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One of the biggest misconceptions about scholarships is that they’re only for high school students applying to college. In fact, there are plenty of scholarship opportunities that current college students can apply for that may help to ease the financial burden of tuition, sharpen application skills, and gain some networking opportunities.

Find out more about scholarships for current college students, the types of scholarships available, where to find relevant scholarships, and the benefits of winning scholarship awards after your freshman year.

Can I Still Apply for Scholarships While in College?

Yes! Many students assume that scholarships are only for freshmen, but there are numerous scholarship opportunities if you’re already enrolled in college. You can find scholarships offered by organizations, universities, and private foundations that are intended for current undergraduate students who meet certain criteria, such as academic excellence, financial need, or extracurricular involvement. 

Is It Too Late to Apply for Scholarships?

Absolutely not! There is no official deadline when it comes to seeking financial aid throughout your college career. In fact, many scholarships are available year-round with rolling deadlines or annual opportunities.

Whether you are a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior, you should actively search for new scholarships to help fund your education. Even if you’re nearing graduation, getting additional funds can help ease your student loan debt or cover your remaining tuition costs.

Should You Do More Scholarships While in College? 

Yes! Often, students forget about scholarships once they start college, but continuing to apply can help you minimize your out of pocket costs and future student loan debt.

Even if you don’t win every scholarship award, you’re gaining something from the application process itself. You’re honing your writing skills, improving your ability to market yourself, and connecting with organizations that support students in higher education. Plus, the more you apply, the better you’ll become at creating a winning application when it counts.

How to Find Scholarships to Apply for While in College

Finding scholarships requires persistence and strategy. Here are some effective ways to search for scholarships that are ideal for you: 

• Talk to your academic advisor: Many universities have institutional scholarships or know of external resources that are tailored to current students and degree programs.

• Join clubs and organizations: Campus groups, professional organizations, and honor societies may offer exclusive scholarships to their members.

• Search the US Department of Labor: The US Department of Labor has a free search tool for scholarships, fellowships, grants, and other financial award opportunities.

• Check scholarship directories: Websites like Scholarships.com and Fastweb provide updated lists of available scholarships with helpful search tools to narrow your options. 

• Look for industry-specific scholarships: Some scholarships are designed for students in specific fields of study, such as business, STEM, healthcare, and the arts.

Types of Scholarships to Apply for While in College

There are several types of scholarships available to current college students, including:

• Academic scholarships: Academic scholarships are awarded based on GPA, test scores, and overall academic performance. These scholarships may be offered by individual schools, nationally recognized organizations, or state, county, city, or local associations. 

• Service-based scholarships: These scholarships are granted to students involved in community service, volunteering, or leadership roles. For example, the Boy Scouts or Key Club may offer scholarships for students who participate in extracurricular activities.

• Degree-specific scholarships: Many academic departments and professional associations offer scholarships to students pursuing degrees in related fields. STEM scholarships are a common example.

• Military scholarships: Private and public entities sponsor military scholarships for students who have served or their family.

• Need-based scholarships: These scholarships are accessible to students who demonstrate financial need and are usually offered through national organizations, as well as state or community organizations. 

• Employer scholarships: Some employers offer scholarships for employees or the college-bound students of the employees.

Benefits of Scholarships for Students Already in College

Applying for scholarships while you’re still in college has a range of benefits, including:

• Reducing debt: Every dollar in scholarship funds can help to lower your student loan burden upon graduation. 

• Supporting academic success: Some scholarships include additional opportunities, such as academic resources or networking connections.

• Building your resume: Scholarship applications demonstrate initiative, help you sell yourself as a candidate, and make you a more competitive job seeker when you start your job search.

Introducing Sophia’s Scholarships and Discounts Network

Looking for scholarship opportunities? Students who sign up for Sophia and complete at least one course will have access to the Scholarships and Discounts Network (SDN), a network of institutions offering tuition discounts and scholarships. 

The SDN is available to any Sophia subscriber who has completed at least one Sophia course and is not yet enrolled in a university. If you’re eligible, you can opt in and express interest in any tuition discount or scholarship that you qualify for. Start your free trial at Sophia today!

College is a great investment in your future success, but it can be expensive. Applying for and gaining scholarship awards can go a long way toward making school more affordable, but you have to know when to apply to maximize your success. 

Whether you’re a parent helping your teen plan for their future or you’re an aspiring college student getting an early jump on your college planning (smart!), here’s everything you need to know about scholarship application timelines, strategies, and tips for getting the best opportunities. 

When Should I Start Applying for Scholarships? 

There’s no simple answer to when you should apply for scholarships. Some scholarships have deadlines as early as a year before college enrollment, while others may be available while you’re well into your college career. 

For example, academic scholarships that are based on merit often have early deadlines. Ideally, you should start applying during your junior year of high school. The same is true of athletic scholarships, which may involve recruitment. You should work with your coaches in your sophomore or junior year to prepare for athletic scholarship opportunities. 

Local scholarships sponsored by community-based organizations can have varying deadlines, so it really depends on the scholarships you’re aiming or qualify for. Take a look at the scholarships that may apply to you at the beginning of your junior year – and no later than your senior year – to ensure you have plenty of time to get your application finished by the deadline. 

Don’t forget that you may have scholarship opportunities after you’re enrolled, so keep up with your scholarship searches once school starts. 

Is Applying for Scholarships Early Better? 

Generally, yes, applying for scholarships early is the best approach. Deadlines can be tight and scholarship opportunities are competitive, so you may need time to gather your letters of recommendation or references, write engaging essays, and meet specific eligibility requirements. 

Stay on Top of Scholarship Deadlines 

Keeping track of deadlines can be challenging, but a little effort goes a long way. Here are some tips for keeping your scholarship applications and deadlines organized: 

• Create a scholarship calendar with deadlines, either on a digital app or physical calendar. 
• Work with your school advisors or guidance counselors to get scholarship recommendations and deadline reminders. 
• Use phone alarms or task management apps to schedule key dates for your scholarship applications and submissions. 

Best Way to Find Scholarships 

Finding scholarships is half the battle. Here are some places to look: 

• Online scholarship databases like Fastweb and Scholarships.com offer scholarship opportunities that you can filter by type, award, deadline, application criteria, location, and more. 
• Your institution’s financial aid office may know about local and national opportunities that are a good fit for you. Don’t forget to also talk to your high school guidance counselor or advisor about scholarship opportunities. You may find some hidden gems. 
• Industry-specific organizations may offer scholarships for students pursuing relevant degrees.  

Scholarship Tips for Success 

Stay organized and track your application materials, recommendation letters, character references, and transcripts in one location that’s easy to access. 

• Don’t use a generic essay! Tailor each essay to reflect the specific scholarship’s goals and relevance to you. 
• Pay attention to smaller scholarships. Though the bigger scholarships offer a bigger “bang for your buck,” smaller awards often have lower competition – and all those awards can add up. 
• Ask for letters of recommendation early. You want your recommenders to have plenty of time to complete your letters. 
• Proofread and edit your essay. Grammar mistakes and typos can hurt your chances, so take your time with your essays and proofread and edit until they’re polished and professional. 
• Get ready to promote yourself. Scholarship applications require a little self-praise, which can be difficult. But that’s what it takes to capture attention, so don’t be afraid to brag a little about your talents, awards, and extracurricular or volunteer activities. 
• Double-check the eligibility criteria for your scholarships and make sure you have all the required documents. There’s no sense in applying for scholarships that you’re not eligible for. 
• Don’t limit yourself to one or two scholarships. There’s no reason you can’t apply for any scholarship – as long as you’re eligible – so manage your time and send out those applications! 

Find Scholarship Opportunities with the Sophia Scholarships and Discounts Network 

If you’re looking for scholarship opportunities, Sophia is proud to offer the Sophia Scholarships and Discounts Network (SDN). This network is exclusively available to Sophia learners who’ve completed at least one course, giving them access to a network of institutions that offer tuition scholarships and discounts. 

This is an exciting opportunity for qualified learners to connect with financial assistance for Sophia’s partner schools. As long as you’ve completed at least one course, you can opt-in and apply for applicable scholarships and tuition discounts – even if you’re not yet enrolled in a college or university. Get started today with a free trial to Sophia! 

For many high school students, the SAT is a crucial step toward college admissions. While not every college requires the SAT, a good score can open doors to scholarships and top-ranked schools.

If you’re preparing for the SATs, find out more about how the test is scored, some effective strategies to boost your confidence and results, and what to expect from the experience.

How Are SATs Scored?

The SAT is divided into three main sections: math, evidence-based reading, and writing.

The math portion is 80 minutes with a 55-minute calculator-optional section and a 25-minute no-calculator section. There are 58 questions that cover problem solving, algebra, and advanced math like geometry, trigonometry, and pre-calculus.

The evidence-based reading and writing portions cover reading, which is 65 minutes of reading and vocabulary questions in context, and writing, which is 35 minutes of grammar and usage questions.

Each section is scored on a scale of 200 to 800 for a total score of 400 to 1600. There used to be an optional Essay portion that was scored separately, but the College Board discontinued that section after June 2021.

The scoring process involves:

• Raw score calculation based on the number of correct answers.

• Scaled score conversion that takes the raw score and converts it into a scaled score using a statistical process that ensures consistency across different test versions (“standardizing” the test). Understanding how the SATs are scored can help you improve specific areas that may be challenging.

Strategies for Improving Your SAT Score

Achieving a high SAT score is a combination of preparation, practice, and strategy. Here are some tips:

• Set a target score that you’d like to achieve. You can research the average scores for your target colleges to understand what you should aim for.

• Create a study plan by dividing the test into manageable sections, focusing on the areas where you may need improvement.

• Rely on free resources from the College Board and reputable SAT prep books and courses.

• Practice with full-length tests while simulating real test conditions to improve your time management and stamina.

• Analyze incorrect answers to understand where you may need more study time or tutoring to succeed in the future.

What Is the Best Way to Improve Your SAT Score?

If you didn’t get the score you want on your practice tests – or the real test – hope is not lost. You can improve with the right approach.

• Take SAT prep courses for personalized instruction and proven test strategies that can help you perform better.

• Hire an SAT tutor to get customized guidance tailored to your strengths and weaknesses.

• Join SAT study groups with your peers to boost your motivation and ensure accountability with your study habits.

• Download SAT practice apps to study for the test on the go.

• The SATs aren’t just about intelligence and aptitude. Being consistent and putting in effort can improve your score significantly.

Benefits of Taking SAT Prep Courses

Investing in SAT prep courses can have many benefits, including:

Helping with Test Anxiety

Test anxiety is a type of performance anxiety that you can struggle to overcome on your own. It can cause symptoms like nausea, headache, rapid heart rate, negative thoughts, feelings of stress, fear, helplessness, or disappointment, difficulty concentrating, and procrastination, all of which can affect your performance.

Like other types of performance anxiety, one of the best ways to overcome test anxiety is by becoming familiar with the test environment. Preparing for the exam in advance with a prep course can give you confidence and make the process feel more comfortable, beating your test day nerves.

Learning How to Study Effectively

Studying for the SAT can be daunting, especially if you’re balancing other commitments like extracurricular activities and classes. There’s a lot of material to cover in a short amount of time, and cramming isn’t an effective way to retain and use that information.

SAT prep courses help by collecting the materials you need to study for the SAT and presenting it in a structured, effective curriculum. You can work through the material at a reasonable pace without cramming or becoming overwhelmed.

Improving Your Score

The biggest reason most students enroll in SAT prep courses is to improve their score. Maybe you’ve taken the exam once and scored lower than you wanted. Perhaps you know the schools you want to apply to have high standards for SAT scores.

Whatever the reason, a prep course can be a worthwhile investment. Preparation will always yield better results, but it’s difficult to study effectively if you don’t know where you went wrong in the first place. SAT prep courses can help you understand your weak areas and work to improve them, giving you a better chance of success when you take the test.

Preparing for the Future

You may only need to take the SATs once, but there could be other standardized tests in your future. For example, graduate programs may require standardized tests like the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), and the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). As you embark on your career, you may need to take licensing exams or board exams to demonstrate your skills.

