Questions to ask yourself:

Is education a priority for me? Is there anything else that needs to be a higher priority for me right now?

Am I clear about what I want to study?

Is my mental health stable enough to allow me to concentrate on my education?

What was my previous experience with school? Do I have any issues I need to resolve from that experience?

Do I have a clear and realistic idea about the demands of academic life, such as registering for classes, navigating a campus, taking notes, reading and writing assignments, or taking exams?

What are my physical, intellectual, and emotional needs and limitations in dealing with those demands?

Do I have the persistence and confidence to face frustrations, get the information I need from school administrators, and advocate for myself if necessary? If not, can I get a support person to help me? Who will my support person be?

Am I able to keep good records of applications, forms, and other paperwork?

Can I stick to my educational goals for at least one semester?

If my situation changes, will I be able to reassess and adjust my plans accordingly?

* questions based on material developed by Steve Fishbein of the New Jersey Department of Mental Health and Hospitals:© 1997, 1998 Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Boston University