Hello, my name is FM2n, and I am (was) a college dropout.
Fortunately, I have a decent job, and by decent, it probably equates to "pretty crappy" to those who have a proper degree. With no degree, I have no way of moving up in the field unless I go back to school and so I am forced to. Being over 30 years old and more than 10 years since I've left college, it is TOUGH to figure out how to jump back into the educational system.
What I'm starting to realize now that I have my ducks lined up for Fall 2012, is that it is really not that difficult. In fact, I was surprised to how far along I already am in my units before I had quit college 10 years ago.
So I'm hoping this thread will help answer questions for anyone who is interested in going back to school but feels overwhelmed, or just don't know where to start. I'll begin with what I had to do:
1. First thing to do is request all your transcripts (there’s a turnaround time). Any college that you’ve attended previously, go to that college’s website (or give them a call), and under the transcript section here will be a form that you can print and fill out and mail it in, or some colleges will allow you to submit an online request for your transcript. When you receive your transcript, it will be in a sealed envelope – do not open it! It’s an official document and if opened will be voided. Some people request 2 transcripts so they can open 1 to see for themselves.
a. Do not assume it’s been too long and they won’t have your record anymore, just do it! They will have it.
b. First 2 transcripts are free
c. A transcript’s purpose is not to see how badly you did. It is to assess what classes are completed and can be transferred over to the school you’re attending so you won’t have to take those classes over again – that’s all, so don’t be ashamed!
2. Apply for the school you wish to attend
a. Can be done online at the school’s website or in person
3. Schedule with the school to take an assessment test.
4. See the school counselor, the workflow can vary:
a. 1st meeting will let them know what your objective is and whether or not you will be going full time or part time, and what field of work you’re interested in, etc.
b. 2nd appointment you will have your transcript hopefully by then. Some counselors will allow you to hand your transcript to them and they will submit it. Some will require you to submit it to admissions dept. But with your extra copy, the counselor can chart a class schedule based on how many units you have left to go for an AA or BA, etc.
5. Once you have all your theoretical classes charted on paper, pretty much follow that timetable and follow up with your counselor often to let them know where you’re at and don’t be afraid to ask a ton of questions. They get paid to counsel, so use them and abuse them.
I’m new to all of this and the list above is from my personal experience. I am a legendary for giving myself reasons why I shouldn’t go to school. Only this time around, I am just “doing it”. I just do it without questioning if it’s possible, convenient, feasible, etc. and it has gotten me further than just trying to brainstorm what I need to do or when I should do it or why.
My justification for going back to school? I could be working this job for another 3 years, and after three years, I'll still be working this job. Or in 3 years, I can hand over my 2 week notice because I am taking on a job with better pay.
If anyone out there with good information to add or things to consider, please chime in. Or anyone with questions (no matter how elementary) , ask here!
Fortunately, I have a decent job, and by decent, it probably equates to "pretty crappy" to those who have a proper degree. With no degree, I have no way of moving up in the field unless I go back to school and so I am forced to. Being over 30 years old and more than 10 years since I've left college, it is TOUGH to figure out how to jump back into the educational system.
What I'm starting to realize now that I have my ducks lined up for Fall 2012, is that it is really not that difficult. In fact, I was surprised to how far along I already am in my units before I had quit college 10 years ago.
So I'm hoping this thread will help answer questions for anyone who is interested in going back to school but feels overwhelmed, or just don't know where to start. I'll begin with what I had to do:
1. First thing to do is request all your transcripts (there’s a turnaround time). Any college that you’ve attended previously, go to that college’s website (or give them a call), and under the transcript section here will be a form that you can print and fill out and mail it in, or some colleges will allow you to submit an online request for your transcript. When you receive your transcript, it will be in a sealed envelope – do not open it! It’s an official document and if opened will be voided. Some people request 2 transcripts so they can open 1 to see for themselves.
a. Do not assume it’s been too long and they won’t have your record anymore, just do it! They will have it.
b. First 2 transcripts are free
c. A transcript’s purpose is not to see how badly you did. It is to assess what classes are completed and can be transferred over to the school you’re attending so you won’t have to take those classes over again – that’s all, so don’t be ashamed!
2. Apply for the school you wish to attend
a. Can be done online at the school’s website or in person
3. Schedule with the school to take an assessment test.
4. See the school counselor, the workflow can vary:
a. 1st meeting will let them know what your objective is and whether or not you will be going full time or part time, and what field of work you’re interested in, etc.
b. 2nd appointment you will have your transcript hopefully by then. Some counselors will allow you to hand your transcript to them and they will submit it. Some will require you to submit it to admissions dept. But with your extra copy, the counselor can chart a class schedule based on how many units you have left to go for an AA or BA, etc.
5. Once you have all your theoretical classes charted on paper, pretty much follow that timetable and follow up with your counselor often to let them know where you’re at and don’t be afraid to ask a ton of questions. They get paid to counsel, so use them and abuse them.
I’m new to all of this and the list above is from my personal experience. I am a legendary for giving myself reasons why I shouldn’t go to school. Only this time around, I am just “doing it”. I just do it without questioning if it’s possible, convenient, feasible, etc. and it has gotten me further than just trying to brainstorm what I need to do or when I should do it or why.
My justification for going back to school? I could be working this job for another 3 years, and after three years, I'll still be working this job. Or in 3 years, I can hand over my 2 week notice because I am taking on a job with better pay.
If anyone out there with good information to add or things to consider, please chime in. Or anyone with questions (no matter how elementary) , ask here!
Last edited:
Facebook
Twitter