1. How do I pay for college? Back to Top

Sometimes the almighty dollar can be a tremendous deterrent to a college degree. It is especially hard if you are raising college age children, trying to save for retirement and keeping your household budget afloat. For adults with families, paying for college continues to be one of the greatest challenges.  Despite this, a college degree often cost less than people think – especially in Arizona.  Additionally, colleges and universities have expanded the ways you can pay for college.  Most have a “pay as you go” system with one down payment and several smaller payments due throughout the course of the semester.The fear of the unknown, along with misinformation, can stop potential students in their tracks.  To get the facts view this comparison table for Arizona college degrees including costs and student population size.

The campus financial aid office is the best place to find college funds.  Unfortunately, some people do not visit the financial aid office because they think they won’t qualify or be eligible for any funds. Each year thousands of educational dollars are left unused simply because nobody applied. You can apply for grants or scholarships that do not have to be repaid. Not all scholarships are based on financial need. You may be eligible for funds based on previous professional affiliations, academic excellence, volunteer experience, being a single mom, or as a member of specific ethnic group. Participating in a campus club or program may also open up funding opportunities. Trusted advisors or teachers may know of upcoming scholarships. Fastweb.com is a terrific online resource to match up the unique you with scholarships. If you want to apply for federal grants or loans, you must fill out a FASFA by February to ensure you’ll have your funds by the Fall Semester. College financial aid offices are usually willing to help you complete this process.

For veterans, the new GI Bill is a great way to pay for college.  Vets can now pass their education benefits on to spouses or their children. 

Other helpful sites are:
Edfund.com  
Edwise.org    

A couple of final notes:
- Be sure that your education dollars go to accredited institutions.
That means that your degree will have value in the real world, they won’t take your money and run, and they are recognized by other accredited colleges and universities.  If you have doubts, check them out!

- NEVER pay for scholarship searches.  With a little work you can find the information for free and besides...you’ll need that money for books!

2. Am I Too Old? Back to Top

Absolutely NOT! Whether you are 25, 45, or 75 it is never too late to go back to college…especially in the 21 st Century. Technology, scientific discovery, and an ever-changing global environment require an occasional educational update. If you feel out of touch with some of these changes, don’t worry! You can catch up and you won’t look silly or stupid in the process.

Older students have a different perspective on learning. Rather than being in the mindset of “cramming” information in order to pass a test, older students see subjects through lenses colored by experience and time. Learning becomes richer and more relevant. In Fall 2004, of the over 14 million U.S. undergraduates attending 2 and 4 year universities, 15.7% were women between ages 25-50.  Locally, in the Maricopa Community College system, more than 40% of all students are over age 25. The experienced student population continues to grow – especially in a struggling economy.  The only one who will tell you that you are too old is you – Do not let that happen.

3. Who should get a college degree? Back to Top

Carol Fugarelli in her book Traditional Degrees for Non-Traditional Students says that in short, “…if you want to share in the present power structure of this country, a college degree is a very important tool for opening the right doors.”  Some other indications if you are good college material according to Fugarelli is if you:
--Are naturally curious
--Enjoy solving problems or puzzles
--Have a healthy reading appetite
--Want to know more about the world around you
--Desire to advance your career through new knowledge and skills

4. What if I don't know what I want to do when I grow up? Back to Top

A good place to start your journey back to school is through the college counselor’s door. Each community college has a team of qualified counselors that can help you set up short and long term academic and personal goals. In the meantime, enjoy the journey. I thought that I was going to pursue a degree in business management but changed my mind after being exposed to communication classes. It’s great to set goals but don’t be so blinded by them that you miss an important opportunity. That’s the great thing about returning to college as an adult – you can pursue goals and find your passion all at the same time.  Some sites that help you determine what that passion pays include:

Salary.com   
Payscale.com  
Bls.gov   

5. Are old credits and previous classes lost? Back to Top

Just because classes are old do not mean they are lost.  For example, English 101 from accredited institution can still count toward your degree today. The only way to find out is to ask.  This may take some footwork on you part, but the first thing you need to do is gather any old transcripts.  Most colleges now offer unofficial transcripts online.  Print these off and visit your friendly college advisor.  They will be able to help you with this.  Also, consider if you still feel sharp about the skills you gained the first time around. If not, it is probably in your best interest to take it again (this is usually true for classes that build upon themselves such as math).  If you are going down a completely new career path, consider grouping previous classes together to earn a certificate.  Ask your advisor.
Helpful site to see how community college classes transfer to state universities visit: www.aztransfer.com

6. Do I have the Brain Power? Back to Top

Research shows that there is no difference in the ability to learn as you age. However, as you get older it seems harder to think or concentrate…not because your brain isn’t working but because you have so much on your mind! Accept the fact that it may initially take an effort to focus (on reading for example). You have the Brain Power so don’t worry. In fact you may surprise yourself at how smart you are and what a good problem solver you have become. Have you ever thought about how many great skills you have as a mom?  Consider these mom skills.

7. How can I tackle test anxiety? Back to Top

Dear Student Mom,

One of the reasons I have put off going back to college is that I get so SCARED when I take a test. It is like my mind goes blank, I get all hot, and I can't remember anything I studied. Now I am getting to the point that I get upset just THINKING about taking a test. I usually get A's and B's but if I have a class that is based only on tests, I am sunk. What should I do?

