Applying to college as a nontraditional student can be intimidating. Older individuals, in particular, may feel as though they are at a disadvantage when their high school experiences are five, 10 or 20 years in the past.
The reality, however, is that many college students are considered nontraditional — according to the National Center for Education Statistics, as of 2012, 38 percent of college students were over age 25.
If you are applying to college after some time away from academia, here are several steps you can take to ensure your application stands out.
1. Outline any steps you have taken to return to an academic frame of mind: At age 24, Carrie was a valued member of the lab where she worked as a technician, but she realized she wanted to focus on building better tools for analyzing scientific data.
When she applied to college to study computer science, she highlighted a year of online classes and independent study she completed that focused on computer programming — this demonstrated her seriousness to attend college.
This is a great way for nontraditional students to prove that they are ready for college: document ways you have re-entered an academic mindset. Online courses, regardless of the subject matter, are one way to demonstrate your intent.
Discuss any classes with requirements beyond lectures — homework assignments, discussion groups and research projects can all carry extra weight.
[See answers to three common questions from nontraditional students. ]
Other factors to mention include the agency or company sponsoring the course, the credentials of the person leading the class and the total amount of time you invested. For example, is the instructor a university professor or a teacher at a local school? Did a community college or a continuing education program offer the course? How many hours of lectures did you listen to and how much homework was required?
Even if you did not complete an official class, book clubs, study skills seminars and similar learning opportunities can all suggest that you are re-engaged with formal learning.
Certain colleges and universities that focus on serving nontraditional students may have a specific portion of the application where applicants can note any courses they took as an adult. At many institutions, however, you will need to discuss your nontraditional education in your personal statement or admissions interview.
2. Detail how a college degree fits within your current and future career path: James was in his 30s when he realized he would never be able to spend time with his children if he continued to work two part-time jobs to support his family. He loved helping animals and people and enjoyed his work as a veterinary technician, so he decided to return to school for a veterinary medicine degree.
During his interviews with admissions committees, he spoke about how his love of animals has been a theme throughout his life. He also discussed the ways a college degree would help him make a bigger impact as well as take better care of his family.
Whenever possible, use your personal statement to demonstrate that you have a plan and a strong desire to change your life or the world. Be explicit about your history and passionate about your motivation. If family obligations deferred your dreams, explain how you put your loved ones first in your life for a time but that now it is your turn.
[Find scholarships for nontraditional students.]
3. Discuss any skills that are unique and specifically attributable to college: At age 27, Damon was honorably discharged from the U , S , Army after serving as a helicopter mechanic. His dream was to save lives just like the medics he had known in the military.
Although he had no time for formal study to show his intent, Damon was able to cite the discipline and rigor of his Army training. Keeping a helicopter in the air required incredible attention to detail, a strong work ethic and a refusal to compromise quality — all traits that would benefit a future medical student.
Of course, you do not have to have served in the military to be exceptional and stand out. Fast food service, for example, requires attention to detail, extensive knowledge of food safety regulations and excellent time management skills. Stay-at-home parents learn how to balance competing demands on their time while also meeting the complicated logistics of feeding and housing a family.
When preparing your college applications, review your life experience for skills you have learned to do well and that set you apart from others. Connect those skills to the tasks that college students need to master to succeed.
Starting college after some time away can be a true challenge. Whether in the personal statement or during your interview, inform the admissions staff that you have already faced difficult situations and thrived and that you are prepared to do the same at their institution.
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Stand Out as a Nontraditional College Applicant originally appeared on usnews.com
