whether or not to go to college. I’m 23 years old. I’ve pretty much forgotten a lot of things I learned in school. Especially Math. I’ve never taken an SAT test or ACT test.
I do want to go to college. I don’t want to work retail for the rest of my life. Not to knock it for some people, but I want more for myself. It’d only be a two year college, well actually less because I’d go straight through the summer. I just don’t know. I’m a chicken. Plus I have no money. yes yes I know there are grants and such out there, but I’m sure you still need some kind of money.
I am a big fan of college. Not only can you learn potentially useful job skills, and can demand higher pay of an employer, but I have always enjoyed just learning things. Knowedge, to my mind, is an ends unto itself.
Many two year colleges, at least in Washington (my home state), do not require the SAT/ACT for admissions. When I applied to Community College, all that was required was that I have graduated from High School (possibly with a certain GPA, I don’t really recall) Most schools I’ve seen have you take a math placement test, and you’ll be able to bring your skill levels up. Not feeling confident in math is not at all unusual. When I was at community college, they had classes that would teach you addition and subtraction of whole numbers. You are probably better at math than you think.
Many schools, two year and four year alike, have evening degree programs. You may only take one or two classes, and spend days working. It takes longer to get a degree, but it may prove easier on the pocketbook.
I say go for it. I have never met a person who regrets going to college.
Well I also have fear of idiotic things. Like, learning my way around, or having to speak in front of the class. Things like that. Also, I’ll have to keep working full time which is ok because it’s only about 30 hours a week (that’s full time there). I’m hoping if I do go, I can go to school during the day, but be back in time to work at 3pm. Which I should be able to do.
I’m just stalling on actually getting out and starting the paperwork. I don’t have much time left. All my information though, about my old school is in another state. I need to make a decision…grrr
You’re actually in pretty much the same situation I was in, except I had 2 years of college before I dropped out. I’m currently in my first semester back after 2.5-3 years off.
Don’t worry about the money. Financial Aid is out there, apply for it. See if your employer offers some kind of tuition reimbursement. Failing that, see if there’s some kind of bigger corporate scholarship program. Or self-improvement fund. Or just SOMETHING. Failing that, see what your state has to offer. And fill out the FAFSA and apply for federal aid. And go to Fastweb.com and look for scholarships. And talk to the Financial Aid office. They’re working for you. My point is, money should be the least of your concerns. It’s out there and being a poor retail drone will work in your favor.
Don’t worry about the stuff you’ve forgotten. That’s what 101 classes are for. Most colleges assume you know nothing about nothing, so they take you back through it. Take some placement tests so you wind up in classes that are what you need.
Consider easing into it. Community colleges are really good for this, since they offer a lot of Saturday and evening classes for working adults. Maybe take 1 or 2 basic, introductory courses so you learn your way around and all that stuff.
You know what, you have just made me make my decision. Of course I say that now heh. I’m still just awfully nervous, but I just can’t help that. Just have to tell myself it will be worth it. If I do go, I’d be the first one out of my siblings to go. That’d be something I suppose
Thanks though to both you and Short. These replies have helped!
I say it’s worth it, despite the nerves and worry and all of it.
If I could do it over, I’d wait before going to college - I went right out of high school, and while I don’t regret the experience at all, I would have done much better if I’d waited a couple of years before going.
Now I’m back in grad school (I waited seven years before coming back) - next semester will be my last. I’m nervous at the beginning of each semester, especially when I have a professor I’ve never had before. I had to give a presentation in a class this afternoon. I was so nervous about it that I wanted to toss my cookies. I didn’t, but I wanted to.
There are scholarships out there - a friend of mine got one that was meant for women returning to school (college or grad school) after being out at least five years. Another friend got one because she was the first person in her immediate family to go a four year college.
Give it a shot. If nothing else, you’ll get a taste of some new stuff - those classes you hated in high school? You may find that you love the subject when it’s a class you choose to take, and when you’re there because you want to be there.
Yeah…it’s something I do want to do because I want more for myself. And it is just for two years. I can make excuses a mile long hehe. I don’t want to wait too much longer though, because eventually I want to have kids. So I’m figuring…going to school for two years, working for a year or so…then maybe have a kid hubby would be thrilled.
I went a 4 yr college at the age of 30. I was broke, but even then I realized it was worth it. I was the oldest person in most of my classes but I also knew the value of an education so I studied hard. I now make a great salary and I love my work on most days. I say you need to go for it, money is always there for people who want to go to college.
If you are going to go to college go for the 4 year degree. In general, an Associate’s degree won’t get you squat in the working world. There are exceptions of course but why risk it?
Good luck, WomanofScorn. I did my four year degree straight out of high school…and it was a struggle…but when I went back to take some more classes (for certification) 14 years later, it was much easier to do. Hopefully the experience you have had in life will make it that much easier for you too.
~~lea (who is two weeks away from starting grad school :eek: )
