Summer's Coming... 7 Ways to Get into the School Groove
by Robyn Tellefsen
If sunbathing, swimming, and sleeping are the only items on your summer to-do list, you might just be missing the boat. Whether you've been planning to go back to school for a while or you're new to the career education scene, summer is the perfect time to get into the school groove and set sail for your education adventure.
1. Research career school programs.
Whether you're interested in medical assisting, culinary arts, or computer programming, you'll find tons of career school programs vying for your attention. Rather than waiting till the last minute and throwing your money at the first school that catches your eye, take advantage of the slow summer months to find a career school that will best meet your education and career needs. Consider such factors as program length, cost, location, and job placement rate.
2. Construct a financial plan.
Once you choose a career school, hunker down and plan how you'll pay for it. Don't forget to include the cost of books, transportation, special equipment, etc. into your tuition budget. Learn about scholarships, grants, and loans available to adult students and start the financial aid application process as soon as you can. If you get your budget in place before the semester starts, you'll be relaxed and ready from day one.
3. Exercise your mental muscle.
Summer vacation isn't license to let your brain turn to mush. Just like any other muscle, your brain needs exercise in order to function properly. Keep reading books, newspapers, and trade journals, and formulate reactions to what you're reading. Make a commitment to learn something new every day so you won't have to regain traction and start career school behind the curve.
4. Keep a consistent schedule.
It's easy to go off-schedule when you don't have a reason to get up early in the morning or go to bed at a reasonable hour. But don't let the lazy days of summer get the best of you - find a healthy, balanced schedule and stick to it. That way, once school starts, you'll be more alert in class and better prepared to block out time for homework and studying.
5. Get your skills up to speed.
Don't wait until you're juggling a job, family responsibilities, and a full courseload to prep for career education success. If you haven't spent much time on a computer, make use of your downtime and sign up for an adult education class. If you need to work on time management, note-taking, or other study skills, utilize the resources at your career school or another adult education center to get ready for the rigors of higher ed.
6. Outline your career education goals.
Summer is a great time to define your goals and the ways in which career school will help you achieve them. After all, career education should be directly linked to your future career. You need to make sure that your goals are neither low nor lofty; rather, they should fall in line with the particular program's offerings. Outlining your career education goals now will help you stay the course once the semester begins.
7. Take a break.
With all your career education preparation, don't forget to squeeze in some time for rest and relaxation. It's important to be prepared for your program, but you don't want to be fried before school even starts. Remember this key point, and you'll be refreshed and ready to go cruising on your career education adventure.
1. Research career school programs.
Whether you're interested in medical assisting, culinary arts, or computer programming, you'll find tons of career school programs vying for your attention. Rather than waiting till the last minute and throwing your money at the first school that catches your eye, take advantage of the slow summer months to find a career school that will best meet your education and career needs. Consider such factors as program length, cost, location, and job placement rate.
2. Construct a financial plan.
Once you choose a career school, hunker down and plan how you'll pay for it. Don't forget to include the cost of books, transportation, special equipment, etc. into your tuition budget. Learn about scholarships, grants, and loans available to adult students and start the financial aid application process as soon as you can. If you get your budget in place before the semester starts, you'll be relaxed and ready from day one.
3. Exercise your mental muscle.
Summer vacation isn't license to let your brain turn to mush. Just like any other muscle, your brain needs exercise in order to function properly. Keep reading books, newspapers, and trade journals, and formulate reactions to what you're reading. Make a commitment to learn something new every day so you won't have to regain traction and start career school behind the curve.
4. Keep a consistent schedule.
It's easy to go off-schedule when you don't have a reason to get up early in the morning or go to bed at a reasonable hour. But don't let the lazy days of summer get the best of you - find a healthy, balanced schedule and stick to it. That way, once school starts, you'll be more alert in class and better prepared to block out time for homework and studying.
5. Get your skills up to speed.
Don't wait until you're juggling a job, family responsibilities, and a full courseload to prep for career education success. If you haven't spent much time on a computer, make use of your downtime and sign up for an adult education class. If you need to work on time management, note-taking, or other study skills, utilize the resources at your career school or another adult education center to get ready for the rigors of higher ed.
6. Outline your career education goals.
Summer is a great time to define your goals and the ways in which career school will help you achieve them. After all, career education should be directly linked to your future career. You need to make sure that your goals are neither low nor lofty; rather, they should fall in line with the particular program's offerings. Outlining your career education goals now will help you stay the course once the semester begins.
7. Take a break.
With all your career education preparation, don't forget to squeeze in some time for rest and relaxation. It's important to be prepared for your program, but you don't want to be fried before school even starts. Remember this key point, and you'll be refreshed and ready to go cruising on your career education adventure.
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