Deb Peterson, a contributor for
About.com that is part of The New York Times Company, offered 8 critical
questions to ask yourself before deciding to go back to school.
1.
Why are you thinking about going
back to school?
Why is going back to school on your mind lately? Is it
because your degree or certificate will help you get a better job or promotion? Are you bored and looking for a way
out of your current situation? Are you retired and want the thrill of working
for a degree you've always desired?
2.
What exactly do you want to
accomplish?
What is it that you're hoping to achieve by going back to school? If you need your GED credential, your goal is crystal clear. Choosing the right option will make your journey more efficient and more economical.
3. Can you afford to go
back to school?
School can be expensive, but help
is out there. If you need financial aid, do your research ahead of time.
Find out how much money you need and how you might get it. Student loans aren't
the only option. Look into grants and pay-as-you-go.
4. Does your company offer tuition reimbursement?
Many companies offer to reimburse
employees for the cost of education. This isn't just out of the goodness of
their hearts. They stand to benefit too. If your company offers tuition reimbursement, take advantage of the
opportunity. You get an education and a better job, and they get a smarter,
more-skilled employee. Everybody wins.
5. Can you afford not to go back to school?
Investing in your education is one
of the smartest things you will ever do.
6. Is this the right time in your life?
Life demands different things of us at different stages.
Is this a good time for you to go back to school? Do you have the time you'll
need to go to class, read, and study?
7. Is
the right school within reach?
Depending
on your goal, you might have lots of options open to you, or very few. Is the
school you need available to you, and can you get in? Remember that getting
your degree or certificate might be possible online.
8. Do you have the support you need?
Remembering
that adults learn differently than children and teens, think about whether or
not you have the support you need to go back to school. Are there people in
your life who will be your cheerleaders?
Call Palo Alto College’s
Corporate and Continuing Education Division today and see how Palo Alto can
help you with some of the questions you might have.
Palo
Alto College
Corporate
and Community Education Division
210-485-3400
Alamo.edu/pac/cce
Facebook.com/paloaltocollegecce
