How to Succeed as an Older College Student

Many older students are entering college for the first time for a variety of reasons, but most have extra baggage. And I don’t mean the backpack on wheels. They may already have jobs and a family, which adds stress to the decision to pursue an education. Still, a college degree can be attained with patience and a healthy dose of realism. The rewards can be many: self-confidence, self-satisfaction and a better career, to name a few.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Talk with your family and employer to let them know how important your decision to get an education is to you. Ask for help with some of the household chores and errands if possible.
2. Choose a college or university that has a re-entry program and/or non-traditional student association. Other older students who understand what it is like to juggle a job and/or family with school will be helpful.
3. Apply for financial aid as soon as you have your tax information for the previous year and no later than March 1, and apply for scholarships at your campus at the same time (see How to Afford Adult Education). Colleges differ in the scholarships they offer, and some of these are awarded for special circumstances, such as being a single parent or being an older student.
4. Pace yourself. Until you get used to the cadence of college course work, consider attending classes part time if you must work full time.
5. Keep your priorities straight. The dishes in the sink or taking the trash out can wait, but you only have one shot at tomorrow’s psychology test. If something important interferes with your ability to finish an assignment or prepare for a test, tell your professor. Most teachers appreciate the extra effort older students go through to get an education and will try to work with you.
6. Take care of yourself. Plan your day so that you can sleep seven or eight hours, exercise and eat right. This is easier than it sounds when you’re juggling a family, job and college.

Tips & Warnings

• To be a successful student, you will need to dedicate an average of two hours of study for every hour of class time.
• People who are deprived of sleep retain less knowledge.
• Remember to take advantage of any tax credits for attending college.