How to succeed in college when you're an older student

As a college professor who teaches a wide variety of subjects, I've noticed a big increase in the number of older students going to college. This article will help increase your chances of doing well in school.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. First of all, let me congratulate you on your decision to go to school
   
   It's not easy to be in a classroom with people who are literally half your age. And quite often, it can even be a bit intimidating and overwhelming.
2. **Do not intimidated by younger students**
   
   The reason I say this is because it's quite common for the older students to walk in feeling a bit intimiated by the younger crowd. Maybe you're worried that they'll be faster, more updated, and perhaps more technological. But let me say this: You are both there for the exact same reason, to learn!
   
   So walk into class with the attitude that you're ready and willing to learn. And feel confident in your own abilities. You chose to go to school for a reason. And your desire to succeed and make it through is what's most important. So don't compare yourself to others. Instead, always do your best, which is the most anybody--young and old--can ever do!
3. **Always stay motivated to succeed!**
   
   This sometimes isn't easy. Perhaps the reason is because the material goes back quite a while. For example, maybe you haven't done this for twenty years. or it might be something totally new, that you feel it is beyond you. Take comfort in knowing you one not alone. You are not the only older student going to school. And you are not the only one struggling with material. to the realization of this often helps to make the transition of going to back to school much easier.
4. **Take your work seriously!**
   
   Going to school is not a whim, it's serious business. Your instructor is take it seriously and they expect that from their students. So always be fully-prepared when you walk into each class. This means having your book, pen and paper, any assignments that are due that day, and being ready to actively participate in class.
5. **Actively participate in every class**
   
   This means taking part in any and all classroom discussions. And not saying something just to be heard, but rather contributing something substantive to the discussion. If you have questions, don't be afraid to ask. After all, you are there to learn just like everybody else. And understand that your instructors are there to help you. If you're instructive calls on you, don't be afraid to speak up. If you don't know the answer, don't be afraid to say so. Each student learns at his or her own pace. So what you may find tough, another may find easy. And what you might find easy, another student may find it tougher. So don't worry so much about the other students, concentrate more on yourself.
6. **Take plenty of notes, but not everything your instructor says**
   
   Your notes should focus on the key or important things your instructor says. A common mistake students will make is to literally write everything down. The purpose of your notes should be to help clarify, explain, illustrate, and refresh. In other words, they are for supplementing what your instructor says and what's in your book. They are not a substitute! And make sure your notes are readable! Sometimes a student will refer back to his or her notes, only to find that he or she is unable to read them. That makes the notes useless! This has even happen to me when I was a student. If you are unable to read your own notes because of say the handwriting, then rewrite your notes or type them up so you can read them.
7. **Learn to manage your time!**
   
   With older students, it's not uncommon to have a lot of outside activities that may impact your studies. Family is perhaps the biggest. Always remember that you made the decision to go to school for a reason. And you want to succeed! So if you need to rearrange your schedule, then do that. If you need help, then ask for it. And if you need daycin are , many schools offer that for their students. But to realize that space in school day care is often limited. I suggest setting aside a block of time to study each day. And maybe finding a quiet part of the house where you can study and work on assignments.
8. **Try to get a good night's sleep!**
   
   The brain will function better when the body gets enough rest. And don't skip breakfast. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. So a hearty breakfast helps the body and the brain function well.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't get discouraged. There may be times when things are rough, but you'll get over them. Just remember, that's all part of the learning process.
• Always remember that you are not alone! Many students are in the same position you are. So take comfort in knowing you're in good company.
• Get a good night's sleep! This helps refresh the mind and body, which in a learning environment can really make a huge difference.
• Always take your work seriously! Remember, going to school shouldn't be just a whim. It's serious business, so stay focused and stick with it!
• Don't miss assignment deadlines! This should go without saying, but often times, students will turn in the bare minimum. Don't fall into this trap! Why? Because it can and often does make the difference between one grade and another.