Planning tips for adult learners
April: A month of learning and planning.
Prepare now for the fall.
If you want to attend classes this fall, start working on financial aid paperwork now.
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Complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application is required by colleges to determine your eligibility for many types of financial aid. You’ll need to gather several financial documents from your records. Visit the FAFSA Web site for a list of required financial documents.
TIP: Print out and complete the FAFSA worksheets before you start filling out the online form. Filling out the worksheets first enables you to complete the form more quickly on the Web (if you take too long to complete the form on the Web, the system may time out and you may lose your data).
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If you have already completed the FAFSA, you should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) from the Federal Student Aid Programs by mail or e-mail. Review the SAR for accuracy and follow all instructions. If you need to make corrections, submit them on the FAFSA Web site at www.fafsa.ed.gov or on paper.
- Respond promptly to all requests from colleges and VSAC for additional information. Remember to make copies of all correspondence for your files.
Explore your personality!
VSAC’s Career Exploration for Adults pathfinder offers several inventory and assessment tools to help you explore your personality type in relation to careers, hobbies, and life.
Make an appointment.
VSAC Outreach Program’s adult counselors help adult students reach their career and education goals. Counselors work in every region of the state. You can meet individually with a VSAC Outreach counselor to discuss career, education, and financial aid concerns. E-mail us at info@vsac.org or call VSAC’s Outreach Program at 800-642-3177 to make an appointment with a counselor.
September | October | November | December | January | February | March | April | May | summer
May: A month of discovery and growth
Want to change careers?
To chart a new course, consult VSAC’s pathfinders, which describe job and education opportunities in a variety of fields.
Discover your personality type.
Do What You Are is a free, online personality profile and career interest survey that provides you with a detailed description of both your personality and possible career interests. After completing a self-discovery assessment and a career interest survey, you will receive an extensive report that helps you understand your personality, your preferred learning style, and your career interests. To access the program, click on the Do What You Are link in the Quick Links box on VSAC’s homepage at: www.vsac.org
Make an appointment.
The counselors in VSAC’s Outreach Program can help adult students reach their career and education goals. Counselors are available in every region of the state to talk with you about career, education, and financial aid concerns. E-mail info@vsac.org or call VSAC’s Outreach Program at 800-642-3177 to make an appointment with a counselor.
Summer: It's never too late to continue your education!
Look into VSAC’s Vermont Non-Degree Grant program.
Vermont is the only state in the country that provides need-based aid for non-degree study.
- A Vermont Non-Degree Grant can be used to pay for classes that will improve your employability or serve as a stepping stone to a degree program.
- Classes can be taken at a college or other educational institution (such as a high school or technical center that offers a continuing education program, or a private organization that offers training courses).
- You can receive a grant for two enrollment periods during a financial aid year (July 1-June 30), and six grants in all before reaching the maximum currently allowed by the program.
- For more information, call VSAC's Grant program at 800-882-4166.
Discard the myths that keep adults from going to college.
- Myth: “I’m too old, and I won’t be able to learn."
- Reality: Many adults feel they won’t be able to keep up with younger students in classes. It isn’t true. Half of the students enrolled in college programs across the country are 25 or older. They are quite successful in the classroom, bringing rich life experiences that enhance discussions and provide strong motivation to learn.
Make an appointment.
The adult counselors in VSAC’s Outreach Program help adult students reach their career and education goals.
- You can meet individually with a VSAC Outreach counselor to discuss career, education, and financial aid concerns.
- Counselors work in every region of the state.
- E-mail info@vsac.org or call VSAC’s Outreach Program at 800-642-3177 to make an appointment with a counselor.
September: It’s never too late to continue your education!
Make an appointment.
VSAC’s Outreach Program’s adult counselors help adult students reach their career and education goals.
- Meet individually with a VSAC Outreach counselor to discuss career, education, and financial aid concerns. Counselors work in every region of the state.
- E-mail info@vsac.org or call VSAC’s Outreach Program at 800-642-3177 to make a free appointment with a counselor.
Attend a career or education planning workshop.
VSAC hosts free workshops throughout the state on career and education topics. Visit our calendar of events to see what workshops are happening near you.
Find out about the Vermont Non-Degree Grant Program.
