Going Back to School: Need Tips

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MasterG2kTR -> Going Back to School: Need Tips (10/22/2010 11:35:42 AM)
I am currently unemployed and qualified for lotsa good programs thru the government. I can get a 2 year degree paid for and collect unemployment the whole time, soooo....Yes, I am planning to go back to school. The problem for me is that it's been 36 years since I have sat in a classroom. I'm sure things have changed. I do at least have an idea of what I want to study (manufacturing engineer), because it's basically all that I have been doing for the past 20 years. I just really have no clue what to expect. Sorry but I don't know how to describe any better than that. I know it feels greatly overwhelming right now, and very likely will simply disappear once I get going on it. I'm really just wondering if any of you have any general tips and/or advice that I should be aware of, given the great distance of time since I was last in school?

pahunkboy -> RE: Going Back to School: Need Tips (10/22/2010 12:17:06 PM)
I returned to school. It was a disaster. Tho at the time, I had alot of issues. I did tho take classes I enjoyed- or I thought I enjoyed. My attention span is bad. If I had to redo the return- I would opt for a face to face class room, and I would make sure I had the correct edition books. I dont regret the try. But I was surprised on how unfocused I am.

Ait -> RE: Going Back to School: Need Tips (10/22/2010 12:33:48 PM)
Take advantages of the services your school offers if you need them. If you're having problems look for help early. There's usually tutoring services available and A LOT of people use them. There's also some kind of writing center that's available in most colleges. It's been a while, there's no shame in admitting you might need help. Nontraditional students generally do a lot better than your average college students, and they're not at all rare. You aren't going to be alone or the odd one out. If you suspect you're going to have any problems or if you seem to have more than you expected to have then talk to a student advisor. If you have any learning disabilities get them verified by student disability services before classes start. Don't put off unpleasant classes until your last semester. They will build up and you'll make your second year hell. Meet people in your classes early on, study partners can help helpful, especially if you can find someone to exchange phone numbers with when you miss days. Different schools have slightly different policies on financial aid, so if book money looks like it's going to be a pain in the ass try Chegg.com or look for flyers advertising used books directly from students. Used books are better than new ones, especially the ones that already have notes and highlighting. No matter what college you go to there is a rule that parking must suck. Relaxation is key, most college professors don't sweat the small stuff so don't stress when you start. Ratemyprofessor is a good resource to use before and while you're signing up for classes. Other than that have fun. ;) Welcome to one of many potential hells. It's populated by busty college babes.

LadyRian -> RE: Going Back to School: Need Tips (10/22/2010 12:44:40 PM)
Whatever you do, don't try to dress like the kids! [:D] Seriously, though. My advice would be to make sure you have adequate time to study, and know that deadlines loom rather quickly for course work. Much of the structure is geared towards people who are able to devote a lot of time to study, without many of the job and family obligations which can prevent many people from having the time to get it all done. It can feel overwhelming at first. But there are a lot of advantages to being an older student too. It's also easier if you start small, and work into it. Speak to the Student Advisor for Non Traditional students. She/He will work with you to develop the course curriculum which will be right for you. These folks are known to be very helpful. Hang in there, and you'll do great!

MasterG2kTR -> RE: Going Back to School: Need Tips (10/22/2010 1:37:45 PM)
Thanks for the tips Ait. I may indeed need to at part time sit in with study groups so I can get up to (school) speed. There won't be any issues for financial aid as I can get $15k (and as high as $25k in the right circumstance) for tuition and supplies. No disabilities to worry about (unless I find out that I'm stupid and don't know it). quote: Other than that have fun. ;) Welcome to one of many potential hells. It's populated by busty college babes. Oh great....ya mean I'm gonna have to wear blinders so I can focus on my studies?? DAMN!!

MasterG2kTR -> RE: Going Back to School: Need Tips (10/22/2010 1:40:52 PM)
quote: Whatever you do, don't try to dress like the kids! [:D] No problem....If I did that you can be sure the campus fashion police would have me expelled! ....and YES, I will have nothing but time to study once I am in school, as that will wave my job search requirement. But it's good that you gave me that warning, Thanks!!

pahunkboy -> RE: Going Back to School: Need Tips (10/22/2010 4:51:48 PM)
In my case- the school was too far to commute- so I took 2 online courses. It would have flowed better if I was there in person... but who knows. :-)

popeye1250 -> RE: Going Back to School: Need Tips (10/22/2010 5:09:03 PM)
If you got layed off from manufacturing engineering why would you want to go back into it? Unless we start getting O-U-T of those rotten "free-trade" deals there'll be less and less jobs in that area. Try a two year Nursing degree or some other part of medicine. You'll never get layed off again and they make pretty good money.

