Ratio of adult students in classes May 8, 2008

I was quite surprised when I started college this quarter with the number of adult students in my classes. This was especially high with my online Psychology class. I think the number of adults is close to the 70% range. it is a very diverse class we have a few students logging on in Iraq, a few running start high school students, a handful of traditional students, and an overwhelming number of mom’s between the ages of 25-60.

In my Cell Biology class the ratios of adults is considerably small but still far above what I was expecting. My work group consists of a 17 year old high school student, a 28 year old going into radiology, a 38 year old applying for nursing, and myself also doing my nursing pre-requisites.

however, even though I see a ton of adult students all over campus, I am disappointed there isn’t an adviser specifically addressing the needs of adults returning to school. I suppose it isn’t really that needed though. As long as you are willing to do your ‘homework’ so to speak.

I found great help from a few books geared toward Non-traditional students. Most library’s have an array of them. They cover study skills, typical college resources, gaining family support. I also made sure to meet with an adviser specific to the major I have (Nursing), and discuss all the classes i wanted to take over the next year and plan a strategy for applying to Nursing school. Most nursing schools are highly competitive. Peninsula have roughly 30 positions open each year and 100 applicants. Radiology and dental hygiene schools are becoming quite competitive also.