Learning how to approach standardized tests with proven, strategic methods from an SAT prep course can help you develop study skills that can benefit you for all your future exams and college assignments.

Take the Next Step Toward SAT Success

Scoring well on the SAT takes preparation and practice. If you want to boost your chances of success, Sophia offers College Readiness courses and gen eds that you can take at your own pace to refresh your knowledge and sharpen your skills. Start your free trial today!

College can be an exciting experience, but it’s common to feel a little overwhelmed with assignments, responsibilities, and deadlines. One of the best ways to approach college is with SMART learning goals – goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound – to stay focused, track your progress, and achieve success fast. 

New to SMART goals? Here’s everything you need to know about this structured approach to learning, its benefits, and how to get started. 

What Are SMART Goals for College Students? 

SMART goals offer a framework to break down your learning objectives into clear, actionable steps. Here’s what each component means and how it applies to college learning: 

• Specific: Define exactly what you want to achieve. SMART goals aren’t vague like “do better in class.” Instead, they should be precise, like “earn an A in my English class.” 
• Measurable: SMART goals quantify progress. For example, “study for two hours each day” helps you track your consistency and adjust as needed. 
• Achievable: Ensure your goal is realistic given your resources, schedule, and abilities. For example, if you’re an adult learner working full time with a family, devoting five hours to studying every day may not be reasonable for you. 
• Relevant: Align your goals with your academic and personal priorities, such as improving skills related to your major or reaching your graduation requirements to apply for graduate programs. 
• Time-Bound: Set a deadline to keep yourself motivated, such as completing assignments by Thursday each week. 

SMART goals not only help you stay organized but give you a sense of accomplishment as you check items off your to-do list. 

What Are Learning Goals? 

Learning goals focus on gaining knowledge, skills, and competencies during your educational experience. These goals can serve as benchmarks for academic progress, encourage self-improvement, and guide your efforts to focus on areas of importance, such as mastering a challenging subject or improving time-management skills. 

For example, a learning goal might be: 

“By the end of the semester, I will improve my public speaking skills by delivering three presentations and receiving peer feedback.” 

SMART Goal Examples for Students in College 

Here are a few examples of SMART goals that apply to common student scenarios: 

Academic Goals: 

• Specific: “I will improve my GPA from 3.0 to 3.5 by the end of the semester.” 
• Measurable: “I will study two hours daily for my chemistry class.” 
• Achievable: “I will focus on courses where I can realistically improve my grades.” 
• Relevant: “Completing this course aligns with my goal to qualify for a competitive scholarship.” 
• Time-Bound: “I will achieve this goal by the end of the final grading period.” 

Time-Management Goals 

• “I will plan my weekly schedule every Sunday evening and stick to a two-hour study block each day for the next month.” 
• “I will prioritize tasks using a to-do list and completing at least three high-priority tasks each day for two weeks.” 
• “I will limit social media time to 30 minutes a day during weekdays to maximize my study time.” 
• “I will arrive 10 minutes early for all classes and appointments for the next semester to develop better habits.” 

Personal Growth Goals 

• “I will join and actively participate in one student club by attending at least two events each month throughout this semester.” 
• “I will improve my communication skills by starting one new discussion with my peers in class each week.” 
• “I will dedicate one weekend per month to volunteering at a local nonprofit organization to build leadership skills.” 
• “I will read a non-fiction book related to my field of study every month.” 

Health and Wellness Goals 

• “I will exercise three times a week for 30 minutes each session to stay energized and focused.” 
• “I will go to bed by 11:00 PM every night and aim for at least 7 hours of sleep for the next month.” 
• “I will take a 10-minute walk after lunch every day to maintain physical activity.” 

Tips for Setting SMART Learning Goals 

• Start small: Begin with short-term goals that you can accomplish within days or weeks. Over time, you can build momentum to incorporate long-term goals. 
• Be honest with yourself: Assess your strengths and limitations to set achievable goals. Remember, it’s not about comparing yourself to others, but doing the best you can. 
• Use tools for accountability: Rely on planners, apps, or study groups to keep you on track with your SMART goals. 
• Review and adjust: Revisit your goals periodically to ensure they still align with your objectives and they’re relevant and realistic. 
• Celebrate progress: Reward yourself for hitting milestones, even the small ones. It can keep you motivated to focus on what you’ve achieved; not how much you have left to do. 

Why Choose Sophia for Achieving Your Learning Goals? 

At Sophia, we understand the challenges of balancing college with life’s other demands. Our self-paced courses are designed to fit into your busy schedule and help you achieve your academic goals – no matter what else you’re juggling. 

Sophia’s learning platform makes it easy to set and accomplish SMART goals with features like flexible deadlines that work with your timeline and challenges and milestones built into the course format. With progress tracking for each course, you can ensure you’re working toward your goals. 

Start Reaching Your Goals 

Setting SMART learning goals is an essential skill for college students that will help long after you graduate. As you navigate your learning journey, breaking your goals down into specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound steps can help you stay on track and make meaningful progress toward your future success. Ready to take the next step? Explore our self-paced courses at Sophia! 

Worried about the rising cost of higher education? You’re not alone, but scholarships can be a helpful tool to offset the cost of your college degree. While there are many scholarships available, with so many students vying for funding, it can be highly competitive. 

With the right strategies, you can use your accomplishments to standout and secure awards for your higher education. Learn more about how scholarships work, the types available, and tips to make a great impression on your application. 

How Do College Scholarships Work? 

College scholarships are financial awards designed to help students pay for their education. Unlike loans, scholarships don’t require repayment, making them a highly sought-after form of financial aid. Scholarships may be merit-based, need-based, or awarded for specific talents, achievements, or affiliations. 

You may find scholarships offered by schools, private organizations, and government programs. The award amounts vary, covering partial or full tuition, and may cover additional costs like housing or books. The application process often includes an essay submission with letters of recommendation, transcripts, and in some cases, proof of eligibility. 

What Types of Scholarships Are Available? 

Scholarships come in many forms to match the diverse needs of students and their qualifications. The common types of scholarships include: 

• Merit-based scholarships: These scholarships are awarded for academic, athletic, or artistic achievements. 
• Need-based scholarships: These scholarships are open to students who demonstrate financial need. 
• Field-specific scholarships: These scholarships are designed for students pursuing particular majors, like healthcare or engineering. 
• Identity-based scholarships: These scholarships are created for specific demographics, such as first-generation college students or members of underrepresented groups. 
• Community scholarships: Local businesses or organizations may offer scholarships to support students in their area and give back to the community. 
• Military scholarships: Students in ROTC programs or students with family members in the armed forces may be eligible for military scholarships. 
• Employer scholarships: Companies may offer scholarships to their employees or their dependents. 

Researching the scholarships you may be eligible for is an important step to maximize your chances of receiving an award. 

Scholarship Requirements 

Each scholarship has its own criteria, but they often require: 

• Academic transcripts that demonstrate your GPA and coursework rigor. 
• Personal essays that highlight your challenges, achievements, goals, or why a scholarship is essential to your academic success. 
• Recommendation letters that offer insight into your character and academic potential. 
• Proof of eligibility, such as residency, membership in an organization, or financial need. 

Make sure you read the application guidelines carefully to ensure you meet all the requirements before applying. 

When to Start Applying for Scholarships 

The earlier you apply for scholarships, the better. Many scholarships have deadlines well before the college application season. 

Current high school students should start searching for scholarships during their junior year to find opportunities and gather all the required materials, such as letters of recommendation from teachers or guidance counselors. 

Current college students should continue looking for scholarships throughout their college career. Some scholarships are available for specific years of study or for graduate students. 

Do You Apply for Scholarships Before or After Acceptance? 

You can apply for scholarships before and after being accepted to a college. Some awards require proof of enrollment, while others may be open to prospective students. It’s best to work on applications as soon as possible to avoid missing deadlines and ensure you make the best possible impression. 

Tips for Applying for Scholarships 

Want to know how to submit a winning application? Here are some strategies to maximize your chances of securing a scholarship award: 

How to Find Local Scholarships 

Check community organizations like local businesses, foundations, and rotary clubs to see if there are any scholarships in your area. 

Ask your guidance counselor for resources and recommendations for scholarships that may be ideal for you. 

Use online search tools like Scholarships.com and Fastweb to filter scholarships by location. 

Other Tips for Success 

• Stay organized: Keep a calendar of scholarship deadlines and application materials to ensure you don’t miss important dates or rush your applications. 
• Don’t use a one-size-fits-all essay: Personalize each application to reflect the scholarship’s mission or values. 
• Proofread everything: Spelling and grammar mistakes can hurt your chances and make you look like you’re not taking the application process seriously. 
• Apply to multiple scholarships: The more scholarships you apply for, the better your odds are of winning awards. 

Introducing Sophia’s Scholarships & Discounts Network 

Finding and applying for scholarships requires time and effort, but the financial and academic rewards are worth it. While Sophia doesn’t offer any scholarships directly, we’re excited to introduce our Scholarships & Discounts Network (SDN), a platform that connects Sophia learners with exclusive tuition discounts and scholarship opportunities offered by partner institutions. 

Here’s how it works: 

• Students who complete at least one Sophia course can explore the SDN. 
• Learners who have completed at least one Sophia course but are not yet enrolled in a university will be able to opt in and express interest in any tuition discount or scholarship they’re qualified for. 

At Sophia, our goal is to make higher education more accessible to all learners, and the SDN is part of that. Start your free trial today and discover new opportunities to fund your education! 

The rise of online learning has transformed education, making it more flexible and accessible to students of all ages and backgrounds. However, online learning isn’t a walk in the park. Succeeding requires unique skills that can differ from traditional campus learning. 

If you're thinking about online college, explore the skills and strategies needed for success in virtual learning below. 

What Are Essential Skills for Online Learners? 

Success with online learning is built on developing specific skills to navigate learning without in-classroom interaction and set course schedules. Unlike traditional campus classes, online learning requires independence, technical skills, and adaptability. 

Some of the key skills for online learning include: 

• Self-discipline 
• Communication 
• Time management 
• Technical proficiency 
• Critical thinking 

These skills are crucial to not only academic success but success in professional environments. More and more workplaces are hybrid or remote, and having skills in remote collaboration, time management, and self-discipline are transferable from the academic setting to the workplace. 

Top Essential Skills for Online Learning Success 

Time Management and Self-Discipline 

Online learning offers flexibility, but it also requires you to manage your schedule, set priorities, and avoid distractions. This can be difficult when you don’t have scheduled courses to attend, so it’s easier to prioritize other tasks or socializing over your schoolwork. 

Self-Motivation and Accountability 

With online learning – and college in general – you won’t have a teacher staying on top of your assignments and progress. You have to stay proactive, set personal goals, and take ownership of the learning process. If you procrastinate, you may end up too far behind to catch up. 

Communication Skills 

Online learning requires technical communication skills to interact with professors and peers through emails, forums, discussions, or video calls. These skills are also important in the workforce, especially in hybrid and remote environments with distributed teams. 

Technical Proficiency 

While online learning platforms and tools are intuitive, it’s important to have tech skills to learn and understand new learning management systems, software tools, and productivity tools. You also may need to troubleshoot minor issues as they arise and know when to seek help from the university or college tech support resources. 

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving 

Online learning may require independent resources to support your assignments, including evaluating sources, analyzing information, and presenting what you learned in a cohesive manner. Critical thinking is an essential skill in the workplace as well, since employers value candidates who can think outside the box and find fresh approaches to organizational challenges. 

