First-time College Goer

Are you ready to begin college studies? You may be one of millions of young (and not so young) adults who set aside college studies following high school to pursue work, military, family or other commitments. If you are a 1st time college goer who is not an 18-year old heading to campus, we have tools and tips for helping you to succeed, on how to begin, and in finding the right college or university and courses or programs that best meets your needs. Follow the links below to guide you as you begin your studies.

Today's opportunities and options for adults preparing to embark on their first collegiate experience are greater than ever before. No longer are you confined to programs at your local college campus and at times when the courses are scheduled. E-learning literally has brought the college campus to you and at times convenient to your schedule. Innovative scheduling approaches including "Weekend College" and programs that meet in intensive time formats monthly or quarterly are now available. The combining of these various options into "blended" learning environments can provide you with the best of both worlds.

You should take a number of steps to make sure you are not overcome by the options. The Adult and e-learner modules in the Electronic Campus are designed to do just that. We want you to become a more educated consumer about your education, to understand and to evaluate all options and to select those options best suited to your needs. Here are five planning considerations as you begin your search.

1. Assess your career goals and align your educational goals to your chosen career. Visit the Career Center in the Electronic Campus to review various career options and the educational requirements and programs that will help you pursue your career goals.

2. Look realistically at the degree you are seeking to acquire and the length of time it will require you to achieve it. For example, if you are planning to pursue a bachelor's degree, consider associate degree options with community colleges as a "midpoint" objective. Use the Search for Programs tool available at the Electronic Campus. Consider a credit-based certificate program that will provide you with yet another "stepping stone" option, particularly if you are planning to pursue a degree in an area you are currently working. Visit the Certificate Programs page for more information.

3. Take a course or two as a non-degree or "transient" student. This can be the equivalent of an automobile "test drive" for your studies and will help you gauge your overall readiness to pursue studies, manage your time, balance your schedule and generally to give you a better idea of the challenges (and fun) ahead. Use the Search for Courses tool available at the Electronic Campus.

4. As part of your planning effort, consider ways to "jump start" your accumulation of credits. Many adult learners bring years of experience to their studies, experience that can be converted to academic credit. Visit the Prior Learning Experience page — you might be surprised at just how big a start you can get!

5. Consider all financial options available to you and plan for the cost of your education. Will your employer provide support for your educational pursuits? Consider all available federal and state programs. For more information about all of the options available to you visit the Financial Assistance module in the Electronic Campus.

You will find other tools and tips at the links below and elsewhere in the Electronic Campus. Use My EC to save your search results for future reference. The site can serve as your "launching pad" to reaching your academic goals. Above all, assess your situation, have a solid plan and know the resources available to you.

Good luck and enjoy the journey!

Links to SREB State and Related Resources