmed. I was resourceful—I researched information and asked for help when I needed it. I also asked a lot of questions, which helped clarify things for me when it came to requirements or assignments.
I highly recommend choosing a major that aligns with what you’d like to do after earning your degree. It took me a bit longer to complete my bachelor’s degree, but I finished with honors, and I’m happy and proud that I decided to go back to school.
I wish you all the best!
It took me almost ten years to go back to school. I was one of the fortunate ones who had the option to stay home and take care of my kids. Going back to college was definitely challenging, but it was worth it. I paced myself so I wouldn’t get overwhelmed. I was resourceful—I researched information and asked for help when I needed it. I also asked a lot of questions, which helped clarify things for me when it came to requirements or assignments.
I highly recommend choosing a major that aligns with what you’d like to do after earning your degree. It took me a bit longer to complete my bachelor’s degree, but I finished with honors, and I’m happy and proud that I decided to go back to school.
I wish you all the best!
Thank you so much Jazhel for that wonderful answer. I am glad you went back to school AND finished with honors. Truly blessing you had that opportunity. Hope everything is going well for you now!
Adiama
Job Hall
Real Estate Manager
157
Answers
Reno, Nevada
Updated
Job’s Answer
Prepare to study. Your experience in the real world will be valuable in college. I would advise planning on reducing your social activities for a period of time until you have adjusted to the study load you are taking on. I did my MBA when I was 40. I got straight A's was the number one in the class all because I had a lot of real world experience. Most of your classmates will be quite Young. Don't let that scare you. As we age we become better at learning things, writing things, and not stressing out so much on tests.
Good luck
Good luck
NANCY W CAMPBELL
Adjunct Faculty | Education Consultant | College and Career Success Specialist | Education Equity Advocate
19
Answers
Jenkintown, PA
Updated
NANCY W’s Answer
First, let me say it is NEVER to late to go back to school. My Mom didn't go to college until I came out of graduate school and she ended up with three (3) degrees to my two!
With that said, I agree with someone above who said to give yourself some good boundaries around social activities. You will need to discipline yourself to establish study habits and set a different pattern for yourself. Depending upon what major you choose, you should be willing to get involved in a study group to develop associates that can help and support you...and if you can't find one, create your own. Above all, be patient with yourself; re-establishing the habits you need to be successful in school will take some doing. But think of it this way: there are three core skills/characteristics that both employers and college professors want from you - to be on time, to be there every day and to take the tasks/assignments you are given to completion. Keep that in mind and the transition back to school can be smoother.
All the best to you!
With that said, I agree with someone above who said to give yourself some good boundaries around social activities. You will need to discipline yourself to establish study habits and set a different pattern for yourself. Depending upon what major you choose, you should be willing to get involved in a study group to develop associates that can help and support you...and if you can't find one, create your own. Above all, be patient with yourself; re-establishing the habits you need to be successful in school will take some doing. But think of it this way: there are three core skills/characteristics that both employers and college professors want from you - to be on time, to be there every day and to take the tasks/assignments you are given to completion. Keep that in mind and the transition back to school can be smoother.
All the best to you!