Dear Auntie, I’m going back to school and am behind on credits. How do I catch up?
Hey! Good for you! I’m glad you’re back in school. I love people who have goals. 🙂
First thing I’d do, is to go talk to your registrar’s office in student services or a counselor. They can help you to get back on track and select classes to take throughout the year.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Load up – so the best way to get through your required credits are to just get through them! However, you’re going to have to experiment a little to find out what that magic number is. Everyone is different; some can take 18 credits without breaking a sweat, others (like me) on the other hand have a hard time juggling 9-12 credits. Find that number and power through it.
- Remember your goals: you want to pass each class to graduate. Try to set yourself up for success. Don’t take too many classes that you just have to drop them, or take them over again. Think about the things that help you to be successful like eating right and exercising. If you need help, make sure you take advantage of your professors office hours…they can also earn you some brownie points, which come grading time can help.
- It’s just going to take time – no matter how you stack it up, graduating with a college degree is just going to take time. Dig in your heels and get settled in. Like I told my husband when he was discouraged about finishing his degree, he said, “Urgh, I’m going to be like 34 by the time I finish.’ To which I replied, “You’re going to be 34 anyway.”
So, make sure you hit up your advisor to get a plan in the works.
Best of luck!
Auntie Manda
