Are you ready to begin college studies? You may be one of millions of adults who set aside college studies following high school to pursue work, military, family, or other commitments. On the other hand, you may be interested in learning about a hobby or favorite subject.
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.
The Adult and e-learner modules in the Electronic Campus are designed to help you learn about options. 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 some planning considerations as you begin your search.
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.
Look realistically at the degree you are seeking to acquire and the length of time required 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 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.
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 how big a start you can get!
Consider all financial options available to you and plan for the cost of your education. For more information about all of the options available to you, visit the Financial Assistance and Older Adult Tuition Free modules in the Electronic Campus.
You will find other tools and tips at the links below and elsewhere in the Electronic Campus. Establish an account and 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, know the resources available to you, and enjoy the journey!
