When adults think about going back to school, it can often be impossible to visualize yourself squeezing learning into your hectic routine – particularly if you are a busy parent. The good news is that online programs are designed to be fit around your schedule, allowing you to fit studying in when it’s convenient to you, rather than having to rearrange your work, family and other commitments to get to class. Online programs can be studied for from home, and there are plenty of great opportunities available with a wide range of degree topics to choose from regardless of the career path you hope to take. Whether you are looking to go back to school to improve your education, get a promotion or change your career completely, here are some top tips to keep in mind.
#1. Is it the Right Program for You?
Today, there are so many great options available for online learning, but this can leave you wondering if you have chosen the right program for you. For example, would you be better off studying for a vocational program, or should you get your MS in statistics online? If you would like to get a master’s degree but are worried about the commitment and the cost, an online degree can be a great option as you can work it around your current schedule, while paying less in tuition fees compared to studying for a campus-based program. Research your options first and look into what each program entails, such as the subject and topics covered in each module to determine the right choice for you.
#2. Improve Your Time Management:
When you’re studying for an online degree, you are effectively managing yourself – there are no set classes that you need to attend, and no set seminars that you can go to with your tutor. Instead, it is down to you to make sure that you are setting aside enough time to study and are fitting it around your commitments well. It’s your responsibility to make sure that you’re not wasting your free time and come up with a solid study schedule that you will be able to stick to for the duration of your program. Bear in mind that many online degree programs allow you to graduate sooner if you’re willing to put the additional work in, so dedicate as much free time as you can to working towards your goal.
#3. Start Out with Small Goals:
Studying for an online degree program can be a very overwhelming experience. This is especially true if you plan to be studying full-time alongside a full-time job or raising children. The best way to approach this would be to lay out your goals in both long- and short-term formats. Your overall, long-term goal is to graduate with your degree or master’s degree, but in order to reach this, you’ll need to overcome several smaller obstacles along the way. Writing down all your short-term goals, putting them somewhere that you can easily see them each day, and crossing them off when you are done is a great way to break the work up into smaller sections and make it easier to manage.
#4. Claim a Study Space:
Did you know that most adults who return to college by studying online will drop out of their program within the first few weeks? For many, the reason for this is because they do not have a suitable place to study. Studying from your sofa or on your bed with your laptop is quickly going to become inconvenient and annoying. So, one of the first things that you should do is find a suitable, comfortable and quiet study space that you can claim. If you do not have the room for a home office in your house, you could set up your study space in your dining room, garage, basement, or even the spare bedroom. Make sure that everybody in your household knows that you will be using this space for studying and the times that you will be there, so that they can leave you to focus.
#5. Plan for Childcare Issues:
The last thing that you want is for your study to be interrupted because of childcare issues. If you have children, it’s a good idea to plan in advance for their care when you return to college. Unfortunately, the option of professional childcare is usually an expensive one for most working parents, and many daycare centers will not be open in the evenings or weekends, which might be your choice times for studying. Instead, you might want to consider attending an online program from a college that is located close to home, so that you will be able to take advantage of any creche and childcare facilities available on the campus.
#6. Choose Your College Wisely:
One of the best things that comes with studying for an online degree is that you will have your pick of some of the best colleges in the country, with more and more institutions offering online degree programs. However, it’s a good idea to consider a wide range of factors when you choose your college, in addition to its ranking and reputation. For example, there are many great reasons to choose a college that is located locally. In addition to help with childcare as mentioned above, you will also have access to facilities on the campus such as a library and study center, sports and gym facilities, and more. This will not only make it easier for you to find somewhere quiet to study if needed, but you will also be able to join in with campus activities, make friends and meet tutors in person which can all help you feel more involved and included while studying for your degree, helping you to stay focused and motivated.
Studying for an online degree is becoming more of a popular alternative for every kind of student. But if you’re hoping to make the most from your online program, it’s important to keep these tips in mind before you enroll.
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