7 Steps for Successful Online Learning 

1.  Set clear goals and expectations. Understand your course objectives, when major assignments or milestones are due, and how to achieve success. 
2.  Create a dedicated study space. Make sure it’s quiet, organized, and free from distractions. Keep all your study materials—such as notebooks, flashcards, and textbooks—in your study space. 
3.  Use online resources. Take advantage of tools available to you, such as video tutorials, discussion boards, forums, virtual libraries, and university tutoring. If you’re struggling with a course concept, ask your professor or academic advisor for guidance. 
4.  Participate actively. Make sure you’re not “just showing up.” Engage in discussions, group projects, and live sessions to foster collaboration. You’ll learn and retain more information if you’re engaging in discussions that challenge your understanding and thought processes. 
5.  Manage time effectively. Use to-do lists, a physical calendar, or a planner to note your assignment due dates, then prioritize your work based on deadlines and complexity. Try to build some time into your schedule to prepare for unexpected events that may disrupt your schedule. 
6.  Get help when you need it. Reach out to your peers, instructors, tech support, or study groups if you run into challenges in your courses. They’re there to help you succeed. 
7.  Reflect and evaluate. Regularly assess your progress and make adjustments to stay on track with your goals. For example, if you find that your study time is too late in the evening and it’s hard to focus, try blocking off different times during the week to see what works. 

Success Strategies for Online Learning 

• Establish a routine: Consistent study times can improve focus and productivity. Over time, your brain will naturally prepare for learning. 
• Leverage digital tools: Use apps for organizing notes and managing deadlines for your assignments and live sessions. 
• Build a support system: Join online communities or form virtual study groups for motivation and support. 
• Prioritize self-care: It can be difficult to balance school and your personal and professional life, but you have to stay healthy. Take breaks, exercise, and eat a healthy diet. 

Essential Skills for Employment Through Online Learning 

There are numerous transferable skills that are gained through online learning, which can be a valuable addition to your resume. For example, completing an online degree program shows that you have discipline, technical knowledge, and time management skills to balance responsibilities at home orwork, as well as the unexpected, without losing focus. 

Communication skills are also highly valued in the job market, especially with remote work becoming more common. Candidates with strong verbal and written communication skills can interact clearly and professionally in digital environments. 

Most workplaces use a variety of technology tools for day-to-day tasks, from customer relationship management to project management platforms. Your experience with online learning platforms and tools will translate into more proficiency in learning and using your workplace tech stack effectively. 

These skills should be included on your resume, as well as any relevant completed courses and certifications that showcase your online learning journey and accomplishments. Depending on your field, you may be able to include your assignments as part of your portfolio to demonstrate your skill set. 

Overcoming Challenges in Online Learning 

Online learning can be rewarding, but it also can come with some barriers to success like feelings of isolation, distractions that disrupt learning, and technical problems. It’s important to know how to address these problems and prevent them from derailing your learning experience. 

It’s natural to feel disconnected if you’re learning on your own, without a group of peers in a classroom or study group. Make sure you stay engaged by interacting with your peers and instructors online, which you can do through forums, discussions, or email. 

Distractions can be a big problem, particularly if you struggle with time management or procrastination. This is why setting your schedule and blocking off time for studying – as well as setting strict boundaries and “quiet time” for studying – is so important. Give your study time your full, undivided attention. 

If you run into technical problems, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Some issues can be solved with basic troubleshooting steps, but if that doesn’t work, contact tech support to get the problem resolved. If it’s not fixed quickly, reach out to your professor to let them know. 

Prepare for Online Learning 

Online learning is a rewarding experience, but you need the right skills to succeed. Ready to develop your online learning skills? Start your journey today with a free trial from Sophia! 

Current college students are quite different than they were years ago, but many colleges are still structured as if all students were 18- to 21-year-old, full time students. According to the Lumina Foundation, about 34% of college students are 25 or older, and about 80% of them work.

College is more accessible than it used to be, but there are still unique challenges that come with going back to school as an adult learner – and balancing life’s responsibilities with coursework. Find out how you can get the most out of your college experience as an adult learner.

Can You Go Back to School as an Adult?

Absolutely! Educational institutions have evolved beyond traditional, in-person classes with students fresh out of high school. Whether community college, four-year university, or alternative online learning platforms, there are countless programs that cater to the diverse needs of adult learners – including balancing school with work, family, or other responsibilities. 

Earning a college degree or certificate can take years to complete, whether you’re attending classes in person or online. With demanding schedules, high expectations, and the pressure to succeed, it’s natural to lose motivation at different points in your college career.

Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to stay on track and make the most of our learning journey. Find out why your motivation may wane – and actionable tips to regain and maintain your drive.

Why Am I Losing Motivation in College?

Motivation can waver for several reasons: 

• Stress: Balancing academics and personal life, especially for an adult learner, can take a toll over time. Many students are juggling coursework, part- or full-time jobs, and social commitments, leading to burnout.

• Challenges with online learning: The self-paced nature and lack of face-to-face interaction with online classes can make it more difficult to stay engaged – and easier to procrastinate.

• Overwhelming workloads: Demanding courses, a lot of assignments, and a drive to succeed can feel daunting. Sometimes, you may procrastinate or become apathetic.

• Unclear goals: If you don’t have a clear roadmap for your academic or career aspirations, you may feel disconnected from your studies and how they contribute to your life plan. 

Strategies to Stay Motivated in College

Now that you know why lack of motivation happens, here are some strategies to overcome it:

Create a Positive Study Environment

Your study environment plays a critical role in your ability to focus and stay productive. Make sure you have a quiet, comfortable space free from distractions. Keep your desk organized and well-lit to enhance your focus. 

Tools like planners, timers, and ambient noise apps can help you boost concentration, but the key is finding what works for you. Some people work best in total silence, while others may need some background noise that’s not too distracting. For others, strategic music can help with concentration.

Gamify Learning

Turning your studies into a game can make learning more engaging, and it may help you retain the information better. With gamification, you break tasks into smaller goals and assign yourself points for completing them. When you hit milestones, celebrate with small rewards like a break to do your favorite hobby or a treat.

If you want to make it even more challenging, compete with your peers or use educational apps that incorporate game-like features. 

Use Positive Reinforcement

Recognizing and rewarding your achievements, no matter how small, can keep you motivated. Every time you complete a challenging assignment, treat yourself to something enjoyable. This could be anything that works for you, from watching a favorite television show to drinking a fancy coffee.

Keep a journal to log your accomplishments and reflect on your progress. Focus on celebrating the effort, not just the results. Thinking in terms of results only can diminish your small wins.

Take Care of Mental and Physical Health 

Your studies are important, but so is your wellbeing. Here are some ways to boost your physical and mental well being:

• Sleep: Prioritize 7-9 hours of sleep each night to stay energized and focused.

• Exercise: Regular physical activity boosts mood and reduces stress, improving overall performance.

• Social connections: Study with friends or join student groups for accountability and motivation. 

• Practice self-care: Whether you enjoy yoga or a spa reward or spending time outdoors, take some time to do what sparks joy.

Prepare for Burnout

Burnout happens from time to time in college, but you can manage it effectively. The key is recognizing the early signs, such as waning interest, exhaustion, or excessive irritability. If you notice any of these signs, prioritize tasks to adjust your workload and say “no” to non-essential commitments. Anything that’s not urgent and important can wait.

Take regular breaks to rest and recharge. If you find you’re still struggling, reach out to your professors, counselors, or peers for support. Many universities and colleges offer mental health resources as well. 

Set Academic Goals

Having clear, realistic goals can give you a sense of purpose and direction. Because each lecture, reading, and assignment directly connects to your degree and career goals, your work should have a clear sense of purpose.

Here are some tips to set effective academic goals:

• Short-term goals: Break your semester into weekly or monthly targets, like completing a chapter or acing a quiz. These small wins keep you motivated day to day. 

• Long-term goals: Visualize your ultimate objectives, such as graduation, your career, or pursuing a degree for personal growth. Use milestones to track your progress and celebrate achievements along the way.

Academic goals provide focus and remind you of the purpose behind your hard work and sacrifices.

Stay the Course

Losing motivation in college is a common experience, but it doesn’t have to ruin your academic journey. With the right tools, you can overcome challenges and stay inspired. If you want to get a jump on your degree program and set your course for success, explore courses or start your free trial at Sophia! 

Being “successful” in college can mean something different for everyone based on their individual priorities, goals, and career aspirations. What’s successful for you can be quite different from your peers. 

Whatever your goals are, here are some tips to help you achieve them and enjoy your college experience. 

1. Know Your Goals 

Goals are an important part of visualizing your success. Think about what it is you want to achieve with your education and what “success” means for you. This can help you realize what you value and how that contributes to your success. 

For example, earning a bachelor’s degree to pursue your dream career may indicate that you value career achievements and independence. Perhaps you’re a small business owner and a first-generation college student who wants the sense of accomplishment of earning a degree – even if it’s not required for your career path. 

How you interpret your success and your values can help you stay focused on your goals. 

2. Make a Plan 

With a solid idea of what success looks like for you, you can turn that vision into a plan of action. This involves dividing large goals into smaller accomplishments that contribute to the whole. This can help you keep your goals more manageable and avoid feeling overwhelmed. 

SMART goals are a crucial part of the process. This means Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. So, if your long-term goal is to earn a degree, your SMART goals could be things like maintaining a 3.5 GPA at minimum, committing an extra two hours a week to study time, or completing one gen ed requirement in addition to your university courseload each term. 

3. Show Up for Classes 

This may seem obvious, but you have to show up for class to get the most out of your college experience, and that means attending online lectures and classes too. Your course lectures are where most of the learning takes place. Your professor may introduce new topics and add context that you can’t find in the textbook. Attending your classes, no matter what format they are presented in, is the best way to absorb all this information – and show the professor that you care about your academic performance. 

4. Book Office Hours 

As much as you may want to breeze through your degree program, you may struggle with a course here or there. It’s important to recognize when you’re struggling and ask for help. Your professors are there to help you succeed, so don’t be afraid to book office hours and get the one-on-one assistance you may need. 

Office hours don’t need to be limited to course struggles, however. You can book office hours to discuss concepts in depth and gain more understanding, talk about assignment feedback, or get advice on your career path. Your professors have a wealth of knowledge – use it! 

5. Understand Your Learning Style 

Everyone learns and processes information differently. Part of the college experience is understanding how you learn best and how to improve your study habits, ensuring you can gain value from your coursework. 

Generally, learning styles are: 

• Visual: Learning through images, graphs, and diagrams 
• Auditory: Learning by listening to explanations 
• Reading: Learning through reading and writing 
• Kinesthetic: Learning through hands-on activities 

Most people are a combination of these learning styles, but understanding how you learn best can help you develop study skills that complement your learning style. 

Think about assignments you’ve done well. How did you prepare for them? Did you study alone or in a group? Did you use tools like flashcards or notes? Did practice exercises help you grasp concepts better? All of these can be clues into what helps you learn. 

6. Try New Subject Areas 

Earning a degree or a minimum GPA isn’t the only measure of success in college. Expanding your thought processes, challenging yourself, or learning new skills is a potential benefit of completing a bachelor’s program. 

Look for opportunities to challenge yourself and take classes that seem fun. When you have an opportunity to choose your own topic for an assignment, consider picking something you don’t know anything about. 

You can find courses that will broaden your horizons and satisfy electives at your school, but you can also supplement your learning with online courses from platforms like Sophia. With a broad range of courses spanning business, science, information technology, and more, you can explore subject areas that are unfamiliar and get to know new sides of yourself. 

7. Get a Jump Start with Gen Eds 

General education courses, or gen eds, cover a wide range of subjects like math, social sciences, natural sciences, communication, and humanities. While the specific courses can vary, virtually every degree program requires a number of gen eds in several subject areas to expand your knowledge and teach you vital skills. 

Depending on the program, gen eds can take a lot of time and coursework, but you don’t have to take them at the same school. You can accelerate your degree – and possibly save some money in the process – by taking your gen eds with Sophia. All self-paced with a subscription format, these courses are fully online and are designed to transfer for credit. Just make sure you talk to your preferred school's advisor about the credit transfer policy in advance! 

8. Manage Your Time Carefully 

Time management takes work and practice. How you manage your time and prioritize your work is a vital part of achieving your goals and your own vision of success. Sometimes, your priorities won’t align easily. You may even procrastinate. 

It’s best to be proactive with your time management. Build time into your schedule to prepare for the unexpected. For example, if your assignments for each module are due at the end of the week, schedule time to complete them early. Then, if things come up, you won’t be pressed for time. 

