No doubt about it, starting a degree program can be scary. We’re talking about committing to something that is very time consuming and that can cost more than a new car. The stress involved in researching and choosing a specific school and degree program is something that almost any working adult graduate student can relate to, especially those full time working adults who were forced to maintain a job, keep up with family obligations and be super student all at the same time. Earning a degree is no small thing and is not something that should be lightly considered.
If you are experiencing some fear and apprehension about finally deciding upon a degree program then you may be somewhat relieved to find out you’re not alone. Here are a few tips I used to help myself finally decide upon an MBA program and enroll.
1.) First I realized that fear and apprehension were normal emotions for what I was doing. Not necessarily an indicator that something was wrong with me or the program.
2.) I came to understand that the money I was looking at spending would be an investment and that eventually I would realize some form of return.
3.) I eventually understood that there was no perfect school or perfect program. I chose the one that was best for me, uniquely to me and not necessarily what would be best for anyone else. As such I took the advice of others with a grain of salt. I also began to understand that even though Ashford had flaws, they were by far head and shoulders above the others I considered at the time. Not perfect, just better. As such I didn’t weigh small flaws as deal breakers.
4.) I took some consolation in the fact that my school was properly accredited. This of course is indicative of quality of the education I would receive or at least is supposed to be.
5.) I liked the fact that I had someone I could talk to on the phone at the school should I hit a bump. Being able to make a phone call was a big help and helped me feel connected.
6.) I had a supportive family who believed in me and in what I was doing.
7.) I took a measure of security in the fact that my particular school was primarily campus based. It really shouldn’t make a difference but it did help put my mind at ease since Ashford University was a real, tangible place on a map and not just a banner on a website.
8.) I understood the gravity of my decision but decided that overanalyzing the situation would only halt my progress.
9.) I convinced myself that although failure was a possibility, for me it wouldn’t be from lack of effort.
History has taught me that almost all great achievements have come with at least some measure of apprehension. Good luck.