Going back to school for older adults

“Enrolled in college at 30. Began teaching at 37. Am in my seventh year as a HS Construction teacher.

Beats working in the mud and heat and cold and dust and...”

“I meant Earth Science, not Life Science... :-)”

“LOL You must be a mind reader. I was going to bring this back this morning.

I had a question about the Addmision tests and Skills Assessment Exams

If I was to take it today, forget about it. I would fail in a heartbeat!

So can anyone recommend any books that will help me get ready for the tests?

Remeber, it's been a very long time since I was in school.
But, it helps having treebeard there to help me!”

“What are they using for an admissions test? SAT? ACT? There are a lot of study guides out there for those two tests. A skills assessment test is not really something you can crib for, since it's testing what skills you already have. Sort of like an aptitude test.”

“Teaching is a great profession. I love it.

Mr. Reformed Lurker”

“I think the whole teaching thing should have it's own thread... I'll start one!”

“See ya there, Artex.”

“mapleleaf, contact the school you are considering enrolling at to find out what assessment tests it uses for admissions and placement. Our school, a combined technical and community college, is open admission, but requires a test called Accuplacer that guides students into appropriate level classes for their skills. It is hard to swallow having to do remedial work (math is the lead culprit), but often those prep classes really boost confidence in underprepared (or long-time out of school) students that makes a big difference toward succeeding in the core program and gen ed courses that apply to a degree.

If you were coming to our school, mapleleaf, you'd meet with a counselor who would help you establish a plan and get the appropriate testing and assessments.”

“I returned to school last fall, at the ripe young age of 42. Two more weeks and I'll be finished these 2 courses(Chemistry and Biology) and starting Math and English.
At first the Chemistry seemed like a foreign language and I thought 'what am I doing here?'.
But it's all fine now, I'm an "A" student. I think a big difference in now compared to when I was 22 is then I could always pick something up later, now there is now later. It's now or never :)
And I've been really enjoying them.”

“Well...just wanted to say that my first semester going back to school Full Time last Fall didn't go as well as I would of liked...

But this Spring I got an 3.8 GPA and I got on Dean's List!!!

WOO-HOO!!!”

“GOOD FOR YOU!!
congrads!!”

“What's being studied?”

“Congratulations!!!”

“WOW...talk about quick responses!

I think I just used a time portal to post!

Thanks Mapleleaf!”

“I'm doing a dual-major, BS Environmental Studies and Biology, with a minor in Chemistry.”

“Big kudos to you, Ad! I went back to school for paralegal studies in 2000 and got better grades than ever in my life. Feels good, doesn't it?”

“I noticed that when I was in school...the "older adults" always seemed to do well. I think they were more focused and more dedicated.



I also noticed they did not spend all night at the Frat parties. Hmmm,,,I wonder if there was any correlation?”

“Thanks...yeah he sure does feel good! I even received an A in Physics 2...only 3 A's in the class. I couldn't believe that one!”

“yes i just signed up for some classes .
math
reading/writing
to take over the summer

then (with fingers crossed) I'll start the Veterinary technology classes in Aug.”

“I like to study in the library on Saturday mornings...Its always empty!”

“Good Luck Mapleleaf!

you can do it!”

“I do see a correlation.

Everybody I went to school with was way too hungover to study on Saturday morning.”

“I'm waiting to hear from Hunter - I'm hoping to start this Fall!

I even have my classes picked out - just need the confirmation!! I'm so eager to start already....grrrrrrr”

“I took classes over the summer just to get further ahead...”

“as soon as they let me in - I'm there - I would start tomm if they let me!

but again - Congratulations - you're doing an amazing job and one day you're going to have the most incredible job! Kudoo's!!”

“yes yes yes!!!
i just found out that it is a 2 year degree!!(not sure why i thought this was a 4 year degree)
so if all goes well the party will be
June 2005
place
my house brookyln ny!!!!”

“WAIT!!! I'm supposed to get a job after all this???

Just Kidding!

It's going to be hard to decide what to do!”

“TT i think you can call to find out. give it a try. worse case they don't have the info but at least you will find out. i thnk id go insane waiting to find out yes or no.

no worries Twinks. we will be young hot college babes in due time.

treebeard said he is going to buy me a Scooby Doo lunch box!!”

