Starting Online College Monday - Any Advice?

I go to college online too. It is harder than face to face, but it's not that bad. It seems to move awfully slow, though. I'm considering doing face to face classes in addition to my online classes so I can finish faster.

R.,

I got a master's from Univ of Phoenix online and now I'm half way to my doctorate through Walden Univ online. There is a lot more work in an online program than a ground class, but it's still worth it, because you get to stay home and work at your convenience.

Some people have to get things done early while others thrive on waiting until the last minute. Find what works for you.

Good luck!

I am also a mother working part time and going to school as well. The one thing that I found that helps is setting aside time that I just work on school. My little guy knows that Mommy is "working" and is not to be disturbed. When he was very little I would just wait until I put him to bed to get the quiet time I needed. I hope this helps. Good Luck and Congratulations on continuing your education. :)

Hi R.!
I just graduated with my bachelors of business, this last june. I did most my classes on campus, but tried the last three on-line. I did not like on-line classes. I liked the interaction that on campus clsses provided, it just seemed like I did not get as much out of the on-line classes. I recieved A's in most of my classes on campus, but I recieved a D in my on-line class and the funny thing was it was just a class on how to use the internet! I thought that was a crock! You have to be really dedicated and have a set scedule or it is very easy to procratinate or not put as much effort into it! Good Luck!
G.

I finished my graduate education in Midwifery last December through a learning at a distance program. The first year was all book work. I started when my firstborn was 14 months. I ended up quitting a year later when I got pregnant again. I went back when my second born was about 3 months old (or else my credits would be old and wouldn't transfer). I did another whole year of basically book work. The second year included book work and a clinical piece. I finally graduated when I was pregnant with number three.

I thought doing a learning at a distance program would be great since I had little ones. It was in some ways, but I constantly felt guilty for not spending more time with my kids. Even though I was home, I had to be focused on what I was doing. Also, my ex husband was very unhelpful. Doing school work required intense concentration, but he didn't want to come home from work and then take care of the kids while I studied. Ultimately, I think it was one of the reasons we ended up getting divorced about a year before I graduated. I am remarried to a wonderful guy who is very loving and supportive. I would not have been able to finish school had it not been for him.

My point is that learning at a distance can be a way to get to stay home more with the kids, but it can be extremely difficult to do if you do not have help.

Hi R.,
I just started back to school after an eight year lapse. I literally took my finals the week before my son was born. He will be nine in dec. I also have a daughter who is 5. I enrolled her in extended day kindergarten so I would have the time I need to stay on top of school and hopefully find part-time work.

I am enrolled at Gateway to finish my nursing degree (ADN) and hopefully go on to get my Bachelors. I will be applying for my nursing program this spring to hopefully start in the fall of 2007.
I started back to college on Aug.14th, right now, three of my classes are online, I go to the campus mon&wed 9:30-10:45 for one class, and on sept6 I will be starting my cna class and I will be there until 4:20 for that. That will give me a total of 15crdhrs this semester.Yikes!
I am just trying to figure out what is the best time for me to study and stay on top of everything and not neglect my kids! I am also in the beginning stages of a divorce and trying to maintain my sanity. College is definately giving me a much needed diversion and boost of confidence that I wil be able to depend on myself when I am finished.
I do some of my school work while they are at soccer prac., after they are in bed, etc. My advice is to determine your most productive times to do school work and stick to it, even if the laundry needs done,etc. And stay on top of your classes.
I wish you lots of luck! I'm sure you'll do great!
A.

R.,

My advice is to treat school like a job. Schedule the times you plan to study, etc and stick to it. That worked great for me while in law school-- and it basically free's up the time you want free. I was an early morning person and tried to get everything done during the week.

R.,
I have been doing the online college thing since feb. 2006. Although my situation is a little different then yours. I am a stay at home mom of 4 boys ages 8, 7, 4, and 3. I have found that any "free" time you get you should go over your notes....wether it is a lunch break or when the kids are watching a movie or able to do something that you don't have to be on top of. I agree with some of the other advice that I have seen here. You need to treat it like a job!!! Set hours and breaks are a must!!! I usually sit down and do my work when I put the kids to bed at night.I set aside 2 hours a night momday through friday and when my husband is home on the weekends I let him take over for about two to three hours so I can study some more.

Now that football season has started I tke my older two to practice while my husband stays home with the younger two....I use their two hour practice as study time as well.
I too am in accounting and it takes alot out of you. Pace yourself and don't try to do to much at once. If you need a break....take it!!! With a demanding schedule you can burn out easy!! I had to talk to my professors back in April to get an extention on an assignment because things at home just became to hectic. The good thing about online schools is they know you are doing online because of a busy lifestyle and they are usually more willing to help you work things out.

It is hard but if you are truely determined you will succeed!!!! I wish you all the best and if you ever need help please feel free to contact me....I am almost finished with my degree. Good luck to you!!!!