9. Build Your Network 

Networking is a key part of success in your career and in college. Networking can build your interpersonal and professional skills as you maintain relationships and give you valuable connections for the future. 

You never know what connection will prove valuable. Talk to your professors or advisors about the industry to gain career insights. Engage in conversation with your classmates and talk about your career aspirations. You never know what doors may open for you – and what you can do for others. 

10. Don’t Neglect Your Health 

It’s easy to put yourself on the back burner when school, work, family, or other responsibilities take up more of your time. You can’t achieve success without taking care of yourself. No matter what your goals are, you need to maintain your physical and mental health. 

Make sure you make yourself a priority. While it can be difficult to find balance between school and life, staying organized and managing your time can ensure you have self-care built into your to-do list. If you find yourself really struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to your advisor and seek professional help. 

What Does Success Mean for You? 

Being successful in college can mean earning a degree, achieving a certain GPA, challenging yourself with hard courses, and more. Whatever success looks like for you, there’s no better time to start than now. Start your free trial at Sophia to complete gen eds and jump start your education! 

Most colleges offer a three-course, 15-credit load for full-time students. If you want to max out your schedule and get classes out of the way, you may feel inclined to take as many courses as possible, even exceeding this three-course maximum. 

However, doing so could be more difficult than you might expect. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you first start, especially if you put too much on your plate before you learn the ropes of college courses. Fortunately, dropping a class is an option. 

Whether you’re being too ambitious or you’ve changed majors, you can drop a class to get a more balanced schedule. Students may also drop courses if they’re struggling with the material, since dropping by the deadline avoids a low grade and ensures a fresh start in a future course. 

Changing your schedule can have major consequences for your GPA, financial aid, and graduation timeline, so be sure to consider your options carefully. 

College can be demanding. Even students who breezed through high school may struggle, because college courses involve a lot of information that’s presented in a short period of time. 

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, but that doesn’t mean that you are overwhelmed. These challenges may be daunting, but they probably won’t be the first in your college career. 

With the right approach, it can be an opportunity to improve your learning skills and develop strategies to tackle more complex concepts. 

Study Smart, Not Hard 

Many students learn strong study habits in high school, but those same habits may not keep up with the demands of college education. Classes can be larger, exams may have higher stakes, reading can be more intense, and classes are more rigorous overall. 

It’s important to actively study, not just listen and read. You have to engage with the material and formulate your own learning. Here are some ideas to help you engage: 

• Create a study guide for each section or concept with questions and problems, then answer them once you’ve gone over the material. 
• Come up with examples that relate to your own experiences. 
• Think of difficult concepts in terms of question, evidence, and conclusion. 
• Try to explain the concepts in your own words, then compare them to the text to see if you truly understand. 
• Complete any practice quizzes and answer any questions posed by your text, even if they’re not graded. 
• Space out your studying over days or weeks, which is more effective for learning and retention than cramming all the information in at once. 

Try the Feynman Technique 

The Feynman Technique is a learning strategy that was developed by Richard Feynman, the Nobel Prize-winning physicist. He believed that many people focused more on memorizing terms and definitions, rather than truly understanding the concepts that underpin them. 

His approach focuses on studying to improve understanding, not memorization, and involves the following steps: 

1. Write an explanation of the concept as simply as possible, using short sentences and plain language. Avoid consulting references – this is based entirely on what you know. 
2. Consider which aspects of the concept you couldn’t explain well. Those are the ones you need to focus on. Repeat step one until you can explain the concept comfortably. 
3. Once you have a complete and accurate explanation of a concept, try to simplify it even more without losing substantive information. This will help you determine if there are any gaps in your understanding or elements you need to revisit. 

Use Mental Spacing 

As mentioned, shorter, consistent study sessions are more effective in the long term than cramming. Mental spacing follows this idea by practicing learning in a consistent, well-paced manner. 

Not understanding something new can be frustrating for anyone, which can encourage cramming or memorization to simply “get it over with.” However, this is the most inefficient way to learn complicated information and retain it for the future – a skill that’s important in college. 

Many courses and prerequisites build upon previous concepts as the coursework becomes more advanced and complex. If you don’t have a solid understanding of the concepts leading up to that, you’ll only feel more lost. 

With mental spacing, you prioritize many concepts learned over a longer period instead of focusing on one at a time. Your brain stays sharp, you learn a little at a time, and you get a feel for which concepts come easily and which don’t. 

Consider the ADEPT Approach 

The ADEPT approach was developed by Kalid Azad, a math educator and learning specialist, to help students break down difficult concepts. It’s an acronym that stands for: 

• Analogy: Illustrate the concept with a relevant comparison. 
• Diagram: Draw the concept out. 
• Example: Provide a simple example. 
• Plain English: Describe the concept with plain words and minimal jargon. 
• Technical definition: Describe the concept with formal details and appropriate terminology. 

Writing about a concept multiple ways forces you to think creatively and examine it from multiple angles. When you’re finished, you should have a solid library of mental representations – including diagrams, examples, and analogies – that will be easier to recall as you move further into the material. 

The ADEPT approach and the Feynman Technique are similar in many ways. You can combine the two by using ADEPT as your first step of the Feynman Technique, then revisiting the concept to deepen your learning using steps two and three. 

Play to Your Strengths 

We go through several stages when we learn a new concept, which include: 

• Confusion 
• Initial understanding 
• Expanded understanding 
• Refined understanding (with knowledge gaps) 

These stages show how our brains process and learn new information. Maximizing those strengths and weaknesses can help you grasp information more quickly, which includes pacing your learning. 

This gives your brain time to switch between focused, which is when you’re actively trying to learn new information or practice something, and diffuse, which is when your brain relaxes. The latter is when your brain is at rest and creates connections that focused learning can’t find. 

If you’ve ever had that “epiphany” moment of finally connecting the dots, it’s when your brain “clicks” on all the information you absorbed during focused learning. 

Set Goals and Measure Progress 

If you’re pacing your learning appropriately, it’s easier to set goals that are achievable, realistic, and measurable. Then, when you reflect back, you can see what worked and develop more effective study habits in the future. 

Here’s how to set goals for yourself and measure progress: 

1. Write everything you know about a subject, even if it’s just a few disparate thoughts. 
2. Write down your goals for learning the concept. 
3. After you finish each study session, write down what you learned and what you still need to learn. 

These steps create start points and end points for your studies and show you how you got from point A to point B. Your goal can be for any period of time, depending on your own needs and pace. 

Develop Your Skills to Excel in College 

College studies often involve new concepts that are difficult and unfamiliar, but learning how to overcome your struggles and develop better study skills and enhance learning is part of the experience. Using these approaches can help you meet your goals and ensure that you’re truly learning, not just coasting. 

If you want to get back in the groove of learning in a self-paced environment, Sophia’s online courses are ideal for those difficult courses. You can take your time to study concepts while building valuable study skills – and we have plenty of learning resources to help if you’re stuck! Start your free trial on Sophia today!

Sophia helps remove hurdles for learners, whether they’re high school students getting ahead on their degree, adults returning to school or changing careers, and anything in between. But one of the biggest benefits of Sophia is the opportunity to complete gen eds quickly and fast-track their degree. 

Today, we’d like to highlight a story of how one of our talented learners leveraged Sophia to expedite his undergraduate journey and get a jump on his post bachelors learning experience. 

Introducing Josh Vandergriff 

As an adult learner, Josh Vandergriff returned to higher education pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition in June 2020. He was able to complete his degree in just one year, graduating in June 2021, before moving on to a master’s degree in public health. 

In December 2022, Josh graduated from his master’s program and took the next step – a Doctor of Health Science program. He started in June of 2023 and is on track to graduate in May of 2025. 

Josh’s Experience at Sophia 

Josh started college fresh out of high school, and in his words, “unready” for higher education. Life challenges arose, and he had to put his higher education on pause for many years. As a busy adult, he had assumed he would never complete his graduate degree goals. 

After some traumatic events and thoughts of his children’s future, Josh felt a renewed desire to return to school. He knew his schedule as a working adult would make traditional college too challenging, but Purdue Global offered exactly what he was looking for to achieve his goals. 

Courtesy of a special introductory collaboration between Sophia and Purdue Global in 2021, Josh had about ten weeks to use Sophia completely free with access to most of the available courses. Josh took full advantage of the opportunity and took all the courses available to him, accelerating his degree program by almost a year.  

Transferring courses for credit was a streamlined and easy process, according to Josh, due to both Sophia’s straightforward explanation of the course transfer process and Purdue Global credit equivalencies. Both organizations collaborated effectively, making the experience smooth for everyone. 

For Josh, the self-paced nature of Sophia’s courses allowed him to use his natural drive to move at an accelerated pace, rather than a structured timeline. 

Josh’s favorite courses at Sophia were those related to science and psychology – as expected with his majors. These have always been interests of his, combined with the joy in helping others. Another course highlight was public speaking, which helped Josh step out of his comfort zone and become more accustomed to giving presentations – a skill that’s foundational to a career in public health. 

Realizing His Dream 

Assisted by Sophia, Josh was able to accelerate his bachelor's degree allowing him to pursue his master's degree in public health. Now, nearly four years later, Josh is close to completing his doctorate and earning his title, along with a terminal degree in health sciences. 

“It has been a dream of mine to become a doctor since I was a child. Thanks to Sophia, Purdue Global, and my own discipline and determination, my dreams will soon be able to come true.” 

Josh’s Tips for Success 

After Josh’s success, we asked what Sophia-specific tips he has to get the most out of the platform: 

“The best tip I could advise on getting the most out of Sophia is to find what you have preferred interests in to start. Afterwards, make sure you set SMART goals on completing tasks. Having a focused mindset and a clear vision on what you want to achieve will help to create the most effective academic structure.” 

How Can Sophia Help You? 

As an adult learner, Josh is about to realize his dream of becoming a doctor. It’s never too late to start. If you’re ready to take the next step in higher education, learn more about Sophia’s flexible, affordable courses. Start your free trial today! 

Failing a course can be an overwhelming, difficult, and humbling experience, but you’re not alone. You can learn from the experience and achieve academic success. 

Maybe you were overwhelmed with too many challenging courses. Perhaps you got behind and need to work on your time management. Maybe the major isn’t for you. Whatever the reason, failing a class in college is not the end of your college career. 

Wondering what to do if you fail a class in college? All you can do is move forward with a plan in place to set yourself up for success. Here’s how. 

1. Don’t Give Up 

It’s easy to beat yourself up over a failing grade, especially if you’re used to having good grades in the past. But you aren’t a failure just because of a failed class. 

Your failed grade is an opportunity to learn from the experience and commit to better habits in the future.  

2. Determine What Went Wrong 

Though it isn’t easy, evaluating what went wrong is a great way to ensure you succeed with your subsequent courses. Be honest with yourself – did you procrastinate studying and assignments? Did you overload your schedule? Did you truly try your best and just not understand the course concepts? 

Speaking with your advisor or professor can help you understand why you failed, and more importantly, how you can do better when you make up the class. 

3. Get a Degree Audit 

If you fail a course, work with your advisor to determine your next steps. Your college likely has a degree audit tool that can check your progress toward your major. If the course you failed is essential to your degree, then you know you need to retake it for your requirements. 

However, if the course you failed isn’t required for your degree, you may be able to fulfill the requirement with a course that’s a better fit for you. For example, if you failed economics as a humanities requirement, you may prefer satisfying that gen ed with a different humanities course. 

4. Develop a Game Plan to Retake the Course 

If the course you failed is essential to your major, you’ll need to make a plan to retake it. It’s important to speak with your advisor to find out when the course is available and decide when it best fits into your schedule to set yourself up for success. 

For example, you may be able to retake the course alongside a lighter course load to ensure you have more time to devote to studying and practicing the coursework. This also can give you time to prepare by cutting back on extracurricular activities or scheduling time off of work to manage your course load. 

5. Ask for Help 

Your advisor and professor are here to help you succeed. Make sure you take advantage of all the resources available. Your advisor may even let you know about resources you didn’t know existed. 

