Are you planning to return to school after a long break? It's a big step. Many people will feel the jitters when they think about diving back into academia after working (or just chilling) full-time. But here's the good news: this transition can be less challenging and even quite fulfilling with the right game plan.
Most graduate students start their postgrad studies not long after tossing their undergrad caps. But there's also a sizeable group that waits a bit. Why? They're looking to climb up the career ladder, pivot to a new field, or chase a dream that's been simmering for a while. Sure, heading back to school later has its hurdles. But it also brings a rich experience that fresh-out-of-college folks might not have.
Many universities have graduate students that are more than 30 years of age. Most of them are balancing work with part-time studies to boost their careers. Juggling family, work, and studies is a challenge, but with some strategy, it's doable and rewarding.
So, if you are also thinking of returning to school and finally getting that graduate degree, you’re at the right place. Here is some advice to make the transition smoother:
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Lay Out the Game Plan
Returning to the world of assignments and exams after a hiatus? You need a lot of preparation. Start by getting a handle on how to go about the application process. And if the shadow of past grades looms, maybe consider checking your past GPA with the most accurate online GPA calculator. It can shed light on which schools you should apply to and what your major should be.
And don’t rush. Get transcripts, prep for tests, and chase down those recommendation letters.
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Revive Those Academic Muscles
Been a while since you pulled an all-nighter to work on an academic paper? It might be time for a refresher. Get back to readings, look up relevant articles, start note-taking, and draft a practice essay or two. If things feel too out of touch, there’s no shame in hiring a tutor or enrolling in a short course to sharpen your research or writing skills.
Laying the groundwork early can make the academic deep dive feel less like a plunge and more like a calculated stride.
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Embrace Your Background
When you return to graduate school after a break, you have a wealth of life experience that your younger classmates may not have. This experience can be valuable in the classroom. When you share your insights, you can help to bridge the gap between textbook theories and the real world. This can make the material more relevant and interesting.
It's also important to remember that you're not the only older student in graduate school. There are many other students who have taken a break from school for a variety of reasons. These students can also offer valuable insights and perspectives.
So don't be afraid to speak up in class. Your voice matters. Your experience is valuable. And it can help everyone learn.
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Master the Time Balancing Act
Figure out a schedule that works for you and stick to it. Make sure you schedule time for classes, studying, family, work, and other commitments. If you're feeling overwhelmed, you may want to start with fewer classes or take a lighter load your first semester back.
And don't forget to take advantage of small pockets of time throughout the day, like your commute or lunch break. You can study or get ahead on assignments during this time.
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Take Advantage of Resources
Take advantage of the resources available to you. There are writing centers, tutoring services, and professors who are all there to help you succeed. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
When you return to graduate school after a break, you may feel like you're starting from scratch. There's a lot to learn and remember, and it can be easy to get overwhelmed. But a little help can make you feel a lot more confident.
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Kick that Imposter Feeling to the Curb
It's a funny thing. Sometimes, older students walk into a classroom and feel they’ve sneaked into a party they weren’t invited to. It’s called "imposter syndrome," and it's a real buzzkill.
But it's important to remember that everyone in graduate school is there because they're qualified. They've all been through the same admissions process, and they've all been accepted to the program. So don't compare yourself to the younger students.
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Set a Graduate School Budget
Going back to graduate school can be expensive, especially for students who have other financial responsibilities. That's why it's important to plan your finances carefully.
Believe it or not, scholarships aren't just for fresh-out-of-college students. So, another valuable tip would be to look into available grants and scholarships for professionals.
Here are some more specific tips to manage your finances:
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Get organized and track all expenses in a spreadsheet.
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Set up automatic payments for predictable costs like rent and utilities.
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Meal prep to limit food costs.
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Take advantage of student discounts and free activities on campus.
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Look for ways to earn extra income with a part-time job or freelance work.
With careful planning, even students on a tight budget can avoid excessive debt during graduate school.
8. Explore the Option of Part-Time Studies
If you're returning to graduate school after a break and you have other responsibilities, such as work or family, you may want to consider taking part-time classes. This will give you more flexibility and make it easier to balance your time.
To Wrap It Up
Heading back to graduate school after some time off? Sure, there are challenges, but they're no match for a determined and hardworking student. With some planning, the support of your loved ones, and your persistence, that academic journey can be smooth.
Remember, investing in education is like planting a tree. It takes time and effort but will eventually grow and bear fruit. You can achieve your goals and succeed in graduate school with hard work and dedication.