Posted on Nov 16, 2014
How Can I Prepare for Returning to School at 27?
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So when I graduated High School I went straight into a community college for a degree program I felt I wanted to do, after only one semester I started having doubts that it was going to lead to employment and I finished the semester and never continued school. I then joined the Army Reserves and spent the last almost 7 years as a Civil Affairs Specialist. I am planning to ETS and have decided to return to school, I have enjoyed every aspect of Civil Affairs and want to stick with a similar career field. Through my searching I found that Penn State offers a BA in International Political Economy which will work for an undergraduate to their Community and Economic Development Masters Program.
Long story short, I am going back to school and planning to do it entirely online, something I also have not been subjected to. I figured RallyPoint would be a great source of advice from fellow soldiers who have experienced returning to school later in life and using online degree options. What are some things I should prepare for? What questions should I ask of the Military Advisor at the school? Are there military scholarships I should look into? Any advice would be highly regarded and greatly appreciated.
Long story short, I am going back to school and planning to do it entirely online, something I also have not been subjected to. I figured RallyPoint would be a great source of advice from fellow soldiers who have experienced returning to school later in life and using online degree options. What are some things I should prepare for? What questions should I ask of the Military Advisor at the school? Are there military scholarships I should look into? Any advice would be highly regarded and greatly appreciated.
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Posted 10 y ago
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SPC(P) (Join to see), I did something like what you're planning, but I did it while on active duty. The thing about online classes (vs. in classroom classes) is that you have to be a bit more disciplined when learning online. At least that's my take. Some online classes have mandatory times for you to be online, but most of the ones I encountered were very free-flowing, with discussions, papers, quizzes, tests, etc.
Bottom line is that I found it easy to fall behind in online classes - much easier than in a traditional classroom class - so stay disciplined and "on top of" your workload. That's my advice.
Bottom line is that I found it easy to fall behind in online classes - much easier than in a traditional classroom class - so stay disciplined and "on top of" your workload. That's my advice.
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SPC(P) (Join to see)
Thank you CW5 Scott Montgomery,
I had never thought about the fact that there may not be strict scheduling for completing the classes and projects. I will keep this in mind. Thankfully I am planning to be the "Stay at Home Parent" while going to school and my daughter will be starting Kindergarten so I should have enough time to myself at home to get classes done in a timely fashion.
I had never thought about the fact that there may not be strict scheduling for completing the classes and projects. I will keep this in mind. Thankfully I am planning to be the "Stay at Home Parent" while going to school and my daughter will be starting Kindergarten so I should have enough time to myself at home to get classes done in a timely fashion.
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SPC David S.
Good advice CW5 (Join to see) . Set yourself some deadlines and allocate a time slot in your day to focus on your school work. Very true about letting the school work slip away from you.
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From someone who finished his BS at age 50, I applaud you!! Never stop learning. The JST should give you a rough idea of what you can get credit for. Whether you do or not depends on the school
RE: the GI Bill. Not all of your AD time counts as a reservist. Your best bet is to get all of your 214s uploaded into the VA's site and work with an education counselor. It can be a little time-consuming but they'll give you a straight answer.
RE: the GI Bill. Not all of your AD time counts as a reservist. Your best bet is to get all of your 214s uploaded into the VA's site and work with an education counselor. It can be a little time-consuming but they'll give you a straight answer.
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SrA Marc Haynes
SGM (Join to see) is wise beyond his young years. Oh and I thought your were constantly working on your BS!
p.s. I still have the $.05 on my desk. Can you tell Jim and I know each other pretty well.
p.s. I still have the $.05 on my desk. Can you tell Jim and I know each other pretty well.
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SPC Jensen,
I haven't taken online courses but I have been a non-traditional student for my college career. First of all, you CAN use your GI Bill and get student grants through FAFSA. I've found that being older and going to school you are more focused and motivated, I'm sure you will do great.
I haven't taken online courses but I have been a non-traditional student for my college career. First of all, you CAN use your GI Bill and get student grants through FAFSA. I've found that being older and going to school you are more focused and motivated, I'm sure you will do great.
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