“Great news. Congratulations. Have Ms. Adventurist hang it up on the fridge!”

“I called today - CUNY headquarters - and it has not processed yet.

My transcripts are in transit (I've got them coming from 3 different places).

They said I should know by June 10th. Then it goes to Hunter.

ARghhhhh - I'm going to go insane!!!”

“LOL...Geobeet its already attached to the Fridge with a magnet!”

“I gotta tell you that sometimes good plans can go very wrong!
this was the deal.
I was going to spend the summer going to Cont. Ed. classes and then in Aug I would take the Addmission/Placement Test.

But when I went and reg. on Wed....

NO NO NO thats not how it is done. well thank you very friggen much :(

I take the test this Sat and then I find out my classes in Aug.

So ive been cramming just the basic stuff......

Boy this is going to be a very wild ride for the next 3 years. But I took the biggest step...I DID IT BY REG!!!


So everyone have nothing but GOOD thoughts between the hours of
10:00am to 4:00pm this Sat.”

“You will do just fine, Maple dear...”

“I know it can be done because I did it. It's actually easier because you focus so much better. I started teaching when I was 29 and am stiil at it. The advantage to this is that when my students get really discouraged, I can assure them that it's not the end of the world or of their opportunities.

Good luck with the tests and never give up. Please keep us all informed.”

“thanks grem and tree.
Just the fact that I am doing this after what must have been at least 15 years of nothing but talking about going to college.

I will be fine. Just, I am not a big fan of taking tests. I once walked out of a job interveiw because they wanted to test my typing and stuff like that. Not the best move but I got scared.

I may need a Margarita before the test
I will be having one after for sure!

:P”

“ok someone just posted this on the other site and made me laugh!


"remember, you gotta pay for the privilege of sticking your arm all the way up the private parts of a cow to do a breech birth or fix a prolapsed uterus"”

“Do your best, and whatever happens, you will at the very least have learned something about yourself. My hunch is that you will do well. Let the butterflies go. Remember this: you are the MOM!”

“You go girl!! I took a step this week as well. I finally declared my major Human Services/Social Services. I took the entrance test uuuummm....a LONG time ago and I was afraid I would have to take it again...(like you I hate testing...took me 6 tries to get my insurance liecense) WELL...I was veeeerrrryyyyy....happy to find out I just have to get my English and Math up to date. Is really cool to know I've got a heading on my course now.

You will be fine though..deep breath and just do it!!”

“You will do just fine. You are a strong person, with determination and passion. I will be thinking good thoughts for you on Saturday.”

“thanks guys.
Yes I will have to take courses on the basic MAth/Reading/writing...and thats ok. I am willing to do it. What ever makes it easier to understand what I am doing LOL

So that is why it will be 3 years instead of the 2 years to earn my Degree.”

“kick that test's ass, Maple! :-)”

“mapleleaf, many -- if not most! -- of my best students are returning moms. Believe in yourself, take advantage of all resources available for skill building and student academic support, and keep your eyes on the goal. When you face a hurdle in a class, keep a positive frame around the thought -- instead of "What did I do wrong this time?" ask yourself and the instructor, "How can I do better next time?" The 3 years will go by so much faster than you can imagine.

Good luck and don't forget to breathe.”

“Maple,

You will be fine! You will be great!

Remember, this is simply a placement exam. It will not make or break your entire future. You will go to college and kick major college booty regardless of whether you totally ace this test or not!

2 years. 3 years. What's the difference when you've been away from school for so long?

You can do it!”

“You can do it, Watergirl!”

“LOL

thank you everyone..
Your support does mean alot and is helping me.

ok so maybe I will need a mental thought?

any ideas?

:D”

“Only ONE Margarita?”

“Maple, I think a lot of what school teaches is perseverence and the ablitly to zig around the zags. Those lessons are just as important as the academic ones.

You go girl!”

“Mapleleaf, I'm sure you'll do well on it! It's just another opportunity to learn about yourself. It will measure your academic strengths as well as weaknesses. You could get some seriously good news out of this.

Just do your best ¦ ) .”

“congrats to mapleleaf and crazygirl, it is a big step to go back to school plus if your working it makes it tough. But I bet both of you will do great :)”