4 Things Adult Students Should Look for When Choosing a School

Photo: Lori Eggleston Thorp

"The application process. The registration process. The financial aid process. Yes, there are a lot of processes when it comes to returning to school to finish (or start) your degree." according to Lori Eggleston Thorp, director of New College Support Services at St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas.
 

Photo: Huffington Post

Before you dive into all that, consider another one: the selection process. How can you find a university that's a good fit for you? What can (and should) you expect from a university? And where do you start?

Reputation, reputation, reputation
Start by doing your research. Look for colleges with rankings and recognition on national, regional and local levels. Learn about partnerships and programs between a university and businesses and nonprofits in its community. Read student, alumni and professor satisfaction surveys. Find out what companies hire graduates. You're getting a degree to get ahead in your career -- make sure it's going to work in your favor by providing you with skills and contacts that will set you apart and make it worth your while.

Mix and match
Most colleges offer a variety of class formats. You can come to campus for class each week. You can take a class online. You can meet once a month on Saturday. Some classes are a mix of in-person and online sessions. Consider what format best matches your learning style. Do you have the self-motivation to be successful in online classes? Do you want more interaction with your professor and peers than you'll get online? Or would you like to have all these options available?
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Source: Huffington Post