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Maybe you've been thinking about it for a while. It's not such a crazy idea, after all, people go back to school all the time, right? Even at your age. In fact, adult students (ages 25 to 80) are the fastest growing educational demographic, according to recent statistics from the census bureau and the United States Department of Education. So many adults are returning to college (and enrolling for the first time) that they will hardly be known as "nontraditional" students much longer.

Here are some tips to help you get to the head of the class this year.

USE YOUR EXPERIENCE

You may be able to use previous education, life and work experience to your advantage in securing the proper credentials. Many institutions grant credit for life or work experience through standardized exams, like the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), which is offered in several subject areas. Some colleges also offer special "Life Experience credits," which often involves compiling a portfolio that demonstrates the student has mastered the principles taught in a course.

Take stock of your past achievements and your academic goals. Why are you going to college? While you don't have to choose a major immediately, thinking this way may help you narrow your choices for a school or program.

Compile your school and training records. List the names of the institutions or organizations where you studied, years attended, the skills you learned, number of credits you obtained or the certificate, degree or diploma you completed. Also list the knowledge and skills you have gained informally.

FINDING FUNDING

Today there are more options than ever for adult students to finance their degrees. Never assume you don't qualify for financial aid. In fact, it's not necessary to be admitted to a college or university before you can apply for aid. You can submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) anytime after January 1, using estimates of income if your tax information is not yet available. Any errors can be corrected later, and in most cases, the FAFSA must be received by March 1 to qualify for state aid.

In addition to state and federally-sponsored funding, many companies offer tuition assistance or reimbursement for employees who attend school part-time. To find out more, visit the financial aid office of the school you're interested in attending to find out about other grants, scholarships, low-interest loan options, co-operative education programs, payment plans and work-study opportunities that may be available.

You can also research scholarships in libraries or through scholarship search services on the Internet, and don't forget to take advantage of education tax credits like the Hope Scholarship Credit and the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit. Good luck!

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Last modified: 01/08/04