Four Tips for Aceing Your Online Degree

Whether you’re getting your degree online or through a traditional classroom-based univerisity, the process may be totally exhilirating.

However, working students who opt for online degree programs in lieu of a traditional classroom education face a number of unique challenges-- from distractions in one’s home to bouts of depression from lack of personal contact. There are also challenges common to all students, like exhaustion from cramming all night for a test, difficult classes and testy teachers.

To gear up for degree time, check out these four tips for aceing your online degree program:

• Get over the stigma of being a student: Too many students in online bachelor’s degree programs, especially returning students, get hung up on the fact that they are older than most of their degree-seeking peers: A working guy with a family feels guilty when he opts out family time to study for an exam; a single 30-something female with degree-toting friends feels frustrated when she has to do “homework” on a balmy spring night made for cocktails at a trendy bar. Though online programs tend to attract working adults, the truth is online degree seekers come from all age groups and walks of life. In other words, you’re not the only person in your “uniquely challenging” situation.
• Focus on time management: Lots of students initially take on big courseloads that -- in addition to their 9-to-5 jobs -- could ultimately lead to accademic burnout. That’s why it’s important for the online student to practice good time management (which is the opposite of overscheduling). Having good time management skills means allotting enough time for yourself to do everything you need to do. So, for example, if you need to work your day job from 8 to 5, and you have class from 9-10:30 every night, perhaps you need to schedule homework time at 8 p.m. -- so you have time to work out and make dinner before logging into your lesson. One caveat: Be prepared for the fact that sometimes things don’t go according to plan. You might have to study on a Friday night when your friends are hitting the town.
• Set up a serious study schedule: You’ll probably start your online degree program with a high amount of enthusiasm. After all, who isn’t excited on embarking on a new journey? But when the homework starts to build up, that’s when the stress kicks in. If you’re a procrastinator in any way (you turn in bills late, don’t make time to straighten up until your apartment’s a mess, etc.), it’s easy to fall behind. That’s where a structured schedule will help you out. If you set aside 9 p.m. to midnight to finish a report, be sure to remove yourself from anything that will thwart your concentration. For example, if the temptation to join your spouse on the couch for a “Top Chef” marathon is too hard to resist, perhaps the local bar is a better option. You wouldn’t be the first person to bring your books or a laptop to a pub! And if you don’t finish said essay by midnight, you can always set the alarm an hour earlier to finish it (which will be less stressful if you’ve already put in a few hours).
• Use the resources of your program: When things get tough, even the most promising students fantasize about throwing in the towel. The smartest ones know when to ask for help. Just because you don’t see your teachers in a classroom doesn’t mean you can’t have a phone conversation about a midterm or essay ideas.

Even if you follow all these tips, keep in mind that you’ll still be thrown off by the occasional bad day -- and the occasional unpredictable bad day. Perhaps your computer will crash in the middle of an exam, or your spouse is sick and you’ll need to take care of the kids during pre-designated homework time. Try not to let road bumps those throw you off track. Remember there will be plenty of good days -- like when you ace a super-tough exam.

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