Adult Students

Book excerpt: Drawing heavily from the experiences of successful students, this guide to going back to college addresses adult students’ unique challenges and concerns. Everything adults need to know to navigate the path from working life to student life, particularly the many changes in the admissions process over the past 10 years, is covered, including collecting and filling out application forms, writing a winning admissions essay, and applying for and securing financial aid. The book features dozens of actual essay examples from adult students. Uncensored views are provided of both the successes and failures of previous students, helping new students avoid pitfalls and apply with confidence. In addition, valuable advice from admission officers and adult student program directors is included. Topics covered include how to select the right program, be it undergraduate or graduate study, a certificate or extension program, part-time learning, or distance education; how to take advantage of previous education, training, or life experience to improve an application and earn additional credit; and financing an adult education through scholarships, financial aid, and employers.