Most-Read This Week

What Will a Career Education Cost Me?

Career Education by the Numbers

Costs of Business School: A Wise Investment?

6 Things a 2 Year College Degree Can Do for You

Accredited Colleges -- Setting the Standard

Take this quick quiz and find out.

1. When you broach the subject of going back to school, your friends' and family's response is usually:
a. favorable. They're with you all the way!
b. negative. You already see each other so infrequently; won't the added education demands take a toll on your relationship?
c. mixed. They understand your motivation for considering school; they're just at totally different places in their lives right now.

2. If you had to give an account of your finances, you would say they look:
a. impressive. Your debt is minimal, your credit is excellent, and you've even been able to accumulate some savings.
b. abysmal. You have a dollar in your checking account, and the creditors are calling.
c. OK. You're not in the red, but it'll take a lot of coupon-cutting and change-counting before you can breathe a little easier when it comes to money.

3. You have a couple of free hours before dinner. You can use that time to:
a. study. With your schedule, you know you've got to fit schoolwork in whenever and wherever possible.
b. play video games and take a power nap. You work hard, and you deserve a break.
c. grab coffee with a friend. You never miss a social opportunity.

4. If you were to go back to school now, you would:
a. take a specific course of study. You know exactly which degree you want, and what you want to do with it.
b. take some general education classes. You like the idea of learning, but you don't have a specific end goal in mind.
c. pursue lots of different angles. You have so many interests that it's hard to commit to just one course of study.

5. When you think about getting into the back to school groove, you feel:
a. excited. You love to learn, and the idea of being in student mode again is thrilling.
b. anxious. School is stressful, and it takes a lot out of you.
c. ambivalent. It would be great to  

pursue higher education

 , but you're not sure if now is the best time to do that.

If you answered mostly A's, do some back to school shopping, because you're ready to pursue higher education. You have the time, budget, motivation, and support of those around you to make your education dreams a reality.

If you answered mostly B's, you're clearly not ready to make the emotional, mental, and financial investment required to pursue higher education. If you are considering school, try to eliminate some of the potential roadblocks first so that you'll have a better shot at success.

If you answered mostly C's, you'd like to pursue higher education one day, but today may not be that day. Reevaluate your goals and priorities, and commit to considering school when you're in a position to give education more of your attention.


About the author:

Sound Off! Post Your Comments