Vermont is the only state in the country that provides need-based aid for non-degree study.
- Use a Vermont Non-Degree Grant to pay for classes that will improve your employability or serve as a stepping stone to a degree program.
- Apply for a Vermont Non-Degree Grant to take classes at a college or other educational institution (such as continuing education programs at high schools or technical centers, or courses from private organizations or training organizations).
- You can receive a grant for two enrollment periods during a financial aid year (July 1-June 30), and six grants in all before reaching the maximum currently allowed in the program.
Dispell myths that keep adults from going to college.
- Myth: “I can’t afford it."
- Reality: Many people believe they will never be able to go to college because they don’t have the money to pay tuition and other costs. In fact, billions of dollars in grants, scholarships, and loans are available for those in need of financial aid. Find out about financial aid before you close the door to higher education.
Additional myths about adult studies — along with the facts!
October: Keep yourself on track!
Meet with your school advisor.
If you are already enrolled and attending classes, make an appointment with your school advisor. If you don’t know who your advisor is, or if you’re unsure whether you have an advisor, contact your school’s adult education or continuing education office to find out.
- Get to know your advisor; she can help you stay focused and direct you toward helpful resources. Your advisor will be the person you can turn to for answers and guidance as you navigate the world of "higher education."
- Review your course schedule for the semester, and start planning for next semester.
- Obtain a copy of VSAC's Scholarships booklet (PDF) online or from VSAC. This booklet contains information on more than 150 scholarships. With only one application for all the VSAC-assisted scholarships, this booklet is a great financial aid tool.
Attend a career or education planning workshop.
VSAC hosts FREE workshops throughout the state on career and education topics. Visit our Calendar of Events page to see what workshops are happening near you!
Make an appointment.
VSAC Outreach Program’s adult counselors help adult students reach their career and education goals.
- You can meet individually with a VSAC Outreach counselor to discuss career, education, and financial aid concerns.
- Counselors work in every region of the state.
- E-mail us at info@vsac.org or call VSAC's Outreach Program at 800-642-3177 to make an appointment with a counselor.
November: Consider the future.
Learn about different training programs.
You don’t have to restrict your education to the traditional school year calendar. Some programs have flexible start times, and some offer short-term training. Check out our Short-Term Training Opportunities and Certificates pathfinder for information on different types of educational programs.
Browse through the VSAC adult student handbook.
The VSAC Adult Student Handbook (PDF) directs you to resources that can help you navigate the often-confusing world of college or other training. The booklet offers information on the career decision-making process, types of training, and financial aid. It also provides easy-to-use tracking sheets to help you stay organized as you consider your future.
Make an appointment.
VSAC Outreach Program’s adult counselors help adult students reach their career and education goals.
- You can meet individually with a VSAC Outreach counselor to discuss career, education, and financial aid concerns.
- Counselors work in every region of the state.
- E-mail us at info@vsac.org or call VSAC's Outreach Program at 800-642-3177 to make an appointment with a counselor.
December: Consider the future.
Prepare for the stress of the holidays.
Many students find themselves overwhelmed as the holidays approach. Use the following healthy techniques to stay focused and manage your stress.
- Stop for 30 seconds and focus on your breathing.
- Don’t demand too much of yourself. Ask for help.
- Exercise each day to boost energy and improve your mood.
- If you feel pressured to say “yes" to every invitation or request for help, try saying “no"; then schedule time for yourself instead.
- Talk with a friend about your frustrations so they don’t build up.
- Eliminate everything from your to-do list that is not essential.
- Skip late-night TV and get to sleep earlier. You’ll be rested and better equipped to cope with stress.
Consider online learning.
Many adult students find that attending classes at a college or university is not a good fit. Online classes may offer the flexibility needed to continue your education. VSAC’s Distance Learning pathfinder offers information about online learning, including links to programs throughout Vermont.
Make an appointment.
VSAC Outreach Program’s adult counselors help adult students reach their career and education goals.
- You can meet individually with a VSAC Outreach counselor to discuss career, education, and financial aid concerns.
- Counselors work in every region of the state.
- E-mail us at info@vsac.org or call VSAC's Outreach Program at 800-642-3177 to make an appointment with a counselor.
January: Plan for the new year.
