Back To School: Tips for Adult Learners
Getting back into a study routine can be difficult after being removed from a formal education setting for a decade or more. Taking the time to prepare your mind for the mental gymnastics that is college is essential if you hope to have a fulfilling college experience.
Here are a few tips to help you prepare for a return to formal education:
1.) Improve your computer skills
You MUST know how to use a computer if you hope to have success in college. Nearly all assignments and correspondence are completed through a computer. Prior to enrolling in your degree coursework, take up a few computer classes to ensure your skills are where they need to be.
The following skills are especially important:
Typing
Document Creation and Editing
E-mail
Web Browsing and Research
2.) Improve your writing and speaking skills
No matter what degree or career field you choose, every teacher/employer will expect an ability to communicate clearly and concisely. Take a business writing course or a speech class to help you develop these all important skills.
NOTE: If you have a disability that prohibits you from communicating clearly, research adaptive aids that can assist you with your communication. Visit the NHU resource page on Adaptive Communication Aids.
You can access free learning materials through these online portals:
Free math, English, computer, and career activities and curriculum:
Education Portal: Take Free Courses, Earn College Credit
GCF Learn Free
Free writing activities and curriculum:
Purdue Online Writing Lab
Free public speaking tips:
LJL Seminars
3.) Organize your life
You surely have numerous appointments and responsibilities to juggle as it is. Going back to school will multiply these responsibilities. If you do not use a calendar, now is a great time to start. Try to keep your schedule as consistent as possible so you can easily work in the demands of schooling. Remember, there are strict deadlines you must meet while in school. It is essential that you schedule the time to complete the necessary coursework and assignments.
4.) Refresh your study skills
Sitting down to read and comprehend a complex textbook can be very overwhelming. Before you get started in your schooling, it might do some good to work on your study and focus skills.
Check out Virginia Tech’s Study Skill Self Help webpage to help you enhance your study skill set.
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Good News for Federal Student Loan Borrowers
The U.S. Department of Education recently announced a new repayment plan that could lower your monthly federal student loan bill. The plan, known as Pay As You Earn, caps monthly payments for eligible recent graduates at 10 percent of discretionary income.
If you do not qualify for this new plan you may be able to take advantage of the Income-Based Repayment plan, which caps monthly loan payments at 15 percent of a borrower's discretionary income.
While both plans may result in greater interest being paid overtime, they are designed to help recent graduates weather the recovering economy and avoid the consequences of defaulting on their loans.
Borrowers who have at least one Direct Loan, or a loan in the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program that is eligible to be repaid under one of the income-driven plans can apply.
An application is available online by visiting studentloans.gov.
You will need to log in with your Federal Student Aid Pin to access the online applications. If you do not have a pin, visit pin.ed.gov.
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New Horizons Un-Limited 11th Annual Raffle and Silent Auction
Raffle Grand Prize: iPad Mini
Drawing: Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 3pm
Need not be present to win.
Tickets: $2 each, 3 for $5, 7 for $10, 20 for $20
Contact us to request your tickets: via phone, 414-299-0124 or via e-mail, horizons@new-horizons.org.
Check Out Our Silent Auction Item Preview
This year you can also participate in our silent auction even if you are unable to attend our live event. Simply keep track of the available items online via Bidding for Good: NHU Auction and e-mail us your bid!
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If you have questions or ideas, information and solutions that you would like to share with us, we can be reached by e-mail at: horizons@new-horizons.org
or to use our NHU E-Mail Form or NHU Community Forum, click on the links below.
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