Often adults feel inadequately prepared for college life. There may be a pattern of failure from past school experiences, whether high school or previous college attempts. Adults often have lost some of the skills acquired in previous learning situations because of the length of time since acquiring these skills and because of their lack of use. It is important for colleges or college prep programs to provide developmental college courses to "catch up" adults who have been away from the academic setting for a period of time so they will be prepared for college level work. Adults often feel as though instructors expect more from them simply because they are older students. In addition, students often feel stress when placed in situations where they are struggling after having been successful in other aspects of their lives. When given opportunities to relate life experiences, nontraditional students have the opportunity to feel successful in the classroom and reduce anxiety about school.
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