So you're thinking about taking the next step in your education, but you're unsure about the time committment. There are a few considerations when making time for college. You may want to go right into college, but are unsure about being able to put in the time. You might feel that you want to take some time off before going to college (sometimes known as a "gap year"). Maybe you really don't feel like reliving a bad school experience. Or you just don't see the need to go to school right now. Well, read on to learn about the different ways that you can make college work for you.
I'm Ready Now
Great! Here's a little about the time you will spend in college. Full-time enrollment at a community college or university is 12 credit hours or more per semester. This works out to about four separate courses, with a varied amount of weekly classes. Classes are offered mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Often there are longer night classes available that can help cut down on time committment during work hours as well. They are also offered on different days, so it's possibe to find a schedule that is works for you.
It's suggested that you allow two hours of study time for each hour of class. It's important to set aside this time to ensure a successful college experience. It may seem a bit overwhelming, but with good time management, getting an education is possible for just about anyone.
Certification programs can have a slightly diffent workload, with the amount of class time varying greatly. Some courses may meet one night a week, while others can demand several hours a day. It's suggested you look into the individual program you are interested to learn more about its specific requirements.
Take a Gap Year
If you want to take a year or two off between high school and college, it is important to plan this time rather than take a minimum wage job. There are many opportunities that can actually give you money to do volunteer work AND help pay for college. Part of the plan should be to apply to colleges in your senior year, because that is where the best financial aid packages come from. Most colleges and universities will allow you to defer admittance for a year and still get the same financial aid.
Check out these helpful links:
http://www.americorps.gov
http://www.cityyear.org
http://www.collegebound.net/gapyear/
http://www.gapyear.com/
Not a Big Fan of High School
Ask around. The college experience is a lot different than what you might remember of high school. You have a variety of hours, targeted classes, and students who have grown out of the "high school" experience. Besides if you don't do anything now, where will you be in the next 5-10 years? Will you still be in the same place, doing the same thing? Check out the Reality Check to see why it might be worthwhile to give college a chance.
Don't Feel the Need
Let’s see. Maybe you feel like you're earning decent money and don’t "need" college. Well, what happens in the next five years or so? Without an education, chances are you'll still be making pretty much the same amount of money. You have to keep adding to your skills and qualifications if you want to make it further. Time to do a Reality Check and see what you'll need to live the life you want.
