Beginning or Continuing Education FAQ’s
I am almost 30 years old and separating from the military. When my duty is complete, I would like to go to college and work a part-time job. Am I too old to start college now?
Many adults begin or continue their college education between the ages of twenty and sixty. Now is the perfect time to investigate that option. Many schools now offer flexible schedule options for people who have jobs and/or families. Most schools offer online classes, certificate and degree programs, as well as evening and weekend classes to fit into any lifestyle. Before you start searching for the right school, you should identify what area(s) of study you would like to pursue and the time frame you require to achieve your goals. It won’t hurt to do a little research on that field of study to make sure that there are available jobs in that chosen field in your state. Answering these questions will help you eliminate some schools and make your decision easier to make.
Can I get credit-by-exam instead of taking a course at a college?
The number of credits that can be earned through this method varies from college to college. Many colleges give credit for students who have taken International Baccalaureate programs at the high school level. Advanced Placement High School courses with a high score can also award credit. For adult/non-traditional students, there is an option to take CLEP tests in designated subject areas. If an individual achieves the required score, the college awards college credit. Most colleges limit how many credits can be earned through testing.
I already have a four-year degree. Is there any benefit for me to attend a graduate school?
That depends on your goals. A graduate degree is required to gain access to certain professions. For example, the job of elementary school principal commands a master’s degree or equivalent. It also depends on the employer. Some employers looking to fill management level business positions, for example, require an MBA. Others are satisfied with a college degree and proven workplace experience. Research into the positions you are hoping to attain in the career area(s) of your interests is the first step in determining whether or not graduate school is the right move for you.
Do I need to take a test to attend college?
No, depending on the school and your intended curriculum. Two-year colleges and technical schools rarely require entrance exams. Most four-year colleges require either the SAT or the ACT when you apply as a new student to a degree program. Students may, however, sign up for almost any individual course with any school; and adults who have completed course work through a two-year college or the military usually do not have to take the SAT or ACT to continue their college education.
If you are seeking to be accepted by a college as student with a predetermined degree program, it is important to know that an entrance test score is only one piece of an applicant’s profile. Admissions counselors review all aspects of an individual including: academic performance, extracurricular activities, work experience and community service. Test scores are not the sole determinant of a student’s acceptance. Adults bring workplace skills, life experience and high levels of motivation to the admission process.
The majority of two and four year colleges do test accepted students in math and writing to determine the appropriate level of their first math and English course.
What will my GI Bill and VA Benefits pay for?
VA benefits, which include the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB), VEAP, REAP and Reserve GI Bill, are available for active duty, reserve, and veterans to help with education costs. The Bill can provide over $36,000 in education benefits for:
- College, Business Technical or Vocational Courses
- Distance Learning including Correspondence Courses
- Certification Tests
- Apprenticeship/Job Training
- Flight Training
If you take four classes a semester at a regionally or nationally-accredited college or university, you can get up to $1034 a month (current rates) to cover education benefits, including high-tech or vocational-technical programs. If you take two classes a semester, you could receive as much as $517 a month.
It has been many years since I’ve taken a class. Are there any programs to help me refresh my academic skills?
Veterans Upward Bound is a free U.S. Department of Education program designed to help you refresh your academic skills and give you the confidence you need to successfully complete your degree.
The VUB program services include:
- Basic skills developments to help veterans successfully complete a high school equivalency program and gain admission to college education programs.
- Short-term remedial or refresher classes for high school graduates that have put off pursuing a college education.
- Assistance with applications to the college or university of choice.
- Assistance with applying for financial aid.
- Personalized counseling.
- Academic advice and assistance.
- Career counseling.
- Assistance in getting veterans services from other available resources.
- Exposure to cultural events, academic programs, and other educational activities not usually available to disadvantaged people.
The VUB program can help you improve your skills in:
- Mathematics
- Foreign Language
- Composition
- Laboratory Science
- Reading
- Literature
- Computer Basics
- Any other subjects you may need for success in education beyond high school
- Tutorial & Study Skills Assistance
To be eligible for VUB you must:
- Be a U.S. Military veteran with 181 or more days active duty service and discharged on/after January 31, 1955, under conditions other than dishonorable; and
- Meet the criteria for Low-income according to guidelines published annually by the U.S. Department of Education, AND/OR a first-generation potential college graduate; and
- Demonstrate academic need for Veterans Upward Bound; and
- Meet other local eligibility criteria as noted in the local VUB project’s Approved Grant Proposal, such as county of residence,etc.
November 27th, 2006 | Posted by Cheryl under Beginning or Continuing Education | Permalink