Returning to College: A Woman's Guide

So you've made the decision to return to school, now what?

Relax, you are not alone, many women have made the frightening decision to return to school. In fact, women over twenty-five who are returning to school make up the largest growing group of college students in the nation. Many are single mothers attempting to juggle an education with the needs of their children. Many are led to return to class due to economic or career hardships. Still others have decided to go for that promotion, the better career, or to fulfill a lifelong dream.

Now that you've made this decision what are your next steps? Who do you talk to? What forms do you need to fill out? How will you pay for your education? Is your family behind you all the way? What do you even want to study? All of these are important questions that you will have to answer, but there are some strategies and tips that will make this long and terrifying process a bit easier.

Taking the first step is often the hardest. The choosing of an educational institution can be a daunting feat. Regardless of your specific location, with the advent of today's technology, distance is less of an important factor than in the past. Just fifteen years ago receiving an education online was not an option. Today, an online education is a viable alternative, and one which should be considered. Questions to ask yourself before deciding on an online degree are:

*Am I comfortable with the computer?

*Can I learn on my own?

*Am I willing to commit personal time to an online class period?

*Am I self-motivated enough to finish assignments on time without guidance

from an instructor?

*Would I 'miss out' being in class with others?

*What are the costs associated with online versus traditional class settings?

If you have answered these questions satisfactorily, it's time to begin searching for the degree program that best suits your needs. If you've decided that an online education is not for you, the process remains the same-finding your degree program.

How do you do this? First you must decide what you are wanting to achieve, what degree you want-a certificate, an Associate's degree, or a Bachelor's.