Many schools have tutoring services or learning centers that offer guidance in specific subjects or general college readiness. For example, there may be a writing center to help you with term papers. 

You may want to schedule time with your professor during office hours to ask questions and get one-on-one help with the material. This individual attention can help you focus on the specific challenges you may be facing and get personalized help. 

6. Look Into Alternative Course Types 

If you struggle with a certain subject, such as math, retaking the course with alternative course types may be just what you need. There’s a lot more available outside of a traditional in-class environment. 

For example, self-paced online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to work on the course in the comfort of your own home at the time that works best for you. You can take as much time as you need to read the materials and complete practice assignments without the pressure of a deadline or classmates, but you still have your professor or instructor if you need individualized help along the way. 

7. Lighten Your Workload 

It’s common for students to take a full courseload and find themselves overwhelmed. When you have to prioritize courses because you’re overloaded, one course may fall on the backburner, leading to a failing grade. 

If you think that was the cause of your failed course, plan ahead to ensure you have a manageable courseload for your retake. You may even want to consider taking the course by itself over the summer break to ensure you can focus entirely and prioritize your work. 

However, keep in mind that summer can come with its own distractions and time management challenges. Consider how your vacation plans, events, or jobs may impact your schoolwork to decide if a summer session is the right choice for you. 

Don’t Let a Failed Course Bring You Down 

One failed course can be disheartening, but it’s not the end of your college career. In fact, a failed course can be an opportunity to develop better habits and show resilience, or in some cases, discover that your career passion may lie elsewhere. 

Ready to dust yourself off and try again? Sophia offers self-paced online gen ed courses that are designed to transfer to many colleges and universities for credit. Check with your advisor to determine whether your school accepts Sophia courses for transfer credit and start your free trial! 

Transitioning from high school to college can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not used to studying for many of your past courses. You may need to adjust to not only the rigors of college but learn how to study in the first place. 

Studying is one of the vital tools for college success. It’s more than reading, taking notes, or memorizing terms and phrases (though that’s part of it). Understanding how to study and retain information is vital to true learning. 

Whether your study skills are rusty or you’re trying to sharpen your study skills, here are our tips to study to help you thrive in your college courses. 

What Is Studying, Really? 

Contrary to popular belief, studying is not simply reading a textbook or other course material. Reading is an important part of the process, but it’s more like pre-studying. 

Studying is actively engaging with the material and drawing connections between the course concepts, examples, lectures, and your own learning process. This is more than note-taking, memorizing, or highlighting important passages. 

Here are some ways to ensure that you’re actively studying: 

• Create questions, problems, and quizzes as your own study guide. 
• Read the information out loud and ask yourself questions as you go. 
• Come up with examples that are relevant to your own experiences. 
• Create diagrams that explain the material. 
• Work out problems and explain the steps.  

College is a big investment in your future, but it can be expensive. While you can take out loans for school, there are opportunities to save money with scholarships that help offset the costs of tuition, books, room and board, and more.

Most people are aware of athletic and academic scholarships awarded to high school students, but there’s so much more than that. Here’s everything you need to know about the types of scholarships, their criteria, and how to present the best possible scholarship application.

What Are Scholarships?

A scholarship is a financial award given to a student based on criteria that demonstrates merit or need. Scholarships offer financial help for school and are awarded based on specific criteria. The grantor of scholarships typically defines how the money should be applied, but they’re often used for tuition, books, room and board, or other educational expenses.

Congrats on taking the next step in your educational journey with Sophia! Whether you’re about to start your courses or you’re just signing up, you’re probably curious about the course structure and how we define success at Sophia. 

This guide has all the information you need to understand how Sophia courses work, the types of assessments we use to evaluate your learning, and how they factor into your final grade. Here’s everything you need to know about taking Sophia courses – plus some helpful tips to maximize your success. 

How Is Learning Assessed? 

Sophia’s courses are competency based, which means that rather than based on a defined term or being graded on a curve, you go at your own pace and you’re done if and when you show you’ve met the expectations for each competency.  

Sophia provides a structure that provides you with all the learning material you need, low stakes practice activities to get ready and exams and assignments that allow you to show what you’ve learned. And if you were not successful the first time on an exam or assignment, you have another chance before moving on. 

Sophia offers 60+ courses in a range of subject areas, all with a similar user interface. Many of our courses are designed with a problem-based learning model that includes both theoretical and practical scenarios for in-depth learning. 

Tests are part of the academic experience, whether you’re taking in-person or online courses, prepping for the SATs, ACTs, or AP exams, or sitting for admissions tests like the MCAT or GRE. 

In addition, if you’re planning a career that involves exams for your credentials, such as the state bar exam, the NCLEX for nurse licensing, or the USMLE to become a licensed medical physician, you will need to have strong test-taking techniques. 

As tests become more challenging, studying may not be enough on its own. Effective and consistent preparation is the key to success with your exams. Here are 10 tips to prepare for tests, no matter how big or small. 

Before the Test 

1. Develop Good Study Habits 

Understanding and recalling information for a test takes more than an all-night study session. Coursework is scaffolded and cumulative, meaning each new concept builds upon the previous ones. If you never crack a book and try to cram all your studying in at the last minute, your test scores may suffer for it. 

It’s important to develop good study habits long before your big test. Do all your homework assignments and assigned readings, review your notes, and prepare your own study guides. If you have an opportunity to prepare with practice tests or optional assignments, take advantage of them. Sophia courses include a mix of flashcards and other study tools, interactive practice opportunities, and practice Milestone tests to help you prepare. 

If you’re an academic achiever in high school and excited to start college, you can get a head start with an early introduction to college-level coursework. Earning some college credits in high school can help you impress college admissions departments, explore academic interests, and save some money on tuition. 

Whether you have a college plan in mind or you’re just getting your feet wet with the college experience, there are many reasons to take college courses in high school. Find out more about your options and how to get started. 

Can You Take College Classes in High School? 

If you want a head start on your college credits while you’re still in high school, there are plenty of ways to do it. 

Advanced Placement 

One of the most common options is advanced placement (AP) courses. These courses are developed by CollegeBoard and available in over 30 subjects, so you may be able to knock out a college-level course and high school requirement at once. Once the course is complete, you will have to pass an AP test to receive college credits. 

Dual Enrollment 

Unlike AP courses, which offer preparation to assist high school students with more rigorous coursework, dual enrollment allows students to enroll in full college classes while in high school. You can complete college-level assignments and receive credit that’s applied to your high school diploma and your college degree at once. 

Summer Courses 

You can take college credits in high school by completing summer programs. This has a few benefits, including preparing you for the college experience, allowing you to explore academic interests at the college level, and focusing on a single course to ensure your grades don’t suffer. 

Online Courses 

Online courses have been growing in popularity, especially after the pandemic. Colleges, universities, and learning platforms like Sophia offer online courses that you can take in high school to earn college-level transfer credits, typically in gen ed classes. Some of these are self-paced, meaning you can complete the coursework on your own schedule to ensure that you don’t become overwhelmed with your academic schedule. 

For many college students, electives can be the most exciting aspect of the college experience. You have an opportunity to choose what classes to take, and in what subjects, to explore your interests and indulge your curiosities. 

All degree programs have electives built in to ensure that students get a worldly education and encourage intellectual curiosity. You have to be strategic in deciding how you want to use those electives to support your academic and professional goals, however. 

Types of Electives 

Electives are courses that you get to choose. Your electives may fall under a degree requirement, but you typically have a few courses to choose from that satisfy it. In some cases, your electives may act as prerequisites for courses that are part of your major or minor. 

High school students have a lot of work ahead of them to gain admission into college and prepare themselves for the workforce. Enrolling in a college prep program can help you get ready for college and learn the ins and outs of college applications and attendance.

If you’re planning on attending college after high school – or you have a child exploring college options – online college prep courses offer valuable real-world insights to ensure success.

What Is College Prep?

College prep can mean different things at different institutions, but they’re generally classes that prepare you for future education as a college student. Some may focus on practical knowledge for college like managing college applications or understanding financial aid and loans. 

Others may prepare you for the rigor of college with more challenging course work to give you a taste of what’s expected of a college student. These often focus on the core subjects that high school students are supposed to grasp before graduation: English, math, science, and social studies.

Though often grouped together, college prep courses differ from advanced placement (AP) courses. AP courses are courses you can take to earn college credit in high school, which are instructed at a college level and quite challenging. College prep courses can be equally rigorous, but they may not offer college credit.

If you want to go back to school to start or finish earning your degree, you probably don’t have the luxury of quitting your job to be a full-time student. The responsibilities to family and tuition payments mean that work is a necessity – often on a full-time basis – to make going back to school a reality. 

Balancing work and school is no easy feat, but it is possible. Here are some tips to help you succeed in college while working full time. 

Set a Schedule – And Stick to It 

Creating a schedule and sticking to it is the best way to set yourself up for success with the upcoming term or semester. It’s best to plan before you actually start your courses and set notifications and deadlines on a personal calendar. Make sure to list everything, including your work hours, study time, errands, and assignment deadlines. 

Your schedule not only keeps you on track with time management but helps you prepare for upcoming projects, assignments, and exams. If you have something big coming up, you can prepare by rearranging your scheduled time to prioritize school. 

For example, if you have plans for an event or day trip, you have advance notice to move around your free time to accommodate studying and assignments. If you’re inundated with work, you have a comprehensive view of your responsibilities to avoid overwhelm and block out time appropriately. 

There’s a lot to think about when it comes to college, including your major, future career path, tuition, possible schools, and more. But one thing you may not have been thinking about is if you’re ready for the rigors of higher education. 

Even if you feel ready on a personal level, college readiness courses evaluate whether you might have any gaps in the skills and knowledge needed to successfully integrate into college, such as study skills, critical thinking skills, and organizational skills. Find out more about college readiness and why it’s a valuable addition to your college planning. 

What Are College Readiness Courses? 

College readiness refers to the skills, behaviors, and knowledge a high school student should have to start college and integrate into the experience. A college readiness course covers a lot of these necessary skills, including: 

Education 

Generally, colleges and universities expect education in common core subjects like math, English, history, and one foreign language. These skills are then developed and expanded in college. 

Skill Sets 

Aside from academic skills, colleges expect certain life skills to successfully integrate into the college learning experience. These include completing a scientific experiment, writing an essay, or public speaking, as well as time management and critical thinking. 

Mindset 

College can be demanding and requires a lot of self-discipline, motivation, and positivity. Students are expected to have these skills to face and conquer the challenges they may encounter in college. 

Attending college isn’t as simple as filling out an application and taking courses. You have to prepare application materials, take standardized tests, gather recommendation letters, and most importantly, choose your major and career path for the future. 

The earlier you start – and the better organized you are – the better prepared you’ll be to select, apply, and get accepted to the college or university of your choice. Here’s everything you need to know to design your own online college plan. 

Choosing a Major 

If you already know what you want to major in and what career you want to pursue, you’re ahead of the game. But if you don’t, that’s a good place to start. 

Consider your professional goals and interests, as well as the career you want to pursue. For example, if you want to be a lawyer, you can major in just about anything, but majors like criminal justice, political science, or history are recommended. You will also need to go to law school, which means preparing for testing and law school admission midway through your undergraduate experience. 

Conversely, some career paths are more limited in their majors, such as nursing, accounting, engineering, and anthropology. You’ll put yourself in a stronger position after you graduate if you make smart decisions about your major. 

Once you have decided on a major, it’s time to consider your options for higher education institutions. Some majors require a four-year program, but others you may be able to complete at a trade school or a community college with an associate degree. For example, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) can attend trade school instead of getting a bachelor’s degree. 

At Sophia Learning, we believe that personal and professional advancement should be affordable and accessible to every student at every stage of their journey – whether they’re a high school graduate or a mature adult returning to school after a long break. 

These values are reflected in our ambassador program, which includes a diverse group of learners with different educational backgrounds and career goals. 

Today, we’d like to highlight some of the recent graduates who are members of the Sophia Learning Ambassador Program. Learn more about their experiences and let it inspire your own journey. 

When you embark on a higher education journey, you’re looking to get more than “just a job” out of your investment. You want a rewarding, challenging career that offers opportunities and progress.

