TIPS for Adult Students...
...from current Dix Scholars
Jill Hurtibise '08
Political Science major
Tip # 11: "Go with a private college because you're a person and not a number."
Tip #29: "Research and apply to outside scholarships. During the application process, I spent every free moment on www.fastweb.org. It seemed as though I applied to every $500 or $1000 scholarship."
Tip #8: "It's pretty normal to feel terrified when starting your first semester! Take time to meet individually with your first professors and to acknowledge being scared."
Tip # 3: "As a single mom, my going to school had had a transformative impact on my three sons. They see me doing homework, of placing such a high value on education..."
Tip # 16: "Once you make the decision to attend college, push through. I've had crazy schedules but it is so worth pushing yourself toward your goal."
Tracy Wrighton '08
Arts Administration major
Tip #3: "It is easy to feel apprehensive about returning to college as a thirty-something or as someone older than traditional students. Read articles and become familiar with different options. When I read an article about the Dix Scholars program at Simmons, I felt such a weight lifted off my shoulders. Here was a place for me to complete my education where I wouldn't be regarded (because of my age) as crazy."
Tip # 25: "You're not alone at Simmons—there is a real community. Get to know faculty, staff, and fellow students. If you have a question, ask!"
Tip # 19: "MCC 103 (multidisciplinary core course) is for Dix Scholars only and is great to take in your first semester."
Nanette Savides '08
Sociology major
Tip #1: "If age is holding you back from returning to college, you'll only be older tomorrow!"
Tip # 33: "Take the time to attend college. It's not just about career opportunities—your education goes much more deeply. It's easy to grow complacent in the workplace and it becomes harder to step back to take the time to pursue longstanding or new goals."
Tip #6: "There is always a cost to your education; but there is no deeper personal reward."
Tip #19: "Get involved! At Simmons, there is no preconceived idea of what getting involved means. You can join campus organizations or simply participate in small, informal groups such as a walking group, lunch group, etc. While there is no expectation for involvement, getting involved and building connections with fellow students definitely adds dimension to your Simmons experience."
Carol Harper '10
Sociology/English double major
Tip #5: "Adult students need to be taught by people dedicated to teaching; at Simmons, professor love to teach."
Tip #31: "Size matters. The intimate learning environment at Simmons means you matter and your aspirations matter."
Tip #13: "Consider starting part-time, to put your foot in the water and to gain confidence. Moving from working to studying mode can initially be intimidating, but once here at Simmons, you'll wish you had started sooner."
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