Let's face it. Life has a knack for throwing us curve balls. We're able to hit some balls out of the park. Many, however, only get us to first base, while others cause us to strike out altogether. Take your education, for instance. How many times have you committed to completing a degree program or online high school diploma, only to be thrown out of the game by other responsibilities? Once? Twice? Three times or more? You're not alone. Most working adults find it extremely difficult to fit traditional classroom education into their busy lives.

In addition, a lesser-known entity - life credits - is making it easier than ever for motivated online education students to complete a degree program. Life credits offer the potential for you to reduce e-learning class time required to complete your degree. For older students, this removes an incredible roadblock to continued education.

But what are life credits, and how can they help you achieve your goal?

Earn College Credit For What You Already Know

Simply put, colleges and universities recognize life experience degree - often gained through the workplace, military or through public or community experience - when conferring college credits. This acceptance of life credits helps to accelerate your e-learning college experience, while enabling you to earn a fully accredited degree.

If you look closely at your own life experience, there's a good chance that you've already batted home some of your college requirements. But each college and university independently designs and proctors its life credit program. So it's important to research potential programs to determine their relevance to your education objective and based on life experience degrees. You should also make sure that the institution you're considering is fully accredited.

How Do I Demonstrate My Knowledge?

You won't have to perform a Civil War reenactment to show you know American history. Nor will you have to churn out computer code to gain life credit for a computer course.

Instead, review curricula for the associate degree program you've selected. If you already have in-depth knowledge for a particular course, simply apply for life credit. Just be prepared to 'prove' your knowledge through various sources, such as:

• Attendance of seminars/workshops/conferences
• Licensure or certifications
• Professionally authored books or papers
• Community service
• Military service
• Specialized training
• Work experience
• Various tests or other assessments
If the knowledge you attained was strictly through work experience or community service, you may need to provide evidence of your skills. For instance, the college or university may ask you to submit letters from your employers, or other applicable entities, that confirm your job duties. The institution may also ask for a copy of your resume.

While the process of applying for life credits may require a bit of legwork, don't throw in the towel. It may be the most worthwhile contribution you can make to fulfilling your educational dream. And, remember, if the college or university agrees with your life experience assessment, you've just scored your first home run.