But preparing for a lifelong career journey is more than learning job-related skills in your degree program – it’s about having the competencies to enter the workforce and thrive. Unfortunately, many degree programs focus on the theoretical aspects of the area of study, not how it translates in the real world.

That’s where career readiness comes in. With career readiness, you can learn transferable skills that are essential in the modern workplace, no matter what career path you choose to take.

From kindergarten through senior year, we’re trained to look forward to the summer season for a much-needed break from learning.

For many college students, that last stretch in the spring and finishing finals means a long, relaxing summer break with plenty of sunny days, sleeping in late, and enjoying time with friends and family.

But for intrepid students, summer may be the ideal time to continue with the learning experience to gain new skills, knock out gen ed courses, and fast track graduation.

Wondering if you should take summer classes in college? Here’s why it may be the perfect option for you.

College is exciting, challenging, and fun, but it’s also a big investment – possibly one of the biggest you’ll make in your lifetime.

Though the cost may be rising, there’s good news – there’s a positive return on investment for higher education. Overall, college graduates earn more than those with high school diplomas.

Of course, you have to make smart financial decisions to get the best college ROI, and online courses are one way to help save on college and invest your money and time wisely.

If you’re considering online courses to boost your resume, finish your degree, or switch careers, there are a few different setups and options to make the most of the experience.

Some courses are structured with specific information to be covered each week on a set schedule, while others allow you to learn at your own speed – self-paced learning. Many schools offer self-paced online college-level courses for credit, so you can get ahead while working toward your degree on your own time.

Attending college at your own pace is a great way to balance the responsibilities of life with your education, but it may not be ideal for everyone. Find out what to expect from a self-paced learning environment.

What Is Self-Paced Learning?

Online courses are more flexible than traditional courses in general, but self-paced online courses give you even more control over your learning experience. There are minimal deadlines and schedules that limit your learning experience, so you can move quickly through material that comes easily.

Most courses, traditional or otherwise, are built on layered learning – you have to have a good understanding of the material to build upon it as you move through the course. If you struggle with a topic or concept, you can take the time you need to ensure you truly grasp it before moving into the next section.

Essentially, you can leverage your individual learning strengths and abilities to get the best experience possible.

If you check these boxes, you can benefit from self-paced online college.

With a part- or full-time work week, family obligations, and other responsibilities, it can seem challenging to find the time to complete schoolwork. Time is a precious resource that should be maximized, especially for college students.

Whether you struggle with time management or you want to maximize your time, here are our top 10 time management tips for college students.

1. Keep a Calendar of Deadlines

Most courses, online or in-person, have deadlines for assignments that you have to follow to earn a high grade. It can be overwhelming, but not if you’re following the best practices for managing time for students.

Keeping a calendar gives you a visual of all your upcoming work, so you can schedule study time and time to complete assignments with clear priorities. Otherwise, you could end up with rapidly approaching deadlines and panic when you realize assignments are due without enough time to spend on them.

Student loans are a great option for people who want a degree but otherwise can’t afford college. Taking out student loans means being saddled with a lot of debt upon graduation, however.

Whether you’re a new student or you’re far along in your college career, there are ways you can get ahead of college costs, or limit your borrowing, to start off in a strong position after graduation.

Find out how to avoid college debt and finish school without the burden of high student loans.

1. Embrace Hybrid or Alternative Learning

Online learning has created a unique option to avoid excessive debt and gain flexibility in your learning journey. Hybrid learning combines the affordability of an online education with in-person classes for a traditional college experience.

Though the per-credit cost may be close, the flexibility of a hybrid program can reduce the indirect costs that can rack up in college, such as paying for tolls or parking, gas for the commute, or enrolling children in childcare to attend classes. It also offers more flexibility to continue working a full-time schedule and earn income.

Online learning is becoming more popular. Colleges and universities are increasing their online offerings, and 2020 saw record enrollment from online learners. 

From doctoral programs to short courses, online programs offer an array of benefits, including flexibility in where, when, and how students attain their education while balancing the responsibilities of daily life.

But there is a caveat – online learning can be challenging if you’re not prepared. Attending an online course demands focus and motivation like a traditional classroom setting, plus distractions like kids or pets can present barriers to learning.

Here are some tips for how to be a successful online college student and get the most out of your online classes this year.  

It’s back-to-school season for many students. As you focus on your studies, schedule and the supplies you’ll need, it’s helpful to figure out what discounts might be available. From computers and subscriptions to notebooks and writing implements and other essentials, now is a great time to assess where you can save. 

In addition to saving with Sophia, here are some helpful discounts at a variety of academia-related companies: This is not a statement of endorsement of these products or offers. Offers may have seperate terms and conditions and expiration dates.

When Purdue University senior Madison Roelike* first heard of Sophia Learning in late 2019, she was intrigued by the idea of taking convenient and affordable college-level courses that could help her work toward her bachelor of science in business administration.

Madison was first drawn in by the concept and the accessible design of Sophia’s website, but she continued to take courses with Sophia long after her free trial period ended because Sophia delivered on its promise of convenient, high-quality learning. 

*Actual Sophia student who agreed to appear in Sophia promotional materials

In recent years, there’s been an emphasis on practical majors like science, technology, math, and business management, and less on more theoretical, creative majors like the humanities. However, these courses are required for most four-year degrees and hold a lot of value in any field.

From communication and writing skills to critical thinking and empathy, find out the benefits of humanities courses as part of your degree program.

You may be wondering why you have to take gen ed courses – especially the ones unrelated to your degree – but they’re more important than you may realize. These foundational classes are designed to provide a well-rounded education and prepare you for advanced coursework. 

College is an exciting time to explore your interests, engage your intellectual passion, and build the foundation for your future career. But when it comes time to choose courses, you may find that you have a lot of introductory courses to get out of the way before you dive into the “fun” stuff for your major. 

From music to electrical engineering to medicine, math is a critical component of many college majors. Even the arts and humanities require some math-focused general education requirements. If you’re not a natural at math, it can feel intimidating. 

There’s no need to panic. With the right resources and strategies, you can have an enriching experience in your college-level math courses. Find out what makes math different in college, the types of courses available, and tips to succeed in college-level math.  

The rise of online education has changed the way students and professionals approach learning offering unrivaled flexibility and accessibility. If you’re interested in exploring the world of business, online business courses can offer a way to master critical skills for success. 

Learn the essentials of taking business classes online, the types of courses available, the benefits for all career paths, and some tips for success. 

Public speaking is a valuable skill that can transcend all aspects of life, from personal interactions to professional responsibilities. From delivering a presentation at work, sharing ideas in a meeting, or addressing a group in your community, the ability to communicate effectively can impact your success. 

While public speaking can be anxiety-inducing for many people, it’s a crucial part of your educational experience and professional skill set. Find out more about the benefits of public speaking courses, why it’s important, and some tips to overcome performance anxiety. 

Information technology (IT) is an integral part of our daily lives, particularly in the workplace. Advancements in technology are occurring at a rapid pace, and the demand for tech-savvy professionals is rising along with it. 

But you don’t have to work in a tech field to benefit from IT education. Incorporating IT college courses into your curriculum can have incredible advantages in not only your future career but your personal life, providing foundational tech knowledge, enhancing your career prospects, and offering valuable job skills. 

Project management is a crucial part of virtually every organization, no matter the industry. Skillful project management is a big part of what allows organizations to run like a well-oiled machine, so having project management skills can be an asset to your career. 

But that’s not all. There are plenty of other reasons to study project management, even if you have a different career path ahead of you. 

The workplace is vastly different than it used to be. Teams may be in office, in the field, working remotely, or on a hybrid schedule – sometimes working alongside people on the other side of the globe. 

In our increasingly interconnected yet geographically distributed world, effective communication skills are more crucial than ever. We need a wide range of communication skills for our professional and personal interactions to convey ideas clearly, persuade, and ultimately, impact success. 

Communications courses are part of the general education requirements for many degrees, but why do they matter? Find out why communication courses are important for virtually every industry. 

If you’re an aspiring college student and preparing for your first year of higher education, you may be stressing over a few courses. For many students, those courses are mathematics. 

The idea of taking a college-level math course – especially if you struggled with math in high school – can be daunting. You may be wondering what math courses are required in college, how to get better at math, and what tips you may need to ensure you survive college math. 

Whether you’re thinking about your gen ed math requirements or considering a math-heavy major, here are some tips for how to study math effectively to set yourself up to succeed. 

Information technology (IT) is essential to virtually every industry, including government, healthcare, finance, retail, law, education, and media and entertainment. And as emerging technologies continue to evolve with new industry applications, the demand for IT professionals will grow along with them. 

Whether you’re considering IT as a career or interested in taking some courses to explore your interests, there are numerous benefits to learning information technology. 

While you may not think of accounting beyond general education courses, it’s not just for future accountants. Learning the basics of accounting is crucial for entrepreneurs and business leaders – not to mention the benefits for your personal finances. 

Find out why any professional can benefit from understanding accounting in the college experience. 

Business is a popular college major for many students – and for good reason. Business management and business administration degrees help to prepare students for management positions across various industries. 

Whether you’re pursuing a degree in business, looking into a business minor, or exploring some business courses for your general education requirements, the coursework often covers management, accounting, finance, marketing, and human resources. 

Language courses have been part of high school and some college curricula for decades, but they’ve never been more valuable in the job market. Fluency in multiple languages is a highly sought skill for job candidates across a variety of careers, including government positions, nursing, teaching, finance, and more. 

Learning a new language can certainly help your career, but there’s a lot more to gain from becoming multilingual. Discover the benefits of learning a new language and the unique advantages of taking online college language courses. 

Anatomy and physiology (A&P) is one of the core courses for a range of health-related fields, including nursing. It’s one of the most important foundational courses to learn the concepts that underpin medicine, human development, and the diagnosis and treatment of disease. 

Still, no matter how passionate they are about nursing, many nursing students are anxious about A&P and its difficulty. Find out what you’ll learn in A&P, what to expect from the course, and how you can maximize your success. 

What Is Anatomy and Physiology? 

Anatomy and physiology are two studies in the life sciences. Anatomy refers to the internal and external structures of the body and how they relate to each other, while physiology refers to the study of how those structures function. 

The anatomy and physiology courses for nursing cover a basic introduction to the broad study of the two disciplines, but they each have branches that cover more advanced and detailed information. 

For example, anatomy includes both gross anatomy, the study of body structures that can be seen without magnification, and microscopic anatomy or histology, which covers the study of the smallest structures of the body. Physiology has branches as well, including cell physiology, endocrinology, exercise physiology, and clinical physiology, some of which may be part of your more advanced nursing studies. 

If you think math is hard, you’re not alone. Many people lack confidence in their math abilities. But with Sophia, you have the space and flexibility to grow your math skills on your own terms. Sophia puts you in control of your learning thanks to a self-paced online platform, an innovative teaching approach, and tutoring support in some courses.

No matter what career you pursue, you’ll use math more than you might expect. Math can also help you with situations in your own life—like understanding how a bank account earns interest or interpreting the statistics of your favorite sports team. Plus, math courses are a common bachelor’s degree requirement. That’s why Sophia offers a range of college-level math courses to build your skills and help you earn general education credits.

Improve your writing, speaking, researching and editing skills with Sophia’s online English and communications courses. They’re designed to let you learn at your own pace – anytime, anywhere.  

On average, Sophia students take 33 days to complete an English and communications course. 

Even if you are not an English major, you may still need to take a couple English and communications courses to meet common general education requirements. Plus, you'll be honing on key writing and communications skills that can help you in your personal and professional life.  

Whether you’re seeking online courses for your business degree or hoping to knock out a gen ed, Sophia’s online business courses can help save you time and money.

Here’s what you can expect when you choose to take a business course with Sophia: 

Learn the Ins and Outs of Business at Your Own Pace

Sophia’s online business courses are self-paced, which means you can complete them in the time that is most convenient for you. Some students prefer a slow and steady approach, while others appreciate the opportunity to work through lessons more quickly if they are already familiar with the concepts.

