Going back to college or taking classes? There is a LOT out there...

I am considering going back to school - - - again. I already went back once. Will I do it? I am not yet sure.

But I totally forgot that our local University has FREE tuition if you are 65 or older.! This is a BIG plus. I have written about it, but the time is coming nearer for me.

This age is NOT so far away any more, like it used to seem.

I plan to look up my options later on to find out what is available. There is so much I am interested in, so the choice will (again) be hard.

Last time I took English, Drama in the Schools, etc. to get an initial Teaching Degree. As you probably know, this follows up with a Masters later, required by most schools.

I did not follow up - - yet.

But that is one option.

There are other things and classes that sound VERY interesting. Some are good for a business or employment options.

Among them are:

Art - painting, sculpture, pottery, weaving, printmaking... etc...

History

Art Therapy

Art Education

Creative Writing

Business

Folklore

Geneaology

Writing
Counseling

Poetry - - and there are lots more things that sound fabulous - classes, other minors or majors, etc. in my area, and maybe in yours.

Western Kentucky University is the place I will look first. Their Adult Learners page is here: https://www.wku.edu/adultservices/.

More VERY interesting schools follow. These are local, but you also might have similar places in your area.

The local Community Education Enrichment Classes (for Lifelong Learners)

https://www.commed.us/taking-classes/

BG Technical College (Adult Learners Page)

https://www.campusexplorer.com/colleges/F61D7991/Kentucky/Bowling-Green/Bowling-Green-Technical-College-Bowling-Green/

South Central Kentucky Community and Technical College

https://southcentral.kctcs.edu/workforce-solutions/adult-education/index.aspx

I keep seeing other interesting classes to take - online. Some are reasonable in cost. Some are more expensive. I do prefer face-to-face teachers, so we'll see.

I will write HERE when I do decide for sure later on what I plan to do and take.

PS If you are also interested in going back to school, for the first time or again, be sure to find out about how to get help as a Nontraditional Student, too - at this posting from this blog:

https://non-traditional-students.blogspot.com/2018/10/where-to-get-support-and-help-if-you.html#.Xa4qbpNKhTY

Put your query in the Search Box too, and see what you find out here. Scholarship pages are available, plus more.

Where to get support and help if you are a Nontraditional Student. Also: Who is a Nontrad?

Who is a Nontrad? And here are some links you can try out to get help in your Nontrad Journey.

It used to be all commuter students were most probably Nontrads, or nontraditional students. Some schools specify that a Nontrad is somebody over 24, and possibly having a family too.

Now Nontraditional Students have increased in numbers, and include all kinds of people. They are going back to school after a break, or completing high school.

Here is hoping that your family is supporting you, if you are a nontraditional student. OR that your school has a group or club for you.

Here are some other places you might like to join for support:

#1. The Nontraditional Student website (check out your state for more info. - and send it to me as a comment if I can add YOUR group): http://www.nontradstudents.com/
(This site is slated for another update next year for sure...),

#2. The Nontraditional Student Facebook page - add a comment or link if you wish, anytime: https://www.facebook.com/nontradstudents/,

#3. Nontrads on Twitter - just re-started: https://twitter.com/nontrads,

#4. ANTSHE - a Nontraditional Student group YOUR school or college may already be a part of. https://www.myantshe.org/,

#5. A great Study Skills site: the Joe Landsberger page, Study Guides and Strategies: http://www.studygs.net/.

Also, use the "Search" box at the left on this blog to find more postings that may also help you.

I think you are very brave to go back to school, especially after a LONG break. I may do this (again) later.

More about that in future postings.

I hope things are going well for you. Comment if you have time, and have a future posting request or comment too.

Betsyanne
Former and hopefully future Nontraditional Student.\
BG, KY

10 Tips for Success as a Nontraditional Student - version 10 ;-)

Nontraditional Students - 10 Tips for Success, Version 10.

#1. Make sure the school you choose is a good one - most important: the credits TRANSFER OVER to other colleges.

#2. Check your Student Loans - and try to get a government-sponsored one vs. a Private Loan, which charges MUCH higher interest.

#3. If you can, try a Junior College or Tech School for your first 2 years. See #1 - your credits MUST be able to transfer over if you choose a good 2nd school for your second 4 years, if desired.

#4. Make sure your school is accredited and has a high rating.

#5. Does your school or college help you find a job after you graduate? Find out. Visit your School Advisor more than once. Bring a list of questions for them.

#6. Know the facts - - will your Major or Minor translate into a good job? Look into this. Yes, a college degree WILL still open doors. But look into taking something for the qualifications too, if you can. Consider a double Major, or a Major and Minor. Or a Certificate Program.

#7. See if your school groups accept older students. Some do. Some have Nontraditional Student support too, and groups.

#8. Be prepared to work HARD. Have a system. Make study groups. Get in touch with your teachers and professors. ATTEND CLASS! (Yes, these are more than one Tip...)

#9. Be cautious if you decide to attend Summer School. The classes are squished into less time, and may be very much harder for some students.

#10. Take an Career Test. Learn where the Study Help exists for students - join a Club. Take some classes (if you can) for fun or learning what is out there.

Some more tips: Make some friends! (See #8 and #10 Club tip). Talk to people! Go to a game or two! Stop to smell the roses. Enjoy your time at school. Don't worry about being older, just enjoy your experience. Take both online and in-person, face-to-face classes.

Try to limit your student debt (I know, that is hard right now). If you have to, take one or two classes at a time.

Add your own tips as comments. And have fun as you go back to school.

Betsyanne
Former Nontraditional Student in English and Allied Arts
Former English Major and Art Minor.

Find more tips in this blog by using the Search Box. Later!