Deciding to return to school is an important choice that many adults must make in their lifetime for any number of reasons. However, although more and more adults are making this choice each day, returning to school can be an intimidating task to undertake once a person is well into adulthood.
It can be trying to follow the educational path later in life. Attempting to follow an educational path later in life can prove to be a daunting endeavor. However, those who are willing to do so can serve as impressive role models for aspiring students of all ages! Are you considering re-entering school as an adult? Follow Florida National University’s (FNU) tips to help make the transition a smooth and successful one!
Step 1: Prepare
If you have not earned a high school diploma, then it’s time to get started with your General Educational Development (GED) test. Here are some resources to help South Floridian residents complete the requirements and prepare. Any student who is at least 18 years old and who has not earned a standard diploma may earn a State of Florida diploma by passing the GED.
Be informed that the GED consists of separate tests in English, social studies, science, literature, and mathematics. Students must also write a 200-word essay. Special editions are available in Spanish, large print, and Braille, as well as audiocassette versions. GED test preparation classes are offered through local adult education programs.
The Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (P.E.R.T.) is Florida’s customized placement test. This assessment is administered to students in public high schools and Florida College System institutions in order to gauge one’s preparation and readiness for various courses.
The purpose of the P.E.R.T. is to provide accurate course placement based on the student’s skills and abilities. The P.E.R.T. is aligned with the Postsecondary Readiness Competencies, identified by Florida faculty, as being the tools and skills necessary for success in entry-level college credit coursework.
The P.E.R.T. assessment system includes placement and diagnostic tests in mathematics, reading and writing. Adults returning to school might be required to complete this test—and if not, it would be valuable for them to take it regardless as it can help you determine which classes to enroll in.
Find out more preparation tips for regular and online courses here!
Step 2: Choose a Program of Study
Whether you have been interested in a particular subject for years, or you are discovering a subject for the first time, it is important to pay close attention to your personal interests and career goals when narrowing down a program of study.
Pick a subject you love, or prepare for a dream career—this is the best choice, especially for those returning to school after spending a large portion of one’s lifetime in the workforce.
Step 3: Start Slow
As you get back into the swing of things, it’s okay to take just 1-2 classes during your first semester. If it has been years since you entered the classroom as a student—not as a parent, or even as a teacher—then being back will take some getting used to.
The idea is to avoid getting too stressed. By taking just a few classes your first semester back, this will reintroduce you to learning without forcing you to alter your lifestyle too greatly.
Once you are ready to invest more time and after you feel more prepared, then you can start to introduce more classes and further prepare for re-entering the educational system as a student.
Step 4: Balance
Adults typically have greater responsibilities than most teenagers or young adult students. Careers, parenting, finances, bills, and more can all seem to get in the way of obtaining an education. However, it is never too late to start learning.
For adult students returning to school, balance is the key. That’s why FNU’s flexible schedules, rolling application, and online courses help to make enrolling a breeze.
Step 5: Apply
Although it can be intimidating to return to school, the choice is well worth it in the long run. Find a university that is welcoming to students of all ages, and that meets your other needs and preferences—such as a school with a great location, or one that offers a collection of online courses.
Once you pick your school, apply! Opting for universities with an easy application process and a rolling application deadline (like FNU) is beneficial to the returning adult student.
Want to know more about FNU? Read about us, look into our mission statement, review our accreditation, and read more about our history on our website!
This guide is directed toward adult students who are preparing to return to school. If you are a high school student looking for college preparation tips, please refer to this guide.
Florida National University: Getting You Ready to Go Back
If you are ready to return to school and embark on the journey toward your next career, then don’t wait! Now is the time to get started. Apply= to FNU now!