This graduation season, we proudly celebrate all the students who made Sophia Learning part of their education journey. By taking advantage of our affordable, online, college-level courses, learners of all ages and backgrounds have been able to grow their knowledge and save time and money on a degree. 

For some, it’s a powerful option to launch themselves into the workforce. For others, it’s about accelerating or revitalizing their careers. And for every learner, it’s about gaining new skills in support of personal and professional goals – however they define them.

Meet three proud graduates who made the most of their Sophia Learning experience. 

Sophia is proud to announce that we have once again been named one of Newsweek’s “America’s Top Online Learning Providers” for 2025! It’s our mission to make education more accessible and affordable for all students, whether helping them pursue a degree or professional development. Receiving this honor again validates our efforts and demonstrates our commitment to providing affordable and accessible options for students to realize their dreams of higher education. 

From the start, Sophia’s goal has been to help make education affordable and accessible to every learner, regardless of their individual journeys. 

Since then, we’ve seen high school students, adult learners, and ambitious career veterans leverage our courses to further their education – getting a jump on college, earning a degree, and transitioning to a dream career. 

Today, we’d like to highlight some of the 2024 graduates, their unique stories, and how Sophia helped them reach their educational goals. 

Nurses are a crucial part of the healthcare system and make up the largest section of the health profession. Based on data from the World Health Statistics Report, there are about 29 million nurses and midwives globally, 3.9 million in the United States. 

As baby boomers age and the need for healthcare grows, the already in-demand field of nursing is expected to rise in the coming years. Together, healthcare systems, policymakers, and academic leaders are developing solutions to strengthen the nursing workforce – and that includes Sophia with our new Nursing Pathway. 

At Sophia, we strive to provide affordable and accessible advancement opportunities to students at every stage of the educational career – and that mission extends to our employees. 

The Sophia Employee Spotlight highlights employees at Sophia who are using our platform to further their own journey – or their family member’s journey – to higher education. 

For this spotlight, we’d like to introduce Anaice Babic, our Account Manager of Strategic Partnerships at Sophia and one of our proud learners. Learn more about how Anaice’s determination – combined with accessible education – helped her continue on her journey of personal and professional success.   

Online learning, whether as a new student or a returning student, can be overwhelming. Choosing the right institution and program is a big decision and investment, but platforms like Sophia are hoping to make access to higher education less daunting. 

And now, we’ve been named one of Newsweek’s “America’s Top Online Colleges and America’s Top Online Learning Providers 2024.” Sophia earned a five-star rating – the highest possible ranking – demonstrating our commitment to providing quality education options to the students who need them most. 

For Dr. Shawna Thayer, CEO of Sophia, the award validates our mission and gets us closer to our goal of making a college degree within reach. 

“At Sophia, we strive to remove some of the barriers to higher education and provide accessible, affordable education options to assist students in their pursuit of a degree or professional development,” said Thayer. 

“It’s an honor to be recognized for our efforts. Our goal has been to support our students with an intuitive, high-quality, online learning platform that helps students at any stage of their education journey.  We’re very proud of the integrated experience we’ve created for our students, and earning a spot in the ‘Top Online Learning Platforms’ is a wonderful acknowledgement of our efforts.” 

Today’s educational landscape offers a number of opportunities for non-traditional and independent learners, including transfer credits and self-paced course options. The downside, however, is that students may not know what courses to take to help with their chosen degree path. 

To help, Houston Community College and the University of Phoenix partnered to develop new degree pathways and assist students in planning and optimizing their educational journey. 

Students transfer colleges for several reasons, from financial challenges to changes in majors to job changes. While there are excellent opportunities as a transfer student, the process is not without its challenges in financial aid, maximizing transfer credits, and staying on track to graduate. 

With National Transfer Student Week upon us, let’s take a look at how transfer students can create a smooth transfer process and hit the ground running at a new school. 

The Sophia Learning team is proud to announce a new partnership with the University of the People (UoPeople) to provide UoPeople students with an affordable option to complete online general education courses. UoPeople’s 126,000 students will have immediate access to Sophia’s catalog of courses for $99 per month, and this partnership will help ensure Sophia courses are seamlessly transferred to UoPeople to help students complete an associate or bachelor’s degree.

Whether you’re just starting your degree, returning to school after a break, or looking to accelerate your degree program, taking online courses for college credits is a great way to knock out your general education credits.

Sophia Learning offers a range of self-paced, college-level general education courses that may transfer to other institutions. You can complete your gen ed courses online, at your leisure, to save time and money on your degree.

What’s it like to take online transferable college-level courses at Sophia? Let’s find out!

Sophia Learning offers students an opportunity to complete college-level courses that may then be transferred for credit at their college or university. But how does a college-credit transfer work? What happens after you complete a course with Sophia, and how can you ensure your completed coursework will be accepted for credit? 

The answer primarily depends on whether or not your school is one of Sophia’s college and university partners. Here’s what this means for you. 

At Sophia Learning, we believe you should always try before you buy. That’s why we offer one free trial to any student interested in taking an online college-level course with us. All you need to do to start your free trial with Sophia is create an account by providing your first name, last name, and email address—no credit card required.

But then what? What happens once you’re in? Why do we think you’ll love the opportunity to give Sophia a test run? Here are the top three benefits to signing up for a free trial:

1. Take All the Time You Need

Unlike many other trials, you don’t have to complete your free trial with Sophia in 14 days or on any kind of limited time frame. We know life gets busy, so we won’t limit your time or access to our courses. You just won’t be able to move past the first unit of any course until you sign up to pay your $99 monthly membership fee.

This allows you to try out courses whenever it’s convenient for you and may offer valuable insights about the amount of time it will take you to complete the lessons. It also allows you the opportunity to contact your school’s registrar and confirm whether Sophia’s ACE recommended courses meet their requirements for transfer credit.

The job market evolves at a rapid pace. Both professionals and students are always seeking opportunities to upskill, reskill, and stay competitive. Whether you’re looking for career advancement, planning a complete career change, or simply expanding your knowledge base, online courses offer a flexible and accessible way to reach your goals.

Unlike traditional education, online courses can enable you to learn on your own time, balance studies with your responsibilities, and gain relevant skills without stepping away from your current job. Here are some considerations to plan your career future.

When you’re attending college, your academic advisor is a key asset to navigate your institution and make a plan for your future. They act as guides to help you choose a major, stay on track to graduate, and maximize your experience.

Whether you’re a first-year student, a transfer student, or a senior looking toward graduation, there are many questions to ask an academic advisor to set yourself up for success – both in your academics and your future career.

Before we dive into the key questions, it’s important to understand the role of an academic advisor and how they can support your college journey. Check out our guide, What Is an Academic Advisor and How Can They Help Me?, to get a clear overview.

If you’re a high school student with your sights set on college, did you know that you can get an early start by earning college credits before you graduate? College credits in high school means you can earn credits for advanced courses that are recognized by colleges and universities, giving you a jump on your credit requirements for your degree before you even enroll. 

Wondering how the process works? Here’s what you need to know about earning college credits in high school, some options to consider, and how to prepare for your future. 

If you have college credits that you earned years ago and you’re returning to college, you may be wondering, “do college credits expire?” 

In short, no, college credits don’t expire. Any credits you earned, no matter how long ago, will stay on your transcript. Whether they can be transferred to a different institution or degree program can be a different story, however. Here’s what you need to know. 

Taking college classes in high school can provide a significant advantage, offering you a head start on your higher education journey. From earning college credit early to experiencing the rigor of college coursework, there are numerous benefits for your college and professional careers. 

But how do you navigate the process, and what should you consider before diving in? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand your options and make informed decisions about your (or your child’s) future. 

Understanding the different levels of college degrees can be the first step toward achieving your educational and career goals. Each level offers specific opportunities, costs, and time commitments, so it’s important to know which option is the best fit for your career path. 

Learn more about the different levels of college degrees in order and what types of job options they offer. 

Figuring out what you want to do for the rest of your life – especially while you’re young – can be extremely challenging. Some people end up in a career that they no longer enjoy, while some may discover a new passion later in life. For others, the thrill is in exploring new options instead of staying on a steady career path. 

Fortunately, it’s never too late to switch things up. Whether you’re in your 30s or just a decade away from retirement, it’s not too late to invest in your passion and start a new career. Best of all, the options to earn a degree or upskill are more abundant than ever before. 

If you’re considering a new job path, here’s everything you need to know about how to make a midlife career change. 

Earning a college degree is a great accomplishment, but it can be expensive, time consuming, and overwhelming. Maybe you need some upskilling for a career change, or you want options for a future degree. Maybe you’re a lifelong learner that enjoys exploring new academic avenues, but you don’t need a full degree. 

Whether you want to finish a degree later, level up your career skills, or just learn something new, individual courses online can help you reach your goals. Find out more about the benefits of taking individual courses. 

No matter your field of study, the journey through higher education is filled with academic milestones – including prerequisite courses. More than just formalities, prerequisites are an essential part of preparing for more advanced studies for your major. 

You may have some questions, like “what is a prerequisite course,” “do you need to take prerequisite college courses in order,” and “how long do prerequisites take?” This guide covers everything you need to know about prerequisite courses. 

If you’re a high school student who wants to get some of your college courses completed before you finish high school, dual enrollment can be an excellent option. This program allows you to complete two academic programs at two different institutions at the same time, getting a head start on your degree and giving you a foundation for college coursework. 

While dual enrollment can be beneficial for many high school students, it does have advantages and disadvantages. Learn more about dual enrollment and how to determine if it’s the right choice for your goals. 

Registration can be an overwhelming time. In addition to your general education course requirements for your degree program, some courses or programs have prerequisite requirements – or courses you need to complete to prepare for more advanced coursework. 

If you don’t plan properly, your prerequisites can delay your program and set you back. Knowing what your prerequisites are and your options to complete them early in your program can help you progress steadily toward your goal. 

Can you take prerequisites online? Are there accredited online prerequisite courses? What is a prerequisite? Here’s everything you need to know. 

Getting a degree is a significant time commitment and financial investment. Whether you’re changing careers, returning to school, or just looking to save time and money, earning college credit with credit by exam can help you “test out” of courses by using the knowledge and skills you already have. 

Learn more about credit by exam for college credits, how it works, and what alternatives you have to accelerate your degree. 

Choosing a college major is a crucial part of your academic journey. It can be exciting and empowering, as well as overwhelming. Though your major will impact the coursework and jobs you’ll qualify for after graduation, college is an opportunity to explore your interests and learn more about your passions. 

Find out how to choose a college major, what to consider, and what happens if you decide you’re not on the right path. 

Tips for Selecting a College Major 

Picking a major can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry - we’re here to help! Here are some tips to guide your decision: 

College can feel easy to some students and more difficult for others. If you’re considering returning to school, congratulations! It’s a big step that can pay off personally and professionally. Here’s everything you need to consider before you get started. 

Can You Go Back to College After Dropping Out? 

Students may drop out of college for many reasons, including feeling overwhelmed, not being academically prepared, or feeling unsure of their decisions for a degree or school. Some students drop out for medical or family reasons as well. 

While college may not be for everyone, there may be substantial differences in lifetime earnings for people with a degree vs. those without. If you’re wondering “is it too late to go back to school,” the answer is no! It’s never too late to go back to school and achieve your dream, but there are some things to consider to make the most of the experience. 

How to Go Back to College 

The decision to go back to college can be exciting but overwhelming. Here’s how to get started: 

Summer can be a much-needed break from the rigors of college, but the summer session is a good opportunity to take courses for credit, catch up on missed courses, and accelerate your degree. 

Are you considering summer college courses? Here’s everything you need to know about summer courses, their advantages and disadvantages, and tips for success. 

No matter what major you’re considering for your associate or bachelor’s degree, you most likely need to take core courses as part of your degree requirements. These courses cover broad subject areas to give you a well-rounded education and build a foundation for your advanced coursework. 

With the rise of online learning, many of these courses became available online. Taking your core courses online can make time in your schedule and potentially save you time and money on your degree. 

Find out more about your college core courses, what they are, and how you can benefit from taking them online. 

