In This Issue

• Ask the Experts: Will My Academic History Hurt My Chances?
• Feature Articles: Choosing a Major
  Enhancing Education: The Benefits of Service Learning
  
• Special Reports: Trends in College Pricing (2005)
  
• Online Discussion Forums: Going Back/Changing Careers

Question: Hello! I currently have a B.S. in Natural Science (1995) from an accredited school, graduated with mediocre grades not really knowing what career I wanted to pursue (I am 28), and my transcripts include a hodgepodge of classes that lack focus. My goal is to work with people (preferably children) as a therapist (either a physical therapist or an occupational therapist). However, I am concerned that my academic history will put me at a big disadvantage for qualifying for any graduate programs, given how unfocused my coursework was at the time and as I have forgotten much of what I've learned in college.

Do you think it is a good idea to retake some classes (such as anatomy and physiology) in order to improve my grades and refresh my memory, if and when I'm ready to enroll in a graduate program? Also, as I am 2 years shy of paying off my student loans for my undergraduate degree, I am a bit reluctant about putting myself back in debt. I will still need to work full time to help my husband pay for our living expenses and mortgage. Do you know of any programs that will allow me to attend part-time? Thanks so much for all you do and the encouragement you give to everyone! - Kayla

Answer: Kayla, make sure you have your career goals defined by getting some career counseling at your local community college. There are many programs designed for part-time adult students. Let the advisor at the graduate school you want to attend suggest which courses to take to "refresh" your learning. Earn good grades in these courses, and that will help raise your GPA for graduate school admissions. Education is costly, so you may want to seek employment with a company/firm that will pay for your graduate studies in your selected field of study. You may need to take out more student loans, but always include in your calculations the higher salary you could earn when you completed your graduate degree. The increased income may offset your student loans. - Faith

More Ask the Experts.

NYU's Undergraduate Degrees for Adults
Now that you have the chance, realize your true potential-get the college degree you've always deserved. NYU responds to your needs as an adult student with classes convenient for your busy schedule. Sign up to receive more information, and find out how NYU's Paul McGhee Division can reveal your possibilities, both personally and professionally.

Feature Article: Choosing a Major
by Catherine Rogers. When deciding on your potential field of study, you are wise to consider several factors. Job outlook, program length, potential salary, and location of positions are all issues to study at length. But don’t overlook some subtle aspects, such as your life’s priorities and what you enjoy doing.

When I attended college the first time, I debated between two distinctively different majors: education and fashion merchandising. Because of the overabundance of teachers in the early 1980’s, my family discouraged the education field. I eventually chose to major in business, but never felt that it was a good fit. I did, however, take a fashion merchandising and a journalism class as electives.

My first job out of college was as an assistant store manager for a women’s clothing store chain, which lasted only slightly longer than a summer position. From there, I moved on to a position in data processing for an accounting firm. However, within three years, I found myself back in college to obtain a teaching certification. It seems that was where I was headed all along.

Now many years out of college the second time around, I have taught business and computer classes for over ten years. Currently I coordinate non-credit career development courses for a university, and I also teach classes in proofreading and computer applications on an adjunct basis. I find teaching a very rewarding profession and also enjoy volunteering as a class reader at a local elementary school.

So, how can you make the right decision the first time? Where should you turn for guidance on how to choose a major? Fortunately, many valuable resources exist, including books, Web sites, and people you know.

Read the Full Article.

More Features.

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NYU's Undergraduate Degrees for Adults
Now that you have the chance, realize your true potential-get the college degree you've always deserved. NYU responds to your needs as an adult student with classes convenient for your busy schedule. Sign up to receive more information, and find out how NYU's Paul McGhee Division can reveal your possibilities, both personally and professionally.

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The College Board's Annual Survey of Colleges provides information on tuition and other expenses associated with attending public and private insitutions in the United States. Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader for viewing, which is free to download. View the report.

• Going Back/Changing Careers
  
  
• How Many of You are Changing Careers?
  
  
• Too Old/Too Poor to Go Back to School or Not?
  
  
• Transition from Full-Time Working Adult to Full-Time Student
  
  
• More from the Online Discussion Forums...