How to (Finally) Graduate, According to a University Dean
If you’re a member of Generation X or a millennial, you remember a time when college was considered an added benefit rather than a necessary expense. We all know how this turned out . And while many of us have graduated and hopefully put our degrees into practice, according to EducationData.org , in July 2021, about 40 million Americans were classified as college dropouts—people who previously enrolled in higher education but dropped out. without receiving a degree. .
Many people of all generations leave school without earning a degree, for reasons ranging from financial to personal. But even after you’ve already entered the working world without a degree, going back to getting your degree can be a smart move. For example, if you’ve already earned a large number of general education credits (say, in a year), you should theoretically be able to apply them toward a degree in a new field that reflects your current ambitions, not the ambitions of your teenage self. .
For many adults, going back to school seems daunting, but earning a degree can lead to a higher salary and more opportunities, or put you on the path to a different career altogether. I spoke with an expert to get some tips on how you can apply your life experiences to pick up where you left off and share proactive strategies to finally get your degree.
Take stock of your (scientific) assets
Whether it’s been a year or 20 since you left school, it’s hard to remember exactly what your transcript says. Collecting records is an important part of the back-to-school process, so start there. Even if you plan to attend the same school you left, it’s important to know where you stand.
This will help you avoid disappointments and surprises by giving you a better idea of what you have under your belt. Growing up, the college application process seemed complicated and difficult, but when you’re in your 30s and have been fired a few times, it’s actually no more difficult than applying for a job.
College transcripts are an important way to summarize your grades and their subject matter, but you may also need high school transcripts if you are going to attend another school or if so much time has passed that your previous school no longer has those records. Calling, sending emails and filling out forms are your first step, but paid services like Parchment can help with some of the hassle.
I asked Dr. Bri Newland, Associate Dean of NYU SPS DAUS, where to start when determining your credit status.
“ In most transfer credit policies, the maximum term is usually 10 years,” she said. “However, it is very important to schedule an appointment with an experienced academic advisor who will work with you to thoroughly evaluate your transcripts, regardless of whether you have received them. loans beyond the established period.”
There are more factors involved than when you stopped attending classes. If you have any other technical education or certifications, gather these documents in case there are professional equivalents that can boost your credits.
“[NYU SPS DAUS] also evaluates prior learning based on experiences other than college credit,” noted Dr. Newland. “For example, military experience may be tested for college credit, as well as previous work and apprenticeship experience.”
While colleges and universities are places of higher education, they are also businesses and want you to stay in school (and graduate) to maintain their reputation for excellence, so they are usually willing to work with you. Save money and time by getting as many equivalent loans as possible.
Dr. Newland gave an example of how this works at New York University. “Students can transfer up to 30 credits for an associate degree and 80 credits for a bachelor’s degree,” she said. “This flexibility allows students to build on their previous learning and accelerate their path to graduation.”
Contact your alma mater
Call the admissions staff at your former school. Spring is a great time to call adult students since most high school seniors have already made their enrollment decisions. Many colleges allow adult applicants to apply at any time, especially if they have already attended school.
Admissions counselors can do everything from preparing your application to reviewing your records to make sure you have everything you need to reapply and even refer you to other school services that can make the process easier. Alumni services serve as post-school marketing, encouraging you to return and perhaps even helping you achieve that goal by providing you with access to financial resources.
If you are a working professional, counselors can also help you decide whether your previous school can fit your schedule. If you’re one of the hundreds of thousands of people laid off right now, you should apply for financial aid now while you’re on a break from work.
How to pay for it
If you have a stable job and your company certainly doesn’t provide educational resources yet, it can’t hurt to ask. Continuing education is often part of a competitive compensation package, and you should use it to your advantage. Jobs that focus on education, especially in technology and healthcare, sometimes even allow you to take time off from work to focus on these pursuits.
New York University in particular dedicates an entire segment of its school to lifelong learners. Dr. Newland said. Adult education and continuing education programs in many schools also take a different approach to school work. “For example, through hands-on projects, hands-on research, and industry collaborations, NYU SPS DAUS students gain hands-on experience and develop the tools and strategies needed to solve complex problems and spur innovation in their fields,” she said.
For those unemployed or underemployed, you can follow the same route you took in high school: applying for financial aid in all its many forms. Finding loans and scholarships is easier than ever , and you can go into the process with open eyes and the financial literacy of an adult. Grants, repayment programs, and even low-cost loans may offer just enough to cover the multiple credits you need to complete if you’re close to completion, while a scholarship may cover a year or more.
Use all the tools at your disposal
I’m not saying you should use AI to write your introductory letter or complete your after-work research paper, but imagine if you had ChatGPT to check your grammar and spelling 15 years ago. Digital calendars, digital notes, and other educational tools have come a long way in recent years, and you should use them to help you get past the educational finish line, wherever that may be. For example, software like Otter.ai can take notes for you, and you can summarize them using OpenAI and track your projects on Monday.com .
Distance learning is no longer considered an additional or lesser higher education experience. Online classes can be your only method of learning, and you don’t have to choose online schools to earn a distance degree.
If you’re looking for accommodations that you used (or that were available) while in college, take a look at these too: These days, every college has an office dedicated to helping people with disabilities do better in academia. Neurodivergence, mental illness or physical ability should not be a barrier in today’s educational environment. School services can help you create a plan for success, and societal attitudes have changed to make getting this help more common and more accessible.
Apply everything you’ve learned as a professional to your school experience and you can finally get that (very expensive, but hopefully equally valuable piece of paper…