Thoughts on continuing studies programs? Options after a few years off?

College Search & Selection
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<p>I was wondering what the CC community's general thoughts were on continuing studies programs/if anyone else is in a similar situation to the one I'm in and had any useful advice.</p>

<p>After high school I went to my safety school because money was tight in my family and it was only costing me about 5k a year. After the first year I decided that I wanted a more challenging environment and ended up transferring to Vassar college. I realized after my first year at Vassar that I still had no idea what I wanted to major in and that I couldn't afford to experiment with classes at a private school. I withdrew after a year at Vassar with the intention to take some classes locally then head back to Vassar and finish up my bachelors. Ugly 'real-life' stuff got in the way (money, family illness ect.) and going back to college full time just wasn't really an option.</p>

<p>I'm now 24 and haven't been in school for a few years and am unsure of the best path. My grades at Vassar were decent, admittedly not great (as I progressed in poli sci I lost my passion for the subject) and my SATs were ok (I took the old 1600 point test, ended up with a 1420). </p>

<p>I've been led to believe that the best option for me at this point is a 'continuing education' program like Columbia's GS/Upenn's LPS since these are geared towards students who are older/have taken a break. However I realize that the degrees/diplomas from most of these programs are different from the normal college (I think LPS is an exception?) which I imagine doesn't work in one's favor post graduation. </p>

<p>Am I too old/too long out of school to apply as a traditional undergrad transfer? Are the continuing education programs like the ones at Columbia/Upenn worth it? Will employers/grad schools look down their noses at me because I didn't <em>really</em> go to school x? Anyone else been in a similar situation/have any insight?</p>

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<p>You can apply anywhere as a transfer. Some institutions will hand your application off to the admissions counselor who is their resident expert on slightly older students, but others will just put your application in the same stack as all the other transfers.</p>

<p>Once you know your major and your budget, email the places that look good to you, and get specific information from them. General Studies might be workable for you at A but not at B. If your major is offered at Vassar, start there. They already know you and have a vested interest in your academic success.</p>

<p>Most students in your situation end up at a home state public U. They work full time, study part-time, and live off campus. If you’d rather live on campus, ask if you can be placed in grad student or student family housing. That way you could live with your age-peers.</p>

<p>Wishing you much success!</p>