Help..is it ever too late to go to college?

Question

I am trying to get the college ball rolling. I am a 36 yr. old male and a disabled veteran. I recently found out that with my disability that I can go to college for basically free according to the Veterans Administration. The purpose behind this is to give me the capabilities to perform a job that will not be hindered by my disability. I had to leave a very good job with the railroad on account of my disability and currently I am at the biggest crossroad of my life. I would like to pursue a teaching degree with a health science thrown into the mix. Anyone with a similiar situation that could lend a old guy some help?

Thank you,

JD

Answer 1

Go! Especially if you have financial aid. My mom went back for a teaching degree when she was around 40. My dad also went for more schooling in his 40's and is happier than ever. My husband didn't finish his bachelor's degree and has gone back in his early 30's...but he works full time and will spend the next 6+years completing his degree. So, definitely take advantage of being able to go to school as a full time student...It's a great blessing for you.

Answer 2

I am not in the same exact situation as you, but I am 30 years old and I have recently decided to go back to college for teaching. I do not think that it is ever too late to obtain an education, especially when it comes to teaching. Teaching is such a gratifying career choice and as long as you do well in your classes, keep a good gpa and pass all the tests required to become certified, there is no reason to ever back down. I used to think by the time I am 34 or so it will be too late to start a career, but now a days people are starting later and later anyway, I wish you much luck in your future endeavors.

Answer 3

It is never too late to go to college. I work at a teacher education program at a college that helps individuals receive certification for teaching. Many of these individuals are 10-20 years older than you are and would actually consider you very young. Since there is funding for you to attend college, I say seize the opportunity and go for it. Some of your classes may have 18 year-olds in it, but you will also see the 60 year-old. Many colleges have excellent teacher education programs that will offer you much guidance and support. There is a growing need for teachers, especially ones willing to teach science. Definitely go for it!

Answer 4

It is never too late to go to college. I want to go back myself and I am 49. I would like to per sue a teaching career also. There are lots of teaching shortages especially special ed. You are still young and have that in your favor. Veteran teachers are always very willing to help. I work subbing in an elementary school and I thoroughly enjoy it. Try it and see how you feel about it and then make your decision. Don't be intimidated in the beginning. You must hang tough.

Answer 5

There is no maximum age for attending college, just a minimum age of 16yrs. If you are hoping to teach then there are two main routes that you could take. You can either complete a standard degree (obvioulsy if you are hoping to teach science it will have to be a science based degree), you can then go on to complete a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) aswell a dgree you will also need English, Maths and Science at GCSE grade C or equilvalent, or you enrol straight onto a B Ed. Both of these routes will give you Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and could take upto 4 years to complete. Most community colleges will run Access to Higher Education courses which could be worth looking at, they are intended to help mature students gain a place in university. This will all depend on the qualifications you already have.

I suggest that you:

Decide what level of teaching you wish to do (i.e. Primary, Secondary, Post Compulsory etc)

Get in touch with your local college to find out what courses they offer and what their entry requirements are

Get in touch with your local university to see what they offer in terms of teaching, you can also check their entry requirements to ensure that you complete an appropriate course at college.

If possible try and get some experience in a school and working with young people either paid or voluntary. This will give you an idea of what it is like to work within an education setting. You could also see about working on a summer play scheme to gain some experience.

If you need any help in finding a college or university you cuold call Learn Direct on 0800 100 900. They will be able to give you information education and training providers in your area.

You can also look on the GTTR website for further information about teaching, or the GTP website for alternative route into teaching.

Good Luck with this, hope it all works out for you.

Answer 6

I'm a 34 year old stay at home mom. I also have decided to go back to school. I am pursing a teaching degree as well but for school age kids. I am hoping to have my degree by the time my youngest is in school all day (1st grade). The kids and teachers are very nice and it seems to me that school is alot easier now then when I was in it years ago. (Maybe because I'm older and wiser haha). I say go for it! You'll be thankful in the long run!

Answer 7

36 is NOT too old to go back to college.

With your VA benefits, you should go for it, absolutely! I am a teacher (for 15 years now) and I assure you the U.S. desperately NEEDS good teachers. A man with your experience in life will make a much better teacher than a 22 year old who's just starting out...but we need them, too!

I'm at a loss to know exactly what to say, but I want you to pursue this, go for it, and make a difference in the world! And NOTHING makes more difference in the world than teaching. I offer you every possible encouragement!

Very best of luck!

Answer 8

It is never to late to attend college, and further your education. My Grandfather was 65 when he went back to school. My Father was 50 and disabled when he returned to school to earn his masters in nursing. He can't actually be a nurse, but he does teach others to be good ones. So please don't let your age or your disability get you down. You can do anything if you put the thought and time into it. Hope this help you out.

Answer 9

By all means go to college, the world always needs good teachers. Remember, the truly educated never graduate, they keep learning for a life time. You're not an old guy at 36. Good luck and thank you for your service to our country.

Answer 10

First of all, you're not old. Second, good for you! It's never too late to go back to school! Especially if you have a chance to go there for free, or almost free. I hope you enjoy the experience and good luck. I'm graduating with my bachelor's in psychology in December, and I'm only 21, but I'm more than willing to answer any questions you may have.