We’re all afraid of something. Whether it’s a fear of the unknown, spiders (like me), the dark, and even getting an education. Some of us working hard to obtain a degree may have common worries like failing a class, finding the time to get all your work done, or possibly being tested on something you didn’t learn. All of these fears have ground, and are common, but can be beat by being proactive and prepared.

Even for the most seasoned online learner, there can be a whole list of worries and concerns about getting through school. Here is a list of common fears among online learners, and ways to combat them:

• “I won’t have enough time for my family.”
  • Solution: Get your family involved in your learning. Instead of flying solo with your assignments, get your kids, spouse, pet, involved in what you’re taking in. It gives them a chance to spend time with you, and could help you approach the topic from a different angle.
• “I’ll waste a lot of time finding something I want to major in.”
  • Solution: First consider what your overall goals are. Make a list of the types of career fields that interest you, and go from there. Get more help in choosing the right major.
    
• “None of my previous credits will apply, and I’ll have to start all over again.”
  • Solution: Depending on your schools transfer credit policy you can transfer up to a certain amount towards your degree. You can also earn credit for prior learning.
• “Time management is my weak point. I get sweaty palms when I see a due date because I don’t know how I’ll get it done on time.”
  • Solution: Time management is a common problem for a majority of students. To be able to tame it, you need to get a handle on how you budget your time. You balance your checkbook, or keep tabs on how much you spend right? Well consider doing the same for your schoolwork. As the saying goes, “time is money,” don’t waste yours not working hard towards a goal.
• “I’ll become more and more withdrawn the further I get into my program since I don’t see people face to face for class.”
  • Solution: Just because your class is virtual and your communication tool is a computer or smartphone doesn’t mean you can’t be just as social. Most schools have everything from discussion boards to virtual student unions and Facebook pags dedicated to the students at the school.

Whatever your fears may be, it’s worth talking to a peer about. If you have concerns about the school it never hurts to talk to current students or an admissions representative. Education isn’t something to be afraid of, instead it should be looked at as a challenge to be overcome.

[Online University - Is it Right for Me?]

By: J. Mason

If you are pursuing a technical degree, a certificate may be the better option.  A stand alone certificate program is also a great choice if you are looking to begin your college career but are not quite ready to tackle a full Associate or Bachelor’s degree. 

For more on this topic visit our latest post in our Ask an Advisor section.

[Which Do I Choose: A Minor or Certificate?]

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Though not a common thing to hear about, cheering for an online university, school spirit for your school is still something to consider. When you invest your time, life, and money you want something more than a degree in return. You may want some new friends, or a chance to cheer for something other than no new assignments over the weekend. And since specifically online schools, not affiliated with a traditional brick and mortar institution, don’t have sports teams it makes it harder to “root for the home team.” But there are other ways to get involved, even though it may not involve painting your face to match your schools colors, to express your *love* for your new Alma mater.

Have a mascot? If you don’t know the answer to this, then it’s time to investigate. Ask around if your school is sporting a gruff bulldog, or maybe a determined looking laptop as a mascot. Network with other classmates that might be more informed on the matter than you. If there isn’t one, start a campaign to get a mascot for the school. Nothing says school spirit like being able to tell your coworkers you’re a proud “flying wombat” [or insert your school mascot here]. If the school doesn’t plan on elaborating on what they chose to represent the school as then go to the online school store, most online schools will have one, and purchase a T-shirt with the school name or get a bumper sticker to display.

Get involved.A majority of students just do the minimum, and that doesn’t just apply to online students.  Online schools still have clubs and honor societies, you just need to be proactive and join them. Even though you wont be walking across the quad to meet up with the group doesn’t mean you can’t get a lot out of being apart of a humanitarian club, or business networking group for students. Facebook and LinkedIn are great places to start or check for these groups at your school. Check the resource portal for students to see what your school is sponsoring in terms of groups and clubs and gather what you need to apply to get in. One more way to meet other students, especially if your one among many thousands, and to put names to faces of people that are in your classes.

Are you a big talker? Put your words to good use and see about meeting up with students in your area for study sessions, coffee chats, or maybe an “I Love My Online School” monthly cheesecake meet. It doesn’t have to be an official club with the school. Use your extroverted ways to get other students in your school together to solidify a bond over something you all collectively share…a love for your online school; or so we hope.

Follow them. We’re not talking about stalking here, more like following the schools twitter feed, news reports, and alumni events. Keep up to date with what’s going on with your school. It’s never a bad thing to be informed, and that way you can be an ambassador to students new to the school.

Give yourself a reason to cheer for your school. It shouldn’t be a means to an end. Turn your experience online into something that will last longer than the timeout window on your final exam. No football team, no problem! Nickname your school if you don’t have a mascot; but make sure the name is positive and reflects the quality of the school. Get to know your classmates. If you find someone feeling down about the school reach out to them. It’s no different from the depressed roommate you may have had freshman year at your undergrad institution. What did you say to talk them out of leaving school? Leverage your sentiment and knowledge of the institution to keep others upbeat about their prospect of graduating with something more than a diploma to add to a resume. Become a champion of your online school, and if it helps, start by adding your schools bumper sticker to your car or cube and tell people about why you chose the school you did.

- J. Mason