Is it normal to want to go back to college after a significant break?

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6 Comments

More specifically without an adequate amount of funds. I graduated high school in '05. Went immediately to NIU for 3 semesters studying Illustration. I did horrible in my Gen eds, but did well in my art classes, despite various instructor critiques. Left NIU, went to community college for a couple semesters and basically accumulated no credits. They were all Gen eds. Now its been between 3-4 years since I've been to school. Now after about 5 years of back breaking labor, I'd like to go to an art school that doesn't require Gen eds. I realise if I start now and finish, i'll end up almost 30 years old with a crippling $80,000+ debt and no specific guarantee that I could find a career with my diploma. Any experienced professionals or current art students are more than welcome to respond with advice. IE: Loans, grants, scholarships, etc.

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Based on 41 votes (37 yes)
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Comments ( 6 )
  • [Old Memory]
    12 years ago

    Go for it ! I'm only just getting back too college after years of messing about & I'm 20 (that's considered old here) :/ good luck ! X

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  • Ldizzy1234
    12 years ago

    A lot of people do it. Its normal. I skipped two semesters, and now I'm finally planning on going back with a clear head. I was just confused about what I wanted to do when I was going. Instead of wasting more money doing something I was unsure about, I decided to take a break and think things over before going back.

    And when I was there, I met a lot of people who were like 27 and just coming back after years of waiting. Its totally normal. Sometimes you just get so comfortable with not going, that you soon realize how badly you wanna go back.

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  • Anonymous Post Author
    12 years ago

    Thanks everyone for the advice.

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  • lc1988
    12 years ago

    fafsa.

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  • Who_Fan4Life
    12 years ago

    This probably won't be the best advice ever, but I can most definitely relate to your position. I'm 22 now, and I desperately want to get back into college. I did the whole lets-go-right-into-college after high school thing, and then left after a year. It sucks.

    But what you have to watch out for, are the jobs. What is the projected job forecast? What is the demand of the job you want to pursue? And of course count the debt that you'd have accumulated. All a big decision and I know where you're coming from.

    Good luck.

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  • tbiM20
    12 years ago

    I'm not an art student, but my bf started college late and got a couple grants because of it. If you're in the U.S., look up "Higher Education Policy Commission", they do all sorts of grants. For example, I got one specific to my degree if I worked in my state for 4 years (keeping young professionals in-state). My bf got one through the state rehabilitation authority for his bipolar disorder. Lots of little scholarships can add up. Did your parents or grandparents complete a college degree? There is a scholarship for being "first in your family" to go to college, or an alumnus scholarship if you go to the school your parents did. Married, single mom/dad, or financially independent of your parents? Any military in your family? Anything you can think of, you could find financial aid for. It's been one of the current administration's focuses. I'm sure other countries with similar academic systems have the same types of scholarships. You could also ask private companies for sponsorships, or look for other scholarships. It's all out there.

    Also, might want to consider other schools, maybe the next state over is cheaper than in-state. At MU we had a bunch of people from new jersey because our out-of-state tuition was cheaper for them than any school they could commute to.

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