AboutCynthia Wolfe Expertise Let me help you with questions about adult education and continuing education programs. If you are looking for a program or have questions about adult education in general, I can guide you. If you are a teacher looking for new ideas or methods, I can help. I have resources and ideas to share. I am a member of the National Business Education Association (NBEA), a professional organization devoted to the recognition that business education competencies are essential for all individuals in today's fast-changing society.
Experience I am an instructor at the University of Phoenix, working in online and classroom modalities. I am also a student at Northcentral University, where I am working on a PhD in Business Administration, with a specialty in Management. My MBA is from Troy University, 2001, and I have a BS, Environmental Science, from Troy University, 1980. Read about my experiences as an online student at my blog thinkPhD.
Question Hi. Let me give you some background info before I ask my question. I'm 30 years old and about to leave the Marine Corps after 4 years. I have 23 college credits that I acquired over 6 years of on-again/off-again community college. I never attended high school, having been something of a reckless and irresponsible youth. I just recently got my GED through the education center on base and I scored a battery average of 724. I'm married with my first child in the oven. We will be moving to N. VA/ Washington DC area where my wife has a job.
My question is how hard is it for someone in my situation to attend a good university? I'm hoping to attend George Mason or UM at College Park. Unfortunately there aren't a lot of "safe" schools in the DC area, only top tier ones. My wife tells me that I have a lot of factors going for me in the 'non-traditional student' area, but I'm worried that no decent university will be eager to grab a 30 yr old Jr High drop out. How do my odds look and what can I do to improve them? I know this is a rather vague question, but I feel lost.
Answer Hi Eddie,
Thanks for asking a question. Congratulations on passing your GED! This is no small task! Now, let's work on stopping the negative talk...you are not a 30 yr Jr High drop out. You are a veteran who wants an education, and who will find some way to make that happen. Period.
Realistically, you are "competing" with everyone else who wants to go to college, because there are limited spots available. But remember, you compete for spots in line just as with any job or place in line at the movie theatre.
I recommend putting things in order:
1. Find out what benefits exist from your service in the Marine Corps. Do you qualify for any programs?
2. Get a copy of your GED and any training or class certificates. Find out how to get a transcript from the Corps. You will need a transcript and list of classes to apply to college.
3. Call UM or George Mason, as well as the local community college and ask for enrollment information, scholarship information, and any discounts that apply to veterans.
4. Read all you can here: http://www.military.com/education-home/, especially the links to the left which include Money for School and Timesaving Programs.
5. Fill out the FAFSA (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/). Good information here: http://www.finaid.org/military/fafsa.phtml
I cannot see your educ or military records, so I cannot tell you how the odds look. However, I can tell you that you can increase your odds by being proactive. The list of 5 steps is simply the beginning.
You may feel a little out of place when you return to civilian life. Setting a goal, such as getting a college education, is one way to stay focused on success. Make your military service count for you in civilian life by following up on available benefits and putting your self-control and gumption to work.
Best of luck with your educational path,
Cindy Wolfe
www.thinkPhD.com
