Going back to school

[BEphoto]

Only a mere 10 years after finishing high school, I've decided to go to college. Needless to say, I'm a bit nervous to take my placement test, which I do tomorrow at 1pm. Yikes! I am just expecting the worst so that i wont be disappointed when they tell me i'm going to need to take Kindergarten math again. (actually, id like to think im pretty darn good in real world math. I use it all day at work and do it all in my head. Im also pretty good at percentages in my head, thanks to my poker skills) Its Algebra that i think im going to have a tough time with.

I havent decided on a major, or how many classes im going to take, but im in this for the long haul. And a major bonus: My wife is going to start going now too!

You guys need to keep asking me how its going if you ever run into me, just to keep me motivated! Its a scary road for me though. I was the kid that skipped half the day, every day in high school, so im worried that i wont stick with it. Hopefully having my wife going with me will be motivation enough though.

Just wanted to share in my excitement/horror!

[ttusa]

Congrats, good luck!!

[BigBlueDodge]

I am in the similar position. After 10 years from getting my Bachelors Degree, I have decided to go back and get my MBA. I've enrolled and classes start in August. It's funny, because I'm feeling just like I did as an 18 yr old, about to start college. It's both scary and exciting at the same time.

I'm not sure what you are expecting, but make no mistake about it college is not easy. If it were then everyone would have a degree. You will be pushed, challenged, and forced to apply yourself. If you are one who runs from a challenge, then you won't make it through. You have to accept that it will be tough. I remember several times when I was getting my bachelors how much I hated school and just wanted to quit (it also could have been the fact that I was working a full time job and going to school full time which made for long days). But I kept thinking about my long term goal and stuck to it.Since it has been so long since you have been in a classroom environment. I highly recommend that you ease your way into it. Start off with 1-2 classes. DO NOT overload your self. Going to school is committing to a life style that will last 4-5 years.

In those times where you are really stressed out, and thinking of quitting, stop and think about your wife. Tell yourself that you are doing this for you, and you are doing it for her to give you both a (hopefully) better chance at a career. What kept me going was every night when I came in at 11:00 from classes, I got to see my wife and kids, and I kept telling myself that I'm doing it for them. They were my motivating factor that kept me going back then, and now pushing me back to get my MBA.

[CaptainTom]

You'll do well. A few years of maturity is an amazing thing.

It's interesting that I've known many kids who worked hard in college and came out with a lot of good information and skills. I've also known quite a few kids who went to college, partied all the time, graduated, and have nothing to show for it except their ability to keep a bong going.

[donlfaulkner]

Congrats and much encouragement to you and your wife. I lost my "Bachelors Degree" many years ago during my first year of college and never went back. I've regretted it ever since.

[Imagebuffet]

Congratulations!

I've been taking college classes for 26+ years, even since I was a junior in high school. If I take 3 classes a year, I should finish in about 7 years.

[MRCPix]

you will do great. I went back when I was 30 after getting out of the army had all A's except for one B in a crazy math class. I was never a good student in high school so I guess growing up made the difference.

[east_tx]

Add me to the "went back to school list". I went back 12 years after graduating Hi Skool. I had saved money to attend and had a mindset of getting through as soon as possible-----2.5 years later and I had my BS in Business from LA Tech. I worked a little, played lots of racquetball, and got out of there with a good GPA. Life experience and common sense will get you a long way. You will also look at a lot of the "younger, traditional students" and think.......man, what is the world coming to? Then you will realize------you are getting old. Congratulations, enjoy the experience, help the younger folks who need a little guidance, and get ready to study!!!!!

[tml]

I believe with more maturity and sense of responsibility, you will do very well. However, do decide on your major quickly to avoid wasting time and money. You will form new friendship and contacts. I just completed my MBA in the special program for professionals at Texas Tech. At times, the work load was very heavy on top of a full-time dental practice. Good luck, Tri.

[BigBlueDodge]

Originally Posted by tml

I believe with more maturity and sense of responsibility, you will do very well. However, do decide on your major quickly to avoid wasting time and money. You will form new friendship and contacts. I just completed my MBA in the special program for professionals at Texas Tech. At times, the work load was very heavy on top of a full-time dental practice. Good luck, Tri.

Hey TML, that is exactly where I am going to do my MBA. I am signing up for the weekend program. Small world!

[crazeazn]

Originally Posted by BigBlueDodge

I am in the similar position. After 10 years from getting my Bachelors Degree, I have decided to go back and get my MBA. I've enrolled and classes start in August. It's funny, because I'm feeling just like I did as an 18 yr old, about to start college. It's both scary and exciting at the same time.

I'm not sure what you are expecting, but make no mistake about it college is not easy. If it were then everyone would have a degree. You will be pushed, challenged, and forced to apply yourself. If you are one who runs from a challenge, then you won't make it through. You have to accept that it will be tough. I remember several times when I was getting my bachelors how much I hated school and just wanted to quit (it also could have been the fact that I was working a full time job and going to school full time which made for long days). But I kept thinking about my long term goal and stuck to it.Since it has been so long since you have been in a classroom environment. I highly recommend that you ease your way into it. Start off with 1-2 classes. DO NOT overload your self. Going to school is committing to a life style that will last 4-5 years.

In those times where you are really stressed out, and thinking of quitting, stop and think about your wife. Tell yourself that you are doing this for you, and you are doing it for her to give you both a (hopefully) better chance at a career. What kept me going was every night when I came in at 11:00 from classes, I got to see my wife and kids, and I kept telling myself that I'm doing it for them. They were my motivating factor that kept me going back then, and now pushing me back to get my MBA.

where are you doing your MBA?

[BigBlueDodge]

Originally Posted by crazeazn

where are you doing your MBA?

Texas Tech

[toverman]

Good luck, Brad. Not only does being older and wanting to go to school help, but having to pay for it is a motivator you didn't have in high school.

[angiem357]

Congratulations for making a great decision! The extra support from the spouse is a great motivator, too.

I was a non-traditional college student as well. Of course, "non-traditional" just means I wasn't straight out of HS. If I were to give any advice (which i know you didn't ask for! LOL!), I would say to make sure you take advantage of any services the school offers, in the way of academics.

For instance, if you're worried about algebra, find out when the tutoring services are held. Every school I've been to has students in a study hall, tutoring other students for free. The same holds true for English and literature content.

Oh, and be an active listener. It's amazing how much respect and leeway you're given by a prof when you honestly pay attention, ask compelling questions, and don't act like a jackass - because you'll notice that so many of your classmates do. It's sad that a little common courtesy (like not texting in class) means so much to profs - it should be expected, not appreciated.

Good luck! I'm sure you'll really enjoy yourself!

[BEphoto]

Update: We took our placement exams yesterday. Neither one of us got placed in kindergarten math! The advisor said that both of our scores were some of the best she has seen in a long time. I got a 108 on my reading comprehension and she said the highest score she'd ever seen was a 110, so apparently mine was pretty good. In a 1-8, i got a 7 on the essay. Math on the other hand was a bit worse... but not kindergarten level. :)

I registered for my first few classes last night. Taking english, algebra, and of course, Photography I. I've got to find a nice film SLR though for the course, and another for the wife. I can use my old AE-1 Program, but would rather use something more modern, preferably with an EF mount. If you've got one laying around somewhere let me know!

Anyway, just wanted to give a little update. I'm really excited about jumping back into school. It's definitely going to be weird at first, but hopefully I'll get used to it.

Thanks for all of the encouragement guys/gals. It is very much appreciated.