Looking to go to college for the first time--need some advice (please).

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Permalink Reply by Linda J Ranger on September 24, 2009 at 7:53am

I would recommend IUPUI since you are going to have to take so many courses (years) to obtain a degree I feel it is best to have your degree from a major university like IU or Purdue. IUPUI is an excellent university and the IU school of medicine has much to offer. Of course there are many other universities you could consider but depending on your field of study and major it is usually best to have a degree from a well known university rather than a tech school. That is unless your work experience is very good in your field and a technical degree can give you the advantage you need in the job market to continue to succeed.

It sounds like you are undecided in your choice of fields. Make an appointment to be assessed by a university career counselor to evaluate your interests against possible degrees. Then also go to the student aid department to hear about your options for assistance. Some fields require additional education above bachelor's degree to continue in the field and would be best to stay away from at this point in your life.

My son got a degree in Informatics from IU in the IT branch and was offered a job before graduation from a student job fair since he too was out of college for a few years before going back to school and the employer was happy to find a more mature candidate with good work experience. There are also an Informatics degrees in Medical and Music. They are worth checking out since this can give you an IT degree with emphasis in your field of choice that is broader for a variety of jobs. My son also worked full time while going to school full-time since he had a job selling cell phones at the retail level that offered the type of hours he needed to work around his classes and since so much of the pay is commission he was able to make decent money also.

Good luck and keep us informed on your decision.

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Permalink Reply by Erik Deckers on September 24, 2009 at 8:31am

I agree with Linda on everything she said, but would make one minor change. You can go to Ivy Tech for the first couple of years, then you finish the last two years in your major classes at the university of your choice. The classes will carry over, and count toward your degree, but they will cost a whole lot less than IUPUI, IU, PU, and Ball State do. I've seen some figures where you can attend classes at Ivy Tech for less than $3,000 per year, as compared to the $5,000 - $7,000 you would pay at the bigger schools.

Ultimately, once you have your degree, the only place it's going to matter is on your resume. Employers won't ask for your transcript, or if they do, they're not going to care that you didn't spend all four years at one school. But you'll have saved a few thousand bucks.

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Permalink Reply by Michael R. on November 18, 2009 at 4:51am

Thanks for the sage advice, Erik. I admit, though, I am a bit leary on whether or not classes from Ivy Tech will carry over. I only say that because I've known a few folks over the years who have taken courses @ Ivy Tech and those credits did not carry over for whatever reason(s). Obviously, I'm still ignorant to it all so maybe it depends on the courses/major as to whether or not it carries over. Anyways, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts-much appreciated.

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Permalink Reply by Laura Frank on September 24, 2009 at 8:52am

IUPUI also has The Center on Philanthropy...sounds like a perfect fit.

I have a degree in Telecommunications because I too wanted to be a radio DJ. I was in radio for about a year and decided it wasn't for me. Unless you're Bob & Tom, it's kind of hard to break into the field and make money. Perhaps I wasn't passionate enough about it, who knows. But to fulfill my passion for music, I did minor in Music. Now I am working at a non-profit (government) in Communications. And I love it. Not trying to make this discussion all about me, it just sounds like we have similar interests (except for the medical field...I realized long ago biology and I don't mix well).

I just did a quick Google search for Scholarships and found this website: http://oedb.org/scholarship/indiana. Not sure if it is legit or not, but surely it may help.

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Permalink Reply by Michael R. on November 18, 2009 at 5:00am

Laura, I will look more into 'The Center on Philanthropy'. Thanks for providing that link. And, the AM radio DJ is somewhat of a pipe dream I suppose. I'd like to do it out of my own house; kinda like how Art Bell did 'Coast 2 Coast' for so many years. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and for providing the links. Cheers:)

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Permalink Reply by Kevin McCracken on September 24, 2009 at 4:55pm

You've already received some great advice. It takes a lot of courage to start (or re-start) college later in life ("Can I do the work?" "Am I too old?" "Am I smart enough") Kudos to you for working toward your dreams. That's truely admirable.

I believe that you get out of your education what you put into it. Choosing a school is very important, but choosing your attitude is more important.

I also believe that education changes people. So be prepared to change and be sensitive to how other in your life react to those changes.

Check out www.learnmoreindiana.org to see some career interest inventories, and loads of info regarding school/career choice.

I wish you the best and keep us posted on your choices!

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Permalink Reply by Lisa Schwaberow on September 30, 2009 at 6:02am

Kevin
I just graduated from colllege two years ago. I absolutely loved college as an adult (didn't care for school so much as a kid).
You will not be the only older adult in your classes. In every class I had plenty of peers.
There are general education classes you must take. Start with those, and often time you will discover what your major is by exploring the different topics. Go in to it (there is an official category for that!) undecided and your advisor can assist you.
Go for it-you will be glad you did!

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Permalink Reply by Michael R. on November 18, 2009 at 5:10am

Again, I'm not gonna lie, I am not looking forward to possibly having to take refresher math, english, and whatever other "general education" classes. Having to pay for them will make it ultra-excruciating, too. I just want to take the classes that are RELEVANT to what I need to learn in my major of choice. I don't see where algebra comes into play in all of this. lol

Thanks for the kind words, Lisa.

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Permalink Reply by Michael R. on November 18, 2009 at 5:05am

Yes, I am very much questioning whether or not I can do the work; not gonna lie about that. You're absolutely right, choosing an attitude is very important. I definitely have to make some 'internal' changes to make this happen. Thanks for the encouraging words and for providing the link to that website, Mr. McCracken (great last name, btw).

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Permalink Reply by Kevin McCracken on November 18, 2009 at 9:33am

I started my undergrad in earnest about eight years after HS. I had a family, worked full-time (plus overtime) and was full of doubt. I wanted an education more than anything, but had no idea if I could do the work, was smart enough, or could cope with the pressure.

It took me nine years to finish. I gained confidence along the way. In the end, I think I value the gratification I derived—just from persevering—more than the actual knowledge I gained.

It was a life-changing experience that played out in slow motion.

Good fortune, Mr. R (no sarcasm intended).

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Permalink Reply by Sara Croft on September 30, 2009 at 9:21am

Coming from someone who was the youngest in her class...I attended classes with many students who were in their 40s and 50s. I was an art history major and our classes were small as well, so to me that's normal!

I would not attend an out of state school until you can narrow your focus down more. You'll save money.

Also, the beauty of Gen-ed classes in a 4-year education is that you get to learn about a variety of different areas that might interest you!

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Permalink Reply by Michael R. on November 18, 2009 at 5:15am

Yeah, my best friend has a 4-year degree in Gen-ed from I.U. He is now in the entertainment business in L.A. making really good money. I'm being a bit sarcastic of course. I don't know if taking a bunch of different courses in different areas is something I really want to mess around with. I can see myself becoming very indecisive with which direction to take and ultimately becoming frustrated with my lack of attaining a degree in a certain amount of time, etc. I really want to narrow it down before I invest too much time in classes that aren't going to serve me in the long-term. Thanks for your comments, Sara.

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