Not only can dropping out of college have a significant negative impact on your career goals and aspirations, but it can also leave you with feelings of shame and disappointment. However, dropping out of college is nothing to be ashamed of – there are a huge number of completely normal and understandable reasons why you might not have been able to continue your education at one point in time. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean that you have to wave goodbye to your dream of a degree forever! In this guide, we’ll be discussing five of our top tips to help you get back on track and return to education.
Reflect on Your Reasons for Dropping Out
First and foremost, before you start to consider the options you have to return to the classroom, it’s important to reflect on the reason you dropped out of college. Evaluating whether your circumstances have changed and whether you have the ability to overcome these challenges is one of the best ways to decide if you will be successful at finally completing your degree when you return to college after a break.
Research Re-Enrollment Options
Next, understanding the academic or administrative requirements needed to re-enroll at your college is one of the first things you should do when exploring the feasibility of returning to complete your degree. Different institutions have different rules for returning students, and you should contact the enrollment office as soon as possible to discuss their policies. Don’t worry if the answer is a no – there are plenty of other options that you can consider that will help you get back on track.
Explore the Possibility of Part-Time Study
If full-time re-enrollment isn’t going to be feasible for you, then it might be worthwhile to explore the possibility of returning to education part-time instead. Part-time study offers you the flexibility to stay in employment, raise children, or care for a lovedone while you learn, and you’ll still be able to gain your degree – it might just take a little longer.
Consider a Degree Completion Program
Not looking to re-enroll on campus? Why not consider an online degree completion program? These programs are specifically designed for individuals who have been forced to drop out of college, for any reason, and they can be completed online to work flexibly around your other commitments. By choosing a degree completion program, you can receive all the benefits of a college education, including a higher post-degree salary and lower risk of unemployment, without the pressure of attending a large in-person institution.
Stay Focusedon Your Goals
Once you’ve determined the best option for you to get back into education, the next step is staying focused on your goals and sticking to your commitment. Returning to college after a break can be challenging, but by establishing a healthy study schedule and keeping the end goal in sight, you’ll have a much higher chance of reaching your goals.
Whatever your reasons for dropping out of college, understand that your dream isn’t over! By following some of the top tips in this guide and exploring the potential of online study or a degree completion program, you can settle back into education, achieve your ambition and open up new doors for your career.
