Why Going Back to College Doesn't Have to Be Scary: General Education Requirements

If I had a quarter for each time someone says, "I want to go back to school but I don't know what I want to be," I'd already have paid for my dream vacation. (Yes, I said a "quarter." You have to admit a "penny" doesn't go far these days. That's why you need a college education.) To each person I respond, "The beauty of going back to college is that you don't have to know what you want to be." The important thing is just to get started.

Begin With General Education Requirements

When you start your higher education, everyone has to take courses to satisfy general education requirements. Whether you seek a two-year degree (A.A. or A.S.) or a four-year degree (B.A., B.S), you have to satisfy the basic: "reading and writing and 'rithmatic."

If you are like most people (just as I was), you may be scared of English or Math. I understand. But let me share a not so little secret. Once you take your college/university placement test, you will be placed at the exact level of English or Math that matches your capabilities. Simply put, "You can do it!"

Attending your first English or Math class isn't scary because the instruction you will receive is at a level that the college/university acknowledges you have the proven (tested) ability to comprehend. Once you have learned those basic nuggets of knowledge, that knowledge is something that can never be taken from you. As a wise person once said, and I paraphrase, "you can take away my food and shelter, but you can't take away my mind." This is true for you. Once you have obtained any measure of knowledge, it is yours to keep - forever.

Remedial Classes

What is a remedial class? A remedial class is course that does not count toward your degree. Basically, it a refresher course. It will help you succeed in higher classes in the same subject matter. It does NOT mean you are dumb. For example, if you haven't played that video game in a while or sang that song you knew as a kid on a regular basis, you likely need to be reminded how to do it. A remedial course is the same thing.

When I first went back to school as a grandmother I knew I wanted a law degree. Before I could go to graduate school, I had to first go back and finish my high school. How's that for remedial? My high school classes and my remedial Math classes at the local community college helped me succeed in the classes that counted towards my general education credits for my degrees. Remedial classes are not scary. But, they are a great benefit for those who attend them.

English First

Going back to school doesn't have to be scary if you consider taking your English classes first. Why English first? Most every course will include a written component. In order TO convey your message, you must know HOW to convey the message.

It's all comes down to communication. It doesn't matter if you are in a Psychology class or Computer Technology class. If you can't express in writing that you understand what you have been taught, your instructor will never pass you.

Have you ever been in a situation where you clearly understood a concept or question, but were unable to express it? That's what I'm talking about. It's like being in a foreign country. You are thirsty. You SEE a glass of water. You WANT the glass of water. But you don't know how to ASK for the glass of water.

I repeat this because it is so important. Take your English classes first. You will learn critical thinking skills and the power to convey your message. The real scary thing about going back to college is having knowledge and not being able to express it. So, embrace your English class and just take it. As a result, you will ensure that you are a success in each subsequent class.

Transferable Credits

Finally, if you start at a two-year college, just make sure to consult the catalog of the university you hope to attend. Make sure that you select general education classes whose credits are transferable from the two-year college to the university. There is nothing more frustrating than taking a non-remedial course at a two-year college only to discover that you have to take it again at the university.

Take it from someone who has been there. Start your college/university by focusing on your general education requirements. Take English first or early on in your educational career. By making these and other informed decisions, college doesn't have to be scary. Really.