Things You'll Need:
- Solid academic goals
- Dedication
- Persistence
- Discipline
- Internet access, preferably DSL
- Working telephone
- Active email address
- Study material such as dictionary, notes and textbooks
- Plenty of ink pens and notebooks
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Step 1
Where Do We Go From Here?If you're just starting out, have some idea of what you want to do in life and determine how you would like to make a living. Write down your short and long-term personal and professional goals. Once you determine what you want to do, begin actively searching around for colleges.
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Step 2
I Can't Believe I'm Back in the Classroom After All These YearsIf you're an older student re-entering college after a break, your goals may have changed depending on your personal and professional situations. Maybe you had to put those dreams of completing your degree on hold in order to raise your family. Do some soul-searching; prepare to work hard to finally accomplish your mission.
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Step 3
University of Maryland Inn and Conference CenterVisit local community colleges (schools that offer two-year degrees), as well as those that offer four-year degrees and request an information packet. To save time, you can visit colleges virtually by checking them out online, using the latest technology. It's the next best thing to being there.
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Step 4
Once you decide which college you'd like to attend, request transcripts from high school and all previously-attended colleges. Have official copies mailed to your college's Office of Admissions for evaluation and consideration of transfer credit. Once you've been accepted to the college, begin appying for financial aid, if desired, seek academic advising and get registered for classes.
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Step 5
Once you sign up for an online class, send an email to your instructor as quickly as possible introducing yourself and requesting a syllabus (class outline of scheduled assignments and due dates) for the upcoming semester. Purchase your textbooks and other required items. Also, visit the online class website before classes begin and learn how to navigate through the pages.
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Step 6
Read through your syllabus and familiarize yourself with the course content and requirements. Begin working on your first week's assignment(s) and give yourself plenty of time to complete it without having to rush at the last minute. Set aside at least 2 hours of uninterrupted study every day for each course. Most assignments are due by midnight on Sunday. Depending on where your school is physically located, you may be in a different time zone, so make sure to submit your work within the school's time frame instead of the local times.
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Step 7
Make it a point to read your email daily in order to keep up with class announcements, assignments and deadlines. Call or email your instructor with any questions or concerns.
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Step 8
Stay in touch with your academic advisor and work with him or her to determine which classes you need to complete each semester. Consider taking CLEP exams for your general studies courses, such as Mathematics, English and History. This will help you to complete your degree much quicker than if you take the classes. Each subject costs around $70.
