Is there anyone who started college late and still successful?

Answer 1

I started college back in 1991. Didn't finish because I wanted to have a life and a car and the other trappings of youthful desire. Eleven years and two kids later I returned to school with work and life experiences. It was hard, but I stayed determined.

I did better academically because I had to pay out of my own pocket. There was no way that I was going to settle for a C if i had to pay for it for the next 10 years. I was more focused because I wanted to do well and I had a better grasp of reality. I knew that I needed to finish so I could get a job. Regardless of whether or not you finish your degree, those student loan payments start within 6 month of your last day of class. And finally, I was sure that becoming a nurse was the most important career decision for me. It was my passion and I wanted it so badly, I refused to let anything stop me.

I had good days and bad days. There were times when I felt like a weirdo as a thirty-something among the 19 and 20 year olds. Nursing school is just tough anyway, but I am glad to report that I graduated with honors two weeks ago. Believe in yourself and you can do it too!

Answer 2

I started on time, but took two years off transfered arounda lot when i did go back and lost %65 of my credits doing so. The difference between my first year of college and now is phenominal! I got the partying out of my system (well enough to only do it on weekends if i can), i take the classes more seriously, meaning im not just trying to get a good grade, im actually trying to LEARN the material. Also, I have lived and worked in the "real world" and can recognize the advantages to having a degree as opposed to not having one, i.e. bigger paycheck!!!! I currently have a 4.0 adn am very confindent i retain way more knowledge than i did at 18 and 19. However, the main thing i have battled wiht being a 24 year old sophomore is not letting the embarassment of being so "old" in a sea of 18-20 year olds or knowig most people i graduated from HS with are done with college. However, i feel like i deal wiht living on my own better than they do becasue i was independant before i went back. Things i went through at 20, they are just now experiencing and they are very frustrated for hte most part. Just dont let your age hold you back, there's nothing to say you have to be a certain age to go to college.

Answer 3

A lot of students perform better if they take classes when they are older. Here are some of the reasons why.

1) You know why you are going to school (to learn, not to party)

2) You are better prepared financially

3) You hopefully know what you want to take

4) You will be taken more seriously by the professors and administrators

Personally, I started college right out of high school, but ran out of money. (I was trying to pay my own way through a private school - big mistake) When I returned 2 years later, I was better prepared and performed much better.

Today I am a college professor and, although I make every effort not to favor any students over any others, I have seen older students outperform many the younger students over and over.

I have heard many professors say that they expect the older students to get better grades. I personally think that is biased and should not be the case, but some teachers do feel that way.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Answer 4

Late as in older in life.
I know many people who graduated from Universities and well known colleges having gone back or started late.
Heck I even saw a women 76 on the news the other day graduate.
SO you can be successful at any age.

Answer 5

Yes, I did in my thirties! Long story short I went to college right after high school and flunked out (due to non attendance and just not caring etc.) I went back almost 15 years later, more mature and with better long term career plans and received a 2 year degree graduating with a 3.8 G.P.A. It took me years of bad pay and bad jobs to see what that piece of paper really can do for you. I ended up doubling my salary my first job after graduation and now I am working on my 4 year degree. Sometimes it takes some people a little longer to get with it and find what you want to do with your life. It is never too late to go back. Good luck to you.

Answer 6

Well, I didn't start late but i took a break and finished later. I have had two successful businesses and and some good paying jobs as well. Don't think it is too late, just go for it.

Answer 7

I went into the military after high school and start college courses until I was 36 years old. Now, I'm 6 years older and have my Master's degree. I'm pretty successful.

Answer 8

Famous architect Phillip Johnson, returned to obtain a Master's in Architecture when he was 34. In fact many notable architects achieve their success late in life, often in their 50's and 60's. Sometime after they make a career change.

Answer 9

I'm not sure if this counts but if you look at Spielberg he left college became the success he is and went BACK to get his degree like 2 years ago.. he should of been teaching the course.

Answer 10

I went at the normal age for my undergraduate and Master's work, but it wasn't until I was 53 that I started for my Ph.D. It took me two years, but I managed to earn it when I was 55 years old, and I enjoyed every minute of the process. Sometimes starting later gives you momentum and inspiration as well as a deep appreciation for what you didn't do earlier. Go for it!! You can do it!! It's never too late to start!!

Good luck!!