Consider online learning.
Many adult students find that attending classes at a college or university is not a good fit. Online classes may offer the flexibility needed to continue your education. VSAC’s Distance Learning pathfinder offers information about online learning, including links to programs throughout Vermont.
Get the facts.
Adult learners often allow myths to prevent them from continuing their education. Don’t let misconceptions stop you!
- Myth: “I was a lousy student in high school, and I know I can’t do well in college."
- Reality: Even though your grades and test scores may not have been stellar when you were a high school student, more important is who you are now and what your goals and motivations are at this point in your life. When rating applicants, colleges look at letters of recommendation, community activities, special talents, past job experiences, and the enthusiasm or special interest you may show in an interview. You may be advised to brush up on some academic skills, but colleges look at the whole person.
Make an appointment.
VSAC Outreach Program’s adult counselors help adult students reach their career and education goals.
- You can meet individually with a VSAC Outreach counselor to discuss career, education, and financial aid concerns.
- Counselors work in every region of the state.
- For an appointment in the Rutland area, call 802-786-8840.
- E-mail us at info@vsac.org or call VSAC's Outreach Program at 800-642-3177 to make an appointment with a counselor.
February: Take steps toward your future.
Prepare now for the fall.
If you want to attend classes this fall, start working on financial aid paperwork now.
-
You can begin filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) anytime after January 1. This application is required by colleges to determine your eligibility for many types of financial aid. You’ll need to gather several financial documents from your records. Visit the FAFSA Web site for a list of required financial documents — www.fafsa.ed.gov/before003.htm.
TIP: Print out and complete the FAFSA worksheets before you start filling out the online form (if you take too long to complete the form, the system may time out and you may lose your data). Filling out the worksheets first enables you to complete the form more quickly on the Web.
-
If you have already completed the FAFSA, you should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) from the Federal Student Aid Programs by mail or e-mail. Review the SAR for accuracy and follow all instructions. If you need to make corrections, submit them on the FAFSA Web site at www.fafsa.ed.gov or on paper.
-
Respond promptly to all requests from colleges and VSAC for additional information. Remember to make copies of all correspondence for your files.
Consider online learning.
Many adult students find that attending classes at a college or university is not a good fit. Online classes may offer the flexibility needed to continue your education. For information about online learning, check out VSAC’s Distance Learning pathfinder, which includes links to programs throughout Vermont.
Make an appointment.
The adult counselors in VSAC’s Outreach program help adult students reach their career and education goals.
- You can meet individually with a VSAC Outreach counselor to discuss career, education, and financial aid concerns.
- Counselors work in every region of the state.
- E-mail us at info@vsac.org or call VSAC’s Outreach Program at 800-642-3177 to make an appointment with a counselor.
March: Plan for the future.
Prepare now for the fall.
If you want to attend classes this fall, start working on financial aid paperwork now.
-
Begin filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application is required by colleges to determine your eligibility for many types of financial aid. You’ll need to gather several financial documents from your records. Visit the FAFSA Web site for a list of required financial documents, www.fafsa.ed.gov/before003.htm.
TIP: Print out and complete the FAFSA worksheets before you start filling out the online form (if you take too long to complete the form, the system may time out and you may lose your data). Filling out the worksheets first enables you to complete the form more quickly on the Web.
- If you have already completed the FAFSA, you should receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) from the Federal Student Aid Programs by mail or e-mail. Review the SAR for accuracy and follow all instructions. If you need to make corrections, submit them on the FAFSA Web site at www.fafsa.ed.gov or on paper.
- Respond promptly to all requests from colleges and VSAC for additional information. Remember to make copies of all correspondence for your files.
Research careers.
VT Guidance Central's free online database offers an enormous amount of career information. Use it to investigate job requirements, salaries, outlook, and training requirements for a variety of careers. VT Guidance Central can also be accessed from VSAC’s homepage — www.vsac.org
Make an appointment.
VSAC Outreach Program’s adult counselors help adult students reach their career and education goals. Counselors work in every region of the state. You can meet individually with a VSAC Outreach counselor to discuss career, education, and financial aid concerns. E-mail us at info@vsac.org or call VSAC’s Outreach Program at 800-642-3177 to make an appointment with a counselor.
