Overcoming Adult-Sized Obstacles

Fifty years ago, youth ruled the college campuses.

Now, they're the dinosaurs.

As the 21st century begins, "nontraditional" students continue to increase in the total college population. And as occupations require higher and higher skill levels, more adults are expected to return to the halls of tests and teachers, according to the National Center for Education Statistics .

Jobs that require a bachelor's degree are expected to grow the most quickly in the 21st century, nearly twice as fast as the average for all occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

But career advancement isn't the only reason adults return to school. Skill and personal development, greater understanding and enjoyment also are good reasons to enroll in college.

Where Do I Start?
The Adult-Sized Problems
What If I Haven't Decided?
What Fields Are Growing Fastest?

Where Do I Start?

Just do it, says Marylee King, director of student services at Marylhurst College .

"I would encourage them not to put it off," says King. "So many adult students are scared ... because of time, because of learning problems they had when they were teenagers."

But past bad grades shouldn't stop adults who want to enter college. Even math mental blocks may have melted away.

"They've been learning ever since they left school," she says. "And as you grow older, [math] just makes more sense."

Of course, that doesn't mean it will be easy.

There are countless demands on your time and money from family, work, friends and hobbies. Learning to balance these priorities with your college classes will be a challenge. It might mean spending less time watching television or cleaning house.

There are several important steps to take before you fill out your first application.

Make a plan. Examine your day. Where can you spend less time? Can you pass cleaning responsibilities on to an oldest child? Can you give up your favorite TV program? How long do you plan to be in school?

Joanne DeMay, Associate Director of Continuing Education at Linfield College , suggests a visit to a college counselor.

"The first step is to go in and talk to an adviser, to assess previous coursework and work experience," says DeMay.

The adviser should be able to help you determine 1) how many credits will transfer, 2) how many credits you can expect to receive from work and life experiences and 3) how many years it will take to graduate.

But don't get scared off by the number of years.

"Frequently, once you get started, you go a lot faster than you thought [you would]," says King.

Prepare your family and friends. This will be a big change for them, too. Prepare them for new tasks they may have to take on, and let them know how important college is to you.

"If they do that," advises King, "they'll be amazed at the support."

Think about your priorities. What's most important to you? What can you give up? Is it OK if dust bunnies collect under the couch? If the lawn isn't mowed every Sunday?

Know what you expect to gain from more education. If you have a clear idea of the benefits you want to receive from your hard work, then you're more likely to continue working hard. Be sure you know why this degree is important to you.

Overcoming Adult-Sized Obstacles

Your biggest problem probably isn't a date to any dance. It isn't your parents, laundry or on-campus housing. Adults returning to school face a different set of issues.

"The obvious one is time," says DeMay. "They have jobs that may take them 10 hours a day, families -- and they want to have some kind of a life."

Adult students also have trouble finding the money needed to complete a degree, says DeMay. Many also lack confidence in their study skills.

There's no magic solution to the time or the money crunch. But starting off strong may make the difference between a short, successful college career and a long, obstacle-filled one.

Before your first class begins:

Redevelop your study skills. It's been awhile since you've written a college paper, taken notes or struggled for a good grade. You may want to visit a tutoring center, talk with an adviser or browse through a study-skills booklet from the Indiana Career and Post-secondary Advancement Center.

King also reminds adults that they've been learning for years.

"If you approach school the way you approach your job -- are highly organized -- then you will be successful," she says.

Learn word processing skills on computers. Computer skills are an important part of anyone's college career.

Relearn test-taking strategies. Find out more from this guide to succeeding on college tests .

Familiarize yourself with electronic library resources. College librarians will be happy to show you the ins and outs of the school's resources. Don't miss this important step.

Find financial aid. Financial aid is not just for kids. Most federal grants, loans and scholarships are open to students of all ages. Some places to look for financial aid include:

Your employer. Many companies will foot some or all of the bill for continuing education.

The college. Explore all your options. Some colleges have child-care programs for returning students. Other schools help students with special needs, such as single parents and women returning to college. Ask admissions or financial aid officers about loans, grants and work-study programs.

Aid is available to students of all ages, not just traditional, full-time students.

Your community. Many social service organizations and occupation-related groups offer scholarships.

"These are usually small amounts of money," says DeMay. "But it's out there."

Next: How Will I Pay?