8
Apr

2013

Are You Ready to Go Back to High School?

Apr 8, 2013 | 6:32 pm
Back to School
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Education is an important requirement for a great job and opportunity potential. However, as an adult, it may seem a little out of reach or even too daunting to consider. Whatever your circumstances, with the prevalence of online programs, getting a high school diploma has never been easier. If you’ve been on the fence, consider these statistics.

  • Those who don’t have a high school diploma earn $143 less than high school graduates, and $479 less than college graduates. (National Center for Education Statistics)
     
  • Joblessness among high school dropouts is at 12% while it is only at 4.1% for college graduates.

As with anything, being prepared can make all the difference in the world. To determine whether you are ready to get your high school diploma, take some time to consider these issues:

Time

While you will be able to set your own schedule, and often pace, going back to school will add a significant workload to your week. If you already have a hectic schedule, you may need to consider scaling back somewhere to make your education your top priority.

Money

These programs do have costs associated with them. The benefits of accelerated learning and an online support system make it worth the investment, however, you need to make sure you can afford not only the cost of the program, but the time spent completing it. Some workplaces offer payment compensation for going back to school. You might consider checking to see if the online program you choose qualifies for any programs your work might be offering.

Academic Considerations

If it’s been a while since you last went to school, or you feel especially weak in a certain area, make sure to talk to your online teachers about your concerns. You may even want to spend some time brushing up on some basics to help you feel more confident. The best programs will allow you to work at a speed and level that matches your abilities. Be honest about where you are so you can have a better chance at completing the program.

Support System

Having a good support system makes going through challenging periods that much easier. The same applies to going back to school. You will need help managing your time, family and studies. You will need to make sure that everyone in your life understands that you will have to devote quiet time to studying. Make sure you have support to help you deal with the added responsibility.

Technology
Since your lessons will be online, you will need to make sure you have consistent access to a computer with Internet access. You will also need to make sure you have a basic understanding of any software you might need and that you know how to use the Internet for research.

Like anything in life, the better prepared you are, the better your chances are for success. Knowing what lies ahead allows you to be realistic about your expectations. If you’re ready to take the next step, we encourage you to check out our online diploma program here.