You may feel like the oldest student in your new online college class, but you are not alone. Almost 40 percent of college students are over age 25, and that number is on the rise. With age comes experience, wisdom, and sometimes extra challenges. Older students often have spouses, children, and jobs to juggle as well as their studies.
On the flip side, online classes bring a level playing field for everyone. Online courses give you flexibility, which is so important in the military world. They allow you to continue through moves, deployments, and training, whether on the side of the service member or spouse. Here are some tips to help make the most of it:
Manage your time well.
As a student with a million other things to balance, time management is the only way everything is going to get done. In this way, online classes will actually help your time management! You can eliminate commuting times, and you can arrange your classes to work with your own schedule, working your studies into your life, not the other way around.
Avoid procrastination.
There is something about last minute desperation that lights a fire in us all. In this lifestyle, you simply cannot let it come to that. Without a doubt, the night before the paper is due, you’ll be struggling to get it done, and the military will barge right in and ruin all of your plans.
Make it a team effort.
You already know you need the support of your family and friends as you embark on a new journey. Whether you are looking to take one course or complete your education, you’ll need help! Discuss with them the changes to your schedule, the areas in which you’ll need help, and why you are doing this. Ask them for specific help and be grateful for it.
Prepare as far in advance as possible.
Of course, you already know that you shouldn’t leave things to the last minute, but there are some easy ways to prepare in advance. Take a look at the syllabus and plan out the assignments, giving yourself as much time to study as possible. Compare the dates with your schedule and where there is a conflict, move the school dates up, not back. Don’t get overwhelmed, make a plan and stick to it.
Be aware of all your resources.
Ask around for some of the best resources in your area. Some of them may be on the military installation and others may be through your college. Don’t be afraid to ask your professor for help, to contact your advisor, or coordinate a study group with your classmates. You may find another military service member or spouse who can help tutor you as well.
Online education is a wonderful option for all members of the military community. Make the most of it!
Learn more about choosing the right online school for military-connected students.
