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I would like to return to college, but where do I begin?
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Your educational options are endless. To sort out alternatives, begin with a tentative set of goals. To gain the most reward for your time and financial investment, use CTMentor.org to select the
colleges that seem best suited to your needs. You may also visit college counseling centers, or call the toll-free Education & Employment Information Center Hotline at (800) 842-0229 to speak with an information specialist.
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Can I keep up with younger students?
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Adult learners tend to be highly motivated and approach learning in a mature manner.
With specific goals in mind, you want the most value from your investment. Professors welcome your experience and thoughtful contributions to class discussions. Adults, like you, are not only fitting in, but excelling in college.
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How can I learn which areas of study are best for me?
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College counselors are your best source. They can help you map a suitable course of study or career path. Most counseling services are free to potential and enrolled students and graduates. Community colleges, in particular, offer counseling geared to adults. Several of these colleges house educational opportunity centers which offer free tutoring and advising.
If you prefer setting goals on your own, your local public library offers many useful references, including the Occupational Outlook Handbook, an invaluable guide to careers published by the U.S. Department of Labor. This guide also is available at http://stats.bls.gov/ocohome.htm. In addition, the Education & Employment Information Center, (800) 842-0229, publishes "Career Planning Resources" -- a comprehensive list of references and websites.
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Should I start with credit or noncredit courses?
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If you have been out of school for several years and are unsure of your goals, you may want to start with a noncredit, special interest course. Once you feel more comfortable in the classroom, you may register for credit courses.
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How long does a program of study take?
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Many colleges offer short-term programs (both noncredit and credit) leading to a certificate in a specific field such as early childhood education, culinary arts, teacher's aide, computers, emergency medical technician, travel and tourism or real estate.
The length of a more formal college program depends on the degree you seek. A certificate degree program usually takes one year. An associate's degree (60 credits) takes two years for full-time students and longer for part-time students. A bachelor's degree is generally four years for full-time students, and longer for part-time students.
Many students choose one or two courses rather than a full program. If you choose part-time study during the evenings, classes may be longer in length, but they usually meet only once a week, allowing you time for other courses or obligations.
You are not required to work toward a degree. Noncredit, continuing education courses are usually taken one at a time and change each semester. Towns and vocational-technical schools also offer noncredit, adult education courses in the evenings, including professional development and career planning seminars.
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Do I have to take more than one course at a time?
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The number of courses you take is a personal decision, depending on your time, finances and family responsibilities. School advisors can help you plan your course load. You may find it wise to start with a light schedule and a subject you like or have succeeded with in the past.
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Will college study allow me enough time for other responsibilities?
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Colleges have made their schedules as flexible as possible to accommodate working people and parents. Most offer courses, especially the basic requirements, during the evenings as well as days. At some, you may attend classes on weekends and complete a program. Directors of continuing education, admissions officers and counselors can help you set up a schedule that works best for you.
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What is nontraditional study?
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Many colleges offer credit for knowledge gained previously through college-level military or business courses, work experience or other types of independent learning. Nontraditional degree programs assess your knowledge through portfolio review or challenge exams. Independent study options may be available when a class is not offered at a convenient time. If you want to earn a college degree through examination (CLEP tests), or combine credits from several institutions, contact Charter Oak State College, Connecticut's external degree program. Online courses also are available through the Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium (www.ctdlc.org).
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Is cooperative education an option for me?
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Many career-oriented adults find that cooperative education is an ideal option. Cooperative education alternates classroom study with six months of career-related, paid work experience. Twelve colleges and universities in Connecticut offer cooperative education in nearly 60 academic fields.
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Can I apply for college financial aid?
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Yes, your age makes no difference; neither does whether you work or attend college part or full time. You must, however, show financial need and be enrolled in a degree program (taking at least six credits).
Your financial need is determined by filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Your best source of help is the financial aid officer at the college you wish to attend. You also may call the Education & Employment Information Center at (800) 842-0229 to explore financial aid options, or contact the Connecticut Student Loan Foundation at (800) 237-9721, ext. 259. Your local library may have lists of independent sources of aid that are available based on religion, ethnic group, disability, career goals or program of study. Research scholarships early. Deadlines for applications usually fall between January and May.
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What about educational assistance from employers?
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More and more Connecticut businesses are helping their employees continue their education. Some offer reimbursement for courses and/or flextime to attend classes. Others may bring instructors to company locations. Several universities as well as the community colleges' Business/Industry Services Network, (860) 725-6619/6637, arrange flexible, cost-effective training programs to fit employer needs. Professional organizations and unions also sponsor credit instruction with colleges.
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Is there any assistance for displaced homemakers?
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Special grants support job training, career counseling, daycare and transportation for displaced homemakers - usually women who are forced to enter the workplace because they are divorced, widowed or must support a husband who has become disabled or economically dependent. Enrollment in these programs is limited and based on need. Contact the Connecticut Department of Labor, (860) 566-2450, for details.
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Do colleges offer child day care?
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Yes, most community colleges and several four-year colleges provide day care. Babysitting services are often posted as well. Call the college of your choice or the Child Care INFOLINE, (800) 505-1000, to learn more about state approved services.
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Are special services available to adults with disabilities?
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Each college has an office responsible for helping learning and physically disabled students. Services include parking privileges, tutoring and library accommodations.
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Can senior citizens take courses without paying full tuition?
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Yes, adults 62 or older may obtain tuition waivers for credit courses at Connecticut public colleges and universities, providing space exists. Waivers do not cover costs for books or student fees. Generally they also do not apply to continuing education, noncredit and summer-term courses.
Learning groups for retired persons also are popular. Adults, mostly over age 60, find these programs educational, challenging and fun. Elderhostel, one of the most active, is widely known for its college-based vacation and travel enrichment opportunities. To contact Elderhostel, call (877) 426-8056.
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Are there any college financial aid programs for veterans?
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Yes, veterans who were on active duty during wartime, who were honorably discharged and who meet Connecticut residency requirements may apply for a tuition waiver for General Fund credit courses at any public college or university in Connecticut.
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What if I need retraining before I can get a job?
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Several state and federal programs can help. The Education & Employment Information Center, (800) 842-0229 can refer you to local Connecticut Works Centers and can explain options if you are unemployed or economically disadvantaged.
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What if I don't have a high school degree or need remedial help?
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If you wish to take courses to complete your high school degree or obtain a high school equivalency degree through examination (GED), contact your local Adult Education Office. For testing information, you also may call the State Department of Education at (860) 807-2113. Most colleges offer tutoring services, but the community colleges offer the greatest number of basic developmental courses.
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I am from a foreign country and do not read or write English well. How may I return to school?
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Most adult education programs at local high schools offer English as a Second Language (ESL) courses. Students are prepared in basic speaking, reading, mathematics, writing and citizenship. Community colleges also offer ESL as well as more advanced courses and tutoring services. Counselors at your local community college can advise you.
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How do I go about starting my own business?
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Counselors are available at the Connecticut Economic Resource Center, (800) 392-2122. You also may call the answer desk of the U.S. Small Business Administration, (800) 827-5722. The Connecticut Small Business Development Center, (860) 486-4135, offers workshops as well as individual counseling. Many colleges offer credit and noncredit classes.
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