So You Want to Go Back to School? 4 Ways to Know You’re Ready

As the director of a masters program, I regularly talk to working adults considering going back to school. Their reasons vary: career advancement opportunity, career change, general interest in learning, gap in expertise, and so on. Oftentimes, the words “I’m not sure if I’m ready” appear in these conversations. When they do, I have four general principles to consider to know if you’re ready to go back to school.

1. Is it the right time?

The reality is that life is busy, and for some, in their mind they may say the timing is never right. This prevents many people from ever going back to school. But if you dive deeper, you can have a legitimate conversation around if this is a good time. If you add school to your current plate, will you be able to commit to the work that going back to school will bring? Class sessions, readings, papers, and projects will be expected, and if you are going to invest in your education, I encourage you to maximize the opportunity.

2. Do you have support in place?

Support means different things to different people, but in general, having professional, friend, and family support can go a long way during the time you are in school. This may take the form of a spouse being able to take care of the kids while you do your work, your colleagues covering a work commitment for you while you have class, or friends simply cheering you on when you feel like you’re drowning. I have also found that some students find their greatest support comes from classmates, since they understand the commitment you have entered as a student again.

3. Is there a financial plan in place?

You know your financial situation best, and you need to make an informed decision on your financial investment into your education. If you are self-pay, do you have a budget worked out for general living expenses along the way? If you are seeking scholarship or financial aid, have you explored what is out there and if you qualify? Be sure to read up on the latest loan rates, financial aid qualifications, and loan forgiveness guidelines, as they change periodically.

4. What’s holding you back?

If someone has considered the first three questions and is still murky on whether or not going back to school is right for them, I end with this question. Answering this question will ultimately help you decide whether this is something you should do right now. I was speaking with a woman one time about joining my program and we discussed the first three topics. The timing was good for her (she had been teaching for a number of years and wanted to be a principal), she had good support in place, and she felt good about the financial piece. Yet, she was still unsure, so I asked her the fourth question. She reflected and realized that it was fear holding her back. While I can’t make someone become unafraid, I can give them the best advice I’ve heard, “Applying is the hardest part.” If you can submit that application, you’ve taken a step that many will never do, and that’s worth celebrating.

In summary

Going back to school is not a light decision to make. There are changes that must occur in order to be successful as a student again, but it can be done. Keeping an eye on your “why” and going in with a positive attitude helps tremendously. Staying organizing and disciplined in your work-life-school balance are key behaviors that have worked for many. If going back to school is on your radar, seek out those who have done your program of interest, request meetings with program directors or professors, and do your research on if the program is the right fit for you. In the end, you will need to do what is best for you, and if becoming a student again is what is best for you, I wish you the best of luck.

I would be remiss not to put a shameless plug in for my Educational Leadership program at Wake Forest University. If you are considering becoming a school administrator, I would love to talk to you about the journey!