How Non-Traditional Students Can Get Ready for College
Non-traditional students are a growing demographic in the United States: 58% of students currently taking college courses fall into this category, and 75% of all undergraduate students have at least one non-traditional characteristic. You may be a non-traditional student (often shortened to “non-trad”) if you:
- Did not enter college right after graduating from high school
- Can only attend college part-time
- Work at least 35 hours per week
- Are financially independent
- Have children or other dependents
- Are a single parent
- Have a GED rather than a high school diploma
Being a non-traditional student actually gives you some advantages over newly minted high school graduates in preparing for college life. You’re likely to have stronger time management skills, a greater variety of life skills, a better understanding of finances, more psychological maturity, and more valuable work experience than them. Yet you’ll have your own unique challenges, too.
College Preparation Strategies
Here’s how to prepare for college in light of these challenges:
- Choose online or in-person programs that offer flexibility, support for non-traditional students, and class times that work around your other schedule commitments.
- Know the withdrawal deadline for each semester in case you need to change your academic plans. This will prevent the withdrawn course from negatively impacting your GPA.
- Carefully review the required reading list for each class as far in advance as possible so you can obtain affordable materials and complete any prerequisite work ahead of the first day.
- If you’re attending in person, find out if your school offers childcare, which can help you take classes or accomplish other things on campus during traditional hours.
- Familiarize yourself with campus computer labs and digital skills workshops or classes to ensure you can complete your coursework and stay up to date with technology.
- Find out if your school offers financial aid tailored for non-traditional students; find out if your employer offers tuition reimbursement or assistance.
- Your life experiences and perspective can be an asset in the classroom. Embrace your non-traditional status and contribute your unique insights.
- Seek out college resources such as academic advisors, tutoring services, and career centers to keep you on track.
- Seek out other forms of practical and emotional support. Communicate your new needs as a student to your partner, dependents, friends, and family members. This can help you get help and encouragement when you need it most.
Prepare for Student Life With On Point for College
On Point for College helps traditional and non-traditional students in the Central New York region overcome the barriers to higher education and careers. We support our students from application through graduation and beyond, empowering them to fulfill their dreams and achieve their potential, which ultimately benefits both individuals and our community.
Our Education Services team provides a range of services designed to help On Point students and graduates find career opportunities and employment that align with their skills and education. Join us to get comprehensive assistance with preparing for college.
Ready to become a part of On Point for College? Fill out our new student interest form here.