LadyRian -> RE: Going Back to School: Need Tips (10/22/2010 5:12:08 PM)
Another thing- the internet is your friend! You can really speed up the search for sources. Jut make sure you check those sources for accuracy. There's a LOT of information out there, which can really make researching a topic easier and faster, with more available sources to choose from. Don't plagiarise, that's tempting, but you'll find many sources to properly quote. Make sure you footnote your sources, some professors are sticklers for that.

pahunkboy -> RE: Going Back to School: Need Tips (10/22/2010 5:19:20 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: popeye1250 If you got layed off from manufacturing engineering why would you want to go back into it? Unless we start getting O-U-T of those rotten "free-trade" deals there'll be less and less jobs in that area. Try a two year Nursing degree or some other part of medicine. You'll never get layed off again and they make pretty good money. It is an outrage. Here we have a guy with talent in a specialty field- and he is in this position. One does not expect it for his field.

thornhappy -> RE: Going Back to School: Need Tips (10/22/2010 5:22:42 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: popeye1250 If you got layed off from manufacturing engineering why would you want to go back into it? Unless we start getting O-U-T of those rotten "free-trade" deals there'll be less and less jobs in that area. Try a two year Nursing degree or some other part of medicine. You'll never get layed off again and they make pretty good money. You may be thinking about an RN, and that needs a 3-4 year degree depending on the program. Nurses do get laid off, it's happened around the country because fewer people are having elective surgeries due to the economy. As for the internet, my classes allowed very few internet sources due to the bad information out there. Using professional journals was ok, but just about everything else was verboten.

DarkSteven -> RE: Going Back to School: Need Tips (10/22/2010 8:27:15 PM)
popeye's got a point. The manufacturing field is getting tougher all the time as it gets moved to Mexico and Asia. The real shocker you will discover is that you will be in a good position. Sure, you don't have the energy of your younger classmates, but you will have maturity and the ability to focus. Bluntly speaking, expect age discrimination upon graduation. I suggest you get internships and relevant work history while attending school, and make as many contacts as you can. Try to work into something perm with your interning companies upon graduation.

pahunkboy -> RE: Going Back to School: Need Tips (10/22/2010 8:31:45 PM)
Acupuncture. Learn that. Those guys are tough to find....

DarkSteven -> RE: Going Back to School: Need Tips (10/23/2010 1:52:59 AM)
Like needles in a haystack? [:D]

wandersalone -> RE: Going Back to School: Need Tips (10/23/2010 7:19:18 AM)
Talk to a guidance counselor at the college and do a lot of labour market research to find out what the employment prospects will be like once you have completed your study as the last thing you want is to complete the course and find yourself not able to find work. Set up a routine at home - eg. 7 - 9pm, tv off, sitting at the dining room table doing study. Work out if you are a morning, afternoon or night person and do your study at the time when you are most alert. Don't leave essays, homework till the last minute but instead do a little each day. If you don't understand anything don't be afraid to ask for clarification from the lecturer For the first few weeks you may find yourself quite mentally drained, that is to be expected as you will be in a very different situation and it can initially be quite daunting to be back in a class room again I wish you lots of success in returning to study [:)]

pahunkboy -> RE: Going Back to School: Need Tips (10/23/2010 7:27:12 AM)
Pick a setting where there are old folks. I took some seminars at Bucknell. That was too geared to the 20 year old. It was so bad- I cut short my time there. Kids function differently then we adults. No offense to the kids. But over 30/40, one instantly sizes up real life back grounds... second nature. So do not go to school with 20 year olds. A mix can work-- but not when you are the only old one. The instructors gear the course to the audience and will use a different approach. I took a night course (non credit) at SU where it was adults-- that flowed better.

windchymes -> RE: Going Back to School: Need Tips (10/23/2010 7:39:42 AM)
LOL....if you are in a class with those fresh out of high school, be prepared to share the class time with their cell phones. They text people elsewhere in the world or those sitting right beside them during class. They even use them to cheat during exams: text the question to some stooge on the outside, stooge texts back the answer. I was amazed at what they got away with, with the phones on vibrate in their pockets, until the admin finally caught on. Other than that, after a week or so to get yourself a rhythm, it's not so bad, especially since you aren't working at the moment. Great time to take advantage of that! :)

Musicmystery -> RE: Going Back to School: Need Tips (10/23/2010 9:23:17 AM)
quote: popeye's got a point. The manufacturing field is getting tougher all the time as it gets moved to Mexico and Asia. This is a populist myth. We actually manufacture MORE goods here than ever before. However, we do it far more efficiently, requiring less workers. Yes, some jobs have moved offshore, but that's not the major factor. OP---- What others have said about using services is correct. I've seen many adults return to school, and they're always nervous. You'll do fine. The only ones who don't are the ones carrying mountains of attitude--a small minority. TALK to your professors! They can better help you, and you'll have a better understanding of what to do and how to do it, and why. Good luck!

FullCircle -> RE: Going Back to School: Need Tips (10/23/2010 9:27:39 AM)
quote: ORIGINAL: pahunkboy I returned to school. It was a disaster. Tho at the time, I had alot of issues. I'm sure this week will be much better.

MasterG2kTR -> RE: Going Back to School: Need Tips (10/23/2010 10:53:26 AM)
I want to thank everyone so far for the responses. I am reading and re-reading all of them to absorb the info and plan to do so several more times. A little more than a week from now I will be taking my accuplacer exam. From there I will know if I am in need of any remedial classes (confident that I won't but ya never know) or if I can go straight into the big leagues. If I need any remedials I can get going on those next semester. I just hope I don't have to wait until next fall for anything else. Thanks again, and keep it coming.

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