Looking for a Response

[fredminor2013]

Hello to all,

I think I understand. I'm supposed to post a thread and wait for a response. Well, here goes something.
I recently was accepted at a community college here in Denver. I went to the library to get some pre-college material and the librarian suggested this book, "The Adult Student Guide" and it's helped me very much! Mostly with my fears and anxiety about my age. I just turned 49 and I'm really scared. I have to apply for FAFSA and have already applied for COF.
The most important question I have is "How do you pick a major?" I don't want to waste time and money on a career I may not enjoy! I've heard of a Career Assesment Test, is that a good start?
Going off-line now. Will check back. Thank You.

[mklaebel]

Hi. I'm new here, but I do have a couple of thoughts about your question.

When you choose a major, think in terms of what you enjoy doing. For instance, if you like to write, you might become an English or Communications major.

However, if you aren't sure, you can be "undeclared" for at least a semester or two. During that time, take your core math, English, history and science classes (those that are required for virtually every major). By the time you finish those, you may have a better idea what you want to do. You can also get guidance on campus.

Good luck. It seems overwhelming now, but you'll enjoy it once you get started. College is much different from high school and going back as an older learner (I was 25 the first time, 35 the second) makes it more interesting.

[Thomas]

I'm sure this is way past due and you've already made your decision, but let's keep this going in case anyone else has a similar question.

Another option is to research career exploration workshops in your area. In Minnesota, they're sponsored by the Workforce Center. These are usually facilitated at multiple times in order to accommodate different schedules.

Had I known about them beforehand, I probably wouldn't have wasted a year in a program I couldn't stand.

(02-21-2010 04:13 PM)fredminor2013 Wrote:  Hello to all,

I think I understand. I'm supposed to post a thread and wait for a response. Well, here goes something.
I recently was accepted at a community college here in Denver. I went to the library to get some pre-college material and the librarian suggested this book, "The Adult Student Guide" and it's helped me very much! Mostly with my fears and anxiety about my age. I just turned 49 and I'm really scared. I have to apply for FAFSA and have already applied for COF.
The most important question I have is "How do you pick a major?" I don't want to waste time and money on a career I may not enjoy! I've heard of a Career Assesment Test, is that a good start?
Going off-line now. Will check back. Thank You.

[blackjune]

Hello, just a quick side note--if you are planning on getting federal student aid via your FAFSA submission the FFELP loan program has been eliminated via the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA) that president Obama has recently signed into law. This means that you will no longer get your federal student loans via private lenders, and going forward you are going to have to get each student loan without cosigner from the Department of Education. Just a heads up, as I know this has been causing a lot of confusion for many older students who aren't accustomed to getting federal student aid, regards.

[iris]

I am not sure if a Career Assesment Test would help you. The test would point out where you current knowledge lies. That is not always the route you might want to choose. For instant I grew up in the Hotel and Restaurant industry and have strong knowledge in this area. Yet I do not want to get a degree in Hotel and Restaurant management. I would make a list of skills and interests you have then sit down and read the degree definition and course descriptions. Make a list of the courses which peak your interest the most. You might see a pattern. Then compare which degree program matches your list the most. Then research in what areas you would find employment and what kind of job if you where to complete your chosen degree program. If the employment option do not excite you move on to another degree program till you find your best match. Doing your research now you might also find out you need a 4 year program to reach your goal rather than a 2 year program. No problem if you know this ahead of time. Research 4 year old school and know ahead of time the maximum credit they allow you to transfer. Take as many as you can at your local community college and then transfer to your school of choice.