Sweaty in Scottsdale

Dear Sweaty,

This is a very common problem. The good news is that most colleges have test anxiety classes or seminars. They are very helpful and can give you good strategies to deal with this challenge. Ask any of the counselors at your college and if they do not have any classes scheduled, they will surely have some written material to help you. In the meantime, remember to breath --- sounds simple but that extra oxygen can relax you and increase your brainpower. Lack of sleep can interfere with your ability to focus which can also increase your anxiety. Break your studying up into little chunks rather than stay up late the night before. Definitely take advantage of the resources your college offers on this topic. On a side note, I switched to DEGREE deodorant/ antiperspirant. I found it was the only thing strong enough to endure test days. Good luck! -StudentMom

8. What can I do if my teacher hates me? Back to Top

Dear StudentMom,

I think one of my teachers hates me. I am not getting very much feedback on my papers and when I do, it's bad. I see she writes more on other people's paper. She never smiles and when I see her in the hallway, she acts like she doesn't even know me. I need to do well in this class. What do I do?

Worried on the Westside

Dear Westie, Some teachers (new ones especially) don't really know what to do with an older student. Some may feel intimidated. However, the most likely scenario is that she doesn't even know you. Not out of any feelings she has but just out of sheer numbers. Maybe she is giving more feedback to students she has had in prior classes. Maybe she is just bad with names - many teachers are. See if this helps...make sure you are being a good active listener in class-- take notes, make eye contact, ask questions when appropriate. Also, email or call and make an appointment to see her. Ask her to explain some of the errors on your paper. Just the act of going and seeing her shows a genuine interest in learning the material. All teachers want that for their students and you will be making a great investment in your education. Stop worrying -StudentMom

9. How much should I help my fellow students? Back to Top

Dear Student Mom,

Recently a fellow student called me at home to ask me the answers on an online test. I was really shocked. Another student in our class had already given her some of the answers. I did not want to be rude and I want to fit in so I told her that I did not know the answers - even though I did. How should I handle this if it happens again?

Puzzled in Paradise

Dear Puzzled,

Why are you puzzled? Cheating is bad news. Some call it "sharing the answers" but unless your teacher expressly says that you can work together on a project, don't do it. Colleges have very strict rules regarding cheating, usually resulting in failure of the class and sometimes expulsion. Now how hard would THAT be to explain to your kids? I realize that it can seem like there is a culture of cheating at the college level (copying each other's homework and the like) but that is not something you want to be involved in. Instead use this as an opportunity to mentor this student and help them find the answer on their own. If you don't have time, refer them to the learning center. Just make it clear, in a nice way, you don't cheat. Good Luck!

10. The syllabus for my university class is huge! Should I drop the class? Back to Top

Hello StudentMom,

I just finished reading my 10-page syllabus for my first university level online class and am shaking in my boots.  I’ve been going to community college for the last three years , working part time, volunteering and raising a daughter.  After reading the professor’s descriptions and expectations I was stunned and very insecure.  I have a feeling the professor wants to weed out students and she is pretty effective.  I’ve been getting A’s in all my classes so far but after reading the class all this I feel like I just wanted to quit my goal of continuing my goal. Are you able to help?

Fearful in Phoenix

Dear Fearful,
Don’t panic!  As you wisely picked up, professors often use the syllabus to “weed out.”  Secondly, you need to know that a 10-page syllabus is probably a result of some sort of legal/university action that caused this professor/department/college a problem.  It is in some ways a legal document and protects the educator and the institution. My advice would be to go in and introduce yourself to the professor during the first month of the semester.   Hang in there.  It is a big transition from community college to the university but I am confident that your strong work ethic and commitment to excellence will carry the day.  Also – you do not always have to get A’s.  There are times when you have to give yourself permission to get a B if the class material is especially difficult –or life interferes with the pursuit of the 4.0 GPA. Hang in there! StudentMom

11. How can I get a degree if I am bad at math? Back to Top

Dear StudentMom,

I am bad in math and am worried that it will keep me from getting my degree.  I have been studying my kids’ math books to get all caught up but all it does is confuse me.  Any advice?

Number Crunched in Mesa

Dear Crunched,

When were you bad at math? 1982? Math may have not been your best subject – especially at a time when the prevailing education literature said that girls were good at writing and reading and boys were good at science and math- but you can do it.   It is amazing to me the negative power that MATH has on women!  My advice is to take your placement test and see where you land.  If you need to review for a class or two – do it.  The more advanced college math builds on the other classes so it is vital that you have a firm foundation.  I had to take two math classes before I reached the math class I needed for my degree (and this is without math phobia).  The community colleges offer very good online and combination classes (half online/half in person) to help you shed your math rustiness. Get help at the tutoring center if need be and give yourself the permission to learn – opposed to being perfect the first time.  Get rid of the negative self-talk and don’t let a bunch of numbers, polynomials, and formulas get in your way. You can do it! -StudentMom

12. I'm just a mom, can I do it? Back to Top

Dear StudentMom,

I would like to go back to college but I’m just a mom and not sure if I can keep up with classmates who are the same age as my own kids.  Also, do you think my own kids will be embarrassed if they see me on campus?

Just Wondering in Chandler

Dear Wondering – First, I want to stress that the word “just” never belongs before the word “Mom.”  Being a mom provides you with a wonderful opportunity to amass skills that will greatly help you in earning your college degree (see MomSkills).  Secondly, ask your kids how they feel about it.  I suspect that they will be proud of you and may be willing to help you.  On the other hand, you have to respect their space.  The college years are a time for tremendous growth (regardless of your age) so let your kids grow without hovering over them.  For younger kids, seeing mom going to school can be a tremendous influence.  They see first hand what it takes to study, be organized and succeed in school.  Another “mom” benefit of going to college is you get to plug into your children’s world.   I learned so much about the world in which they live – the pressures they face and the way they communicate (MySpace, Facebook, texting, tweeting, etc.)  I would have totally missed (or seriously delayed) these lessons without going back to college. A Proud Mom, StudentMom