Where do I start?

If you are pursuing an Associates Degree, you'll have a list of classes that you will need to complete. Each campus has academic advisors that can lay out a roadmap of what classes toward your educational goals. It is better to have the map up front than to take a bunch of classes only to realize that you did not meet some crucial requirement. Try to spread out your most difficult classes from semester to semester. For me, math was the most challenging for others, the sciences can prove to be quite daunting. If you have been away from school for quite a while, you may want to include in your first semester English (writing) and computers. What you learn in these two areas will greatly help you throughout your educational experience. Most classes will require you to write papers and very few accept handwritten papers anymore – thus the computer skills come in handy.

Before you register for any classes you will need to take some placement tests in reading, English, and math. Completing this testing in the beginning will help you (and your advisor) get an accurate picture of your current academic skill set. The testing is easily administered independently via computer at each campus. The most important advice I can give you is to TAKE YOUR TIME. Go in well-rested and focused. The first time I took my reading test, I hurried because I had to pick my daughter up from school. I did not do too well but thankfully you usually can take placement tests twice. (Be sure to ask before you take the test.)Thankfully I did much better the second time.

 

Find a Maricopa Community College

Make an appointment with an Adult Re-entry counselor

Register with Fastweb.com to find college cash

Share your story with StudentMom