How to boost your odds of success for the non-traditional college student

The process of enrolling as a non-traditional or part-time student is similar to that of enrolling as a traditional student. They both include making the decision of which school you want to attend, signing up for classes, and making a schedule for classes. However, the choices for a non-traditional or part-time students may be limited due to other factors like previous education, budget, or eligibility.

Attending a community college or a university

Both Community Colleges and Universities offer a great education. The final decision is based on the student's preference. Students will most likely choose the school that caters to their best interest -whether it is to achieve a specific degree or learn in a specific environment. Non-traditional and part-time students usually take longer to obtain a degree because they are not full-time students. Since it may take a bit longer to obtain a degree as a non-traditional or part-time student, the cost also affects the decision. It is important to choose the school that best suits you and your budget.

How does previous education affect college eligibility?

A popular question among many students that return to school after a break is "Will I be able to get financial aid or any financial assistance?" The amount of time you wait to return to college can affect your ability to obtain scholarships because some are offered for a limited amount of time. Eligibility for some scholarships is partly determined by previous education. A student that obtains a high school diploma may be eligible for financial aid that other students may not get due to obtaining a GED instead of a high school diploma. However, colleges and universities do still offer many scholarships for students that can be accessed with the help of administrators.

Relearning the pace of college

Some students return to college after several years. They are expected to keep up with the work that is assigned to them after they are enrolled in classes. It is important to stay on top of your work. As a student who has not attended school in a while, it is necessary to learn the new ways technology is used within the classes and throughout the school. It is used for submitting assignments online, printing activities, and accessing resources like the e-library. Learning about the technology will also help students with their assignments. The Internet is a great study source for classes. It may take a little while to get used to the idea of school and the new innovations in the school system, but by consulting your peers and professors, it can be simplified.

How to be successful after enrolling in college

Since school is usually not the only priority in a non-traditional or part-time student’s life, it is important to avoid getting behind on work. Staying on top of work can be achieved by any student; it may not be easy at first, but it is possible. It is crucial for non-traditional or part-time students to learn how to prioritize and manage time. It is necessary to find time to do your work, and ask questions when you are confused. To be successful, you must use all of the tools provided because they are there to contribute to your success. One of the most important tools is your professor. If you have classes on campus, establish a relationship with your professor, and use their office hours to clear up any misunderstandings within the lessons. Online classes are different, but you can still establish a relationship with your professor through e-mail. It is important to show that you care about your work. Online learning and relationship development is becoming more and more important. Remember - there is a person behind every screen. To make good impressions with all your teachers, be sure to address them professionally, speak/write clearly and always say 'please' and 'thank you.'

-Kiah Wallace