Some students grow up with a dream of attending a specific college, whether it’s family tradition, a specific specialty, or other considerations. But for other students, choosing a college can be a nerve-wracking and overwhelming decision. 

You can find many colleges that offer an excellent education and an opportunity to explore academic interests. However, it’s not a decision to take lightly. Here are some considerations for choosing your ideal college and reaching your personal and professional goals. 

General education courses, or “gen eds,” take up a lot of your coursework for a degree. They can feel tedious if the information is familiar, but you may have an option to test out of them.

Depending on the school, you may be able to test out of gen ed courses and earn credit without having to take the class. Find out more about testing out of classes and what options you have.

Online college is not just a perk of some colleges and universities any longer – it’s become part of a new normal. More and more schools are offering online courses or hybrid options alongside traditional on-campus learning, giving students more flexibility to earn their degree. 

With online courses, there are fewer scheduling and geographic constraints, allowing adult learners with families or full-time jobs to continue their pursuit of a degree and learn from anywhere. 

However, choosing a college or university for an online degree can be overwhelming. There are numerous schools and degree programs, making it harder to choose the right fit for your needs. If you’re considering an online college, here are some things to look for. 

While there are ways to keep the costs down, College can still be a big investment of time and money. 

Fortunately, there are options to save on college without compromising your education – one of those being the CLEP exam. These exams cover common subject areas that are part of your core curriculum for your degree, helping you earn college credit for the knowledge you already have.

Find out everything you need to know about the CLEP exams, how they can benefit you, and how you should prepare to earn the most credit for your time and money.

Explore Cost-Effective Options for College Credit

CLEP exams are a great way to earn college credit much faster than taking a course – and save money in the process – but they’re not the only ones. If you’re looking for other cost-effective ways to knock out your gen eds and get your degree fast, take a look at Sophia’s online, self-paced gen ed courses designed to transfer. Explore our courses and start your free trial today!

Nursing is always in demand, but that’s ramped up in recent years. With older nurses retiring and the population living longer, nurses are in demand nationwide. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of registered nurses (RNs) is projected to continue to grow. With numerous healthcare specialties in need, nursing is a profession that offers variety and an opportunity to make a difference. 

Nursing can be a challenging, and rewarding, field. If you’re considering becoming a nurse, here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your career — plus some tips on how Sophia can help. 

Nurses need knowledge in not only medical theory and practice but in a wide range of subjects to deliver effective patient care. At its heart, healthcare is about people. 

General education courses are a critical part of earning a nursing degree because they expose you to a range of disciplines beyond nursing sciences, building a foundation for your educational journey and expanding your understanding of the world. Ultimately, your work in these courses will make you a better nurse. 

While some of the general education requirements may vary by school, these are commonly included in the curriculum for nursing programs. 

When first starting college, many students are confused about their gen ed courses and how they’re relevant for their major – especially English. After all, if you’re a native speaker and not planning to major in literature or teaching, you might be asking yourself “what’s the point of taking English classes”? 

However, English courses go far beyond writing essays and interpreting classic literature. You will use written and verbal communication in virtually every career, and learning English builds additional skills like critical thinking, empathy, and cultural sensitivity. 

Discover why English is important in our life and the value it has for your college and career experience. 

Nursing school involves a lot of advanced coursework. But before you can dive into the medical and health-related subjects, you have to spend time completing your nursing prerequisites. 

It’s natural to be eager to finish your prerequisites and get into your nursing-specific courses. But how long do prerequisites last for nursing? Where can I take prerequisite courses for nursing? Find the answers to these questions and more, including how you can fast-track your nursing prerequisites. 

Getting into college and earning a degree is an exciting experience, but you may be in a hurry to finish school and get started in your career. Fortunately, there are many paths to speed up your college learning path and earn your degree faster! 

What is the quickest way to get a bachelor’s degree? From “testing out” with exams to transfer credits, here are some options to get your degree faster. 

Nursing is – and always has been – an in-demand field. If you’re planning to study nursing, a lot of academic preparation goes into the process, including prerequisite classes to give you the skills to manage the challenges of the advanced nursing courses.

While many colleges and universities offer nursing programs, you can take some prerequisites at local schools or online to save money, enjoy a more flexible schedule, or get them out of the way early.

Learn more about nursing prerequisites, what to expect, and the benefits of taking them in more flexible formats to increase your success. 

No matter how much you love to learn, it’s likely that you’ll come across subjects that you find dry or boring. Everyone has unique interests, but as a college student, you have to take a range of courses and maintain a high level of academic performance. 

So, what can you do if your course in a particular subject puts you to sleep? You could just try to push through completing it, but you gain more from your academic experience if you learn to like your courses. Here are some tips to ignite your interest in a boring subject. 

You’re just starting college, looking over your course requirements and the college course catalog to choose your first semester’s classes. You can’t wait to dive into the subjects for your major and build the foundation for your career. 

Unfortunately, your advisor informs you that you have a certain number of requirements to meet before you can earn your degree or even get into your degree-specific courses. You may be wondering why you have to take these unrelated “filler” courses, how they serve your major, and what you have to gain from them. 

Are gen ed courses filler? No, not at all. In fact, your gen ed courses are what help define your bachelor’s degree and college-level education. Let’s take a deeper look at this topic. 

If you’re like most students, you may be wondering why certain courses are required in college, even if they’re unrelated to your degree. Why does a communications degree need life science courses? How does English Composition 101 help an engineering major? 

Contrary to popular belief, these courses aren’t designed to slow you down, pad your tuition, or waste your time. All of the core subjects and areas of study play important roles in preparing a student for college-level learning, a future graduate program, and an increasingly competitive job market. 

General education – gen ed – courses are part of any college curriculum. They may feel like extra hoops to jump through to get to your degree but they’re designed to give you foundational knowledge and build different skills to support your academic and professional careers.

Still, it may feel like taking math, science, history, or public speaking courses are a delay and expense on your way to major-specific courses and your degree. If you're eager to complete these courses and dive into your field, there are some ways to choose your courses strategically to save time and money.

Higher education has had a standard format for decades – centuries even – that’s only begun to shift in the past few years. Around the same time that remote work became an option for certain careers – enabled by advanced technology for communication and collaboration – colleges and universities started to include more online learning in their curricula for distance learners. 

Now, online certificates and degree programs are available at top institutions, and just as respected as the in-person counterpart, which legitimized online learning. While there may be some skepticism remaining, schools, professors, students, and parents are seeing the practicality and advantages of online learning as a nontraditional track to a degree.   

Online learning has taken the world by storm in the past few years. People are no longer restricted by their location or schedule, opening a world of opportunities for new and returning students alike. 

Whether you’re balancing the responsibilities of your family or work, you have limited time to sit in traffic and stick to a rigid schedule, or you want a broader variety of universities to choose from all over the country (or world), here are the benefits of taking university courses online. 

For many, the thought of learning and education conjures images of a classroom full of students or an online program guided by a professor – cohort-based learning. This is a common learning model, but it’s not the only one available. 

Self-paced learning offers students the freedom to choose when, where, and how they want to learn. More independent than cohort-based learning, self-paced learning gives students more flexibility over their time and education experience. 

Discover 7 advantages of self-paced online courses to see if it’s right for you. 

If you’re making the decision to get a degree after high school or go back and finish your degree, you have a lot of options with traditional and online education.

While there are differences between online vs. in-person experiences, one of the biggest ones is the cost. 

Whether you’re working with your own budget or you’re worried about drowning in student debt after graduation, the cost of your education is an important factor in your decision.

Take a look at the differences in cost between online and traditional education, what you can do to save, and how to decide which is best for you. 

From kindergarten through senior year, we all look forward to the summer break for fun, relaxation, vacations, and free time. While leisure time is important, current and prospective college students are missing an opportunity to accelerate their degree program with summer courses.

Enrolling in online summer college courses can improve your college experience, save some money, and expand your knowledge – all without sacrificing your summer fun. Here are the top 9 reasons to consider online summer classes for college credit.

If you’re working full time, have a family, or juggling other responsibilities that may get in the way of pursuing your degree, you don’t have to put your education on hold.

All institutions have general classes for college – gen ed courses – that you will need for your degree, no matter the program. If you complete your general education courses online, you can work toward your degree without committing to a college program.

Find out the benefits of getting your gen eds online to stay on track toward completing your degree.

Academic advisors are an essential – but often underutilized – asset in your college experience. They bring holistic support to students to navigate their higher education experience for both undergraduate and graduate students.

But like anything else, they can only help if you use them. Students often wait until they have a problem with a course or they’re running behind on registration to reach out and leverage their advising resources.

Find out why meeting with your academic advisor regularly is crucial to your journey in higher education and how you can get the most out of your experience.

Whether you’re going to college for the first time or to finish your degree, you have plenty of options with campus and online learning.

For some students, the college experience includes in-person classes and interactions. For others, online learning is a more convenient and flexible option that helps them balance day-to-day life with school.

Though we’re (obviously) big fans of online learning, we want to give you an objective look at the pros and cons of online classes compared to in-person classes so you can make an informed decision.

There’s not always a clear path to higher education that fits everyone’s situation. For some, balancing work and family life with school is a necessity. For others, the cost and barriers to attending a traditional on-campus college are limiting.

No matter the reason, online colleges offer a convenient, flexible solution for people who want to earn a degree – particularly adult learners.

If you’re considering starting or returning to school in an online format, you may be wondering “how do online colleges work?” There are some differences, so here’s all you need to know about online colleges and what to expect from the experience.

If you want to accelerate your learning experience and earn college credits, online learning is a great option. Many programs offer courses to gain college credits toward your degree, helping you finish your program faster and save money in the process.

Whether you’re in school and looking to earn college credit online, or you’re considering pursuing online schooling as an option, here are some ways to earn college credit online in 2023 and beyond – plus some tips to get started!

If you’re considering pursuing your degree, you have options beyond traditional classroom learning. Online learning is increasingly popular, helping busy adults pursue their degrees and upskill in their industries while balancing the responsibilities of day-to-day life.

There are plenty of additional advantages of online courses. Find out more about what you can expect to gain from taking online classes for credit to see if this pursuit is right for you. 

If you’re an adult returning to college, you have many factors to take into consideration. From picking a school that best meets your needs to discussing your options with colleagues, family and friends, there are several choices to make. 

It’s also worth figuring out how many semesters it will take to finish your degree. If you’re looking for ways to complete your program fast, Sophia may be able to help you knock our your gen ed requirements.

Once enrolled in your program, you’ll need to look for ways to fit coursework into your daily schedule while also focusing on your long-term goals. These tips are designed to help make this process easier. 

At Sophia Learning, we believe online education can help students learn in a more flexible and affordable way. And thanks to advancements in technology, online learning has become more accessible than ever before. But there are many benefits to an in-person education too. What are some of the key differences, and which mode of learning may be right for you?

We connected with our chief learning officer, Nick White, for more insights. Here’s what he had to share: 

Q: First off, what is a “chief learning officer”—and what does your role with Sophia look like? 

A: The role of Chief Learning Officer varies across organizations but the connecting thread is the understanding of how important learning is to all of us to be successful in our roles and realize our potential. In practice that means optimizing the learning function by making sure that the right learning is offered in the most effective and efficient way.  

My career has been focused on creating and improving high quality online and competency-based courses and programs. That involves research on what works for    students, integrating the best design practices and software, creating great learning content using various media, and designing the operations to deliver all of that for students.  

So at Sophia, I support our very talented academic team to continue to improve what we provide to students. That includes new approaches to the learning experience, enhancements to our quality assurance processes, and examining data to generate new insights on how to keep improving. 

And one of the most rewarding things I have the privilege of doing is conducting research on the outcomes of our students and sharing those results and stories with the world. We see great outcomes for Sophia students that we’ll be able to publish soon.  

Sophia’s courses have been accepted for credit at hundreds of colleges and universities, thanks to our ACE recommendation. Yet Sophia’s courses are not accredited.

So what is the difference between an ACE recommendation and accreditation, and how does this affect your ability to transfer credits from Sophia to your college or university?