Tips for adults returning to college

While the majority of people enrolling as college freshman each year are fresh out of high school, an increasing number of adults are also joining the ranks of undergraduate and graduate students. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, enrollment for students age 25 and older increased by 43 percent between 2000 and 2009. Along with seeking beneficial scholarship opportunities to help with tuition costs, here are some tips for adults preparing to return to college.

Schedule classes wisely
Young people are typically full-time students and don't have many other demanding responsibilities outside of student clubs, sports, internships or work-study jobs. However, many adults have full time jobs and personal obligations that they need to keep in mind. Even if it means prolonging the time it takes to earn a degree, older students should not overload their course schedules to avoid meddling with a career or family.

Brush up on new technology
Even those adult learners who have graduated within the last five or 10 years might be surprised at how differently college professors implement technology into their lectures and courses - whether it's emailing assignments or using handheld buzzers to answer multiple choice questions in class. Any adults returning to college should brush up on new technologies used in their courses to make sure they have a complete understanding of what they are and how they work.

Don't expect a break
Just because the professor might be the same age as an adult student doesn't mean he or she will afford any special courtesies. A career-related excuse might pass once, but all students should be prepared to work hard to meet professors' academic standards, regardless of age.

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