When a new adventure or task seems challenging, we can be great at coming up with excuses.
We rationalize why it’d be in our best interest not to take on an opportunity or try something new.
In some cases, this is helpful. For example, you may rationalize the need to sleep and start fresh the next day on a work project rather than staying up into the wee hours of the morning to get it done.
But in other cases, we may rationalize against trying something new or different just because we are afraid of what it might entail. For some, deciding to go back to school comes with excuses not to.
Choosing to invest in yourself and make a move into the classroom is a big step and one that can empower you to reach your goals. Most often, the steps that can bring influential change are rarely a piece of cake.
Excuses of Going Back to School as an Adult
If you’ve fallen into the skepticism of returning to the classroom as a busy working adult, you may not have all the facts. To help, here we share six excuses you may be telling yourself about going back to school as an adult as well as the actual truths that you can experience.
Excuse #1: “I don’t have time …”
Truth: Learn in a convenient program format.
Have you ever felt that you need more than 24 hours in a day to get everything done that you need to? If you’ve already got a busy schedule, it can be difficult to even consider how you can add the responsibility of pursuing a degree.
In fact, according to an article by EAB titled “Understanding Degree Completers’ Mindset and Path to Enrollment” (2020), 47% of nontraditional students were concerned about having enough time when thinking about returning to school.
But the beauty of some classrooms today is that whether in person, livestream or 100% online, the format is designed for you. With online options and the one-class-at-a-time format, including study time in your schedule is possible. At Cornerstone University, you can choose the learning format that works best for you and your schedule, whether that’s 100% online or one night a week on campus or via livestream.
These consistent formats allow you to learn in a way that meets your needs and empower you to thrive in all your responsibilities. Think working full-time prevents you from having study time? With options like these, making time for school and work is possible.
Excuse #2: “I haven’t been in school for a long time …”
Truth: Get access to helpful academic support.
Today’s classroom has changed. With research databases and online forums, we’ve gone digital in new ways. Yet these innovations don’t need to hinder your progress forward.
When going back to school, you’ll be supported by your fellow classmates, professors and a team of staff who want to see you succeed in your program. Schools like Cornerstone University offer academic support options such as tutoring, writing help, library assistance and much more.
With a plethora of resources, you can easily get back into the swing of learning whether it’s been three or 30 years since you picked up a textbook or wrote a paper. Get access to resources that can help you make this important transition, whether you’ve mastered the latest technology or are nervous about going online.
With a supportive community like at Cornerstone, you can conquer your fears about returning back to the classroom at the stage of life you’re in right now.
Excuse #3: “I’ll be the oldest one …”
Truth: Learn alongside peers in similar life situations as you.
Unlike a traditional undergraduate program, the students in a professional or graduate program setting are most often working adults who’ve gained job and life experience. Adult learners find solidarity and encouragement in learning alongside those who may be in similar life situations and balancing the same priorities. EAB (2020) found that for those seeking to complete their degree, 67% wanted a program where they could learn alongside other students in similar situations.
Rather than coming straight out of high school, they have had years in between navigating their own life path and career opportunities. That real-life experience brings a lot of value to classroom learning.
Your peers in your physical or virtual classroom know what it’s like to balance work, family, school and other responsibilities. In fact, the average age of students at PGS is 37 years old.
There’s diversity in age, gender, ethnicity, race, religious background, industry and educational history so you can learn from the experiences of others. All that collaboration helps you to be supported in your journey together.
Excuse #4: “It’s too expensive …”
Truth: Discover affordable options with grants and loans.
Perhaps one of the biggest concerns that arise when determining whether it’s time to go back to school is the cost. EAB (2020) found that 67% of students thinking about returning to school were concerned about being able to afford the degree.
With the seeming rise of student loan debt and other financial concerns, the question of “How am I going to pay for this?” is certainly valid. But like other college students, you have opportunities for grants, loans and scholarships to help you make this important investment in your future.
With grants, you don’t need to repay this amount. The federal Pell Grant or the Michigan Tuition Grant provides eligible students a reduced tuition cost. Loans are also available to help you cover the balance.
While Cornerstone is a private school, that does not mean tuition rates are high. In fact, our tuition rates for our programs are very competitive with area schools. You’ll also work with your student financial services specialist to discover affordable options for you and your lifestyle. They’ll help you navigate the aid available to you and get you started on your degree on the right financial foot.
Excuse #5: “It’s been years since I’ve taken a standardized test …”
Truth: Embrace your practical experience.
Test anxiety is a common concern for many students, regardless of your age. For many of us, we stopped taking tests when we graduated high school or earned our GED.
A degree program at Cornerstone is designed to emphasize practical application over standardized tests and exams. Equipped with years in the working world, that experience has immense value as you continue your professional development. What you learn in the classroom has essential application to your real-world responsibilities that can’t go unnoticed.
When you’re looking to join a program, you also won’t need to take a standardized test like the SAT for bachelor’s programs or the GRE or GMAT for master’s programs. However, our Ed.D. program does require an entrance exam as part of the admissions process.
Move Beyond Excuses and On To Your Goals
There comes a time in your research and consideration stage of looking into going back to school as an adult where you need to stop coming up with excuses and make a decision.
Perhaps that day is today.
At Cornerstone, our supportive team of staff can walk you through each excuse that may be holding you back from pursuing your degree and guide you in pursuing your goals. To learn more, connect with our enrollment team and look through our degree programs. You can discover a convenient program format designed to empower you to succeed as you take on this next adventure, without excuses.
