Chapter Summaries

Chapter 1, “Time to Regroup” is written with a special nod to Baby Boomers entertaining thoughts of returning to school. Perhaps you were laid off last week or the last child graduated or a friend is returning to school. If you are wondering “what now” (or, “what happened?”) Chapter 1 has something for you!  This chapter offers insight to often-overlooked subtleties that can block a journey before it begins. By the end of Chapter 1 the reader will be better equipped to answer the question “is an educational journey right for me?”

Chapter 2, “A Journey Considered” explores common next questions:

  • Is this the best time for me to return to school?
  • Can I succeed as a student?
  • How do I decide what to study?
  • Am I too old for a career as a ___?
  • And the ultimate question: Is it worth it?

Chapter 3, “It Really Is All About You” digs into the personal and financial details of returning to school. A three-step process points the career-changer toward a personally wise educational choice. Ten questions encourage healthy investment decisions for this endeavor – and include a chart to track finances along the way.

Chapter 4, “Going Back to School” describes educational models open to today’s students and how to choose the best one for you. Key aspects of the admissions process are highlighted with tips to help you get into the program you want.  The chapter ends with tips on how to psyche yourself up for the first day of class!

Chapter 5, “Enjoying the Journey” offers simple suggestions to make your school days memorable (in a good way.)

Chapter 6, “Making the Leap” lays out ideas career-changers can implement for a successful transition to the next endeavor.

Chapter 7, “Travel Stories” closes this edition of Back to School for Grownups with real-life stories from individuals like you and me who returned to school and succeeded.  Enjoy!

An Addendum provides the complete results of the Higher Education Professionals Survey conducted exclusively for this edition.   This survey asked those on the other side of the desk:

  1. Have you seen an increase in the number of adults returning to school?  Why or why not?
  2. What are the three most common characteristics of successful adult students?
  3. What are the three most common derailers for adult students?
  4. What one thing should adult students returning to school know?