is it too late for me at 26 to get a degree?

Question

I am 26 & have been working since I left school. I got bad marks in maths & actually never got an exemption pass.
Now I fing myself battling to get further in my career without a degree. I wonder how difficult it would be.. any insight?

Answer 1

It's NEVER too late. Well done on your courage - it's a tough decision to make. I don't know what country you're in, but I know in Ireland if you're over 23 you need to apply directly to the college or university you want to attend, and you have a different application process from ordinary school-leavers. Your life and work experience will be taken into account, and there may be something that can be done in terms of an equivalency exam or an entrance exam to bring you up to standard if you feel you're not quite at uni-entry level. Also, the Open University is brilliant for taking on people without accepted academic backgrounds and for doing things at your own pace. Whatever path you take, best of luck and I hope it opens up lots of new doors for you.

Answer 2

I am only 26, and since I am moving to the UK very soon, I have to first integrate myself into that system, and then I can enter the university for my degree when I'm 27. I was wondering if it was too late, as well, but then I just figured that I was complaining about losing 9 years out of a possible 50 years of work. Doesn't seem like I'm starting it too late now.

I'm getting info from Open University and a couple of others, so that I can get some A levels under my belt, and then I'll be better prepared to enter university (the American high school education isn't quite equivalent to the GCSE). According to some, there are certain courses I won't even need. Speak to an admissions counselor, and they can give you some pretty solid directions to follow. Best of luck!

Answer 3

It's never too late to take a degree, but only if it's what you really want to do.

Be careful about taking on a costly course unless you're really interested in it. Degrees are not the passport to guaranteed success they may once have been. Often they are merely a minimum requirement and you still have to start right at the bottom!

You might be better off building on the (10 years?) experience you already have and either take some advice from a professional careers adviser (there are lots of free on-line ones), or better, seek the wise counsel of someone well respected in the field you want to go into.

Answer 4

Re-Entry into school at the upper education level is terrific. It's much more enjoyable to learn after becoming an adult, easier to muster up the discipline, I guess.
Any classes you are weak in can be beefed up by using a tutor (heavenly, a friend to explain everything, whew). Those tutors take the sting out of everything, there's one for every need, even how to write complicated research papers (hint: nothing is impossible, if broken down into enough small segments!)
If you don't go to school full time, you can still further your career by taking a class or two at a time. Any (future) employer would be impressed with your efforts.
Best of luck, go for it. Oh! Ask about Financial Aid, you may qualify for some $$$, or waivers of various fees and charges (you have to be your own advocate, so ask lots of questions).

Answer 5

It's never too late! Last semester there was an old man in one of my classes that had dropped out before WWII and was coming back to finish. He was so amazing. However, I was a little worried that he was going to have a heart attack or something in the middle of class because he was so old. I really admired him though. To go back to school after that many years would be a really difficult thing to do. My point is, you should go back to school. It will take a while and it will be difficult, but in the end the benefits will outweigh the disadvantages.

Answer 6

It's never too late. I took 5 years off after highschool and started back at a community college taking paralegal courses. The 70 year old paralegal student got the loudest applause at the academic fraternity ceremony. I went on to get a BA and now I'm in lawschool. You can go back and take night courses or go back to get your BA or AA full time with no regrets at 26. You're never too old. I hope that I am still taking community college continuing ed classes when I'm 70. I never want to stop learning and growing my skills, values, and interests. If you want it bad enough, you are sure to succeed. Good luck!

Answer 7

Nothing is too late sweetie.. If you want to have a degree then, goooo. You can have it as long as you want. Age doesnt matter. Is there any institution there that limits the age of students? If there is, then there are too many school everywhere.

To tell you, I already finished one course and already have a degree. But now I am studying for another degree. Mind you, I'm 27. And there are even much older than me in school.

Remember, it's ur gain.. :-) Good luck!

Answer 8

I'm 34, and working on a Masters. I have been on the extended plan because I just couldnt decide what to be when I "grew up". We have people in my academic program who are in thier 60's and 70's. and sometimes I wish I had the balls to let them know they are an inspiration to me when I'm thinking its too late for me.

Heck no - it aint too late. If anything, its easier to get a degree at this point. Staying out late partying isnt as much fun as it used to be. And you probably have a better idea of what is out there and what your skills are at this point. Just plan on developing some good study habits and discipline - you'll be fine.

Answer 9

I went back to school at 43 after raising two kids. If you go back to school to get a degree, in several years you will be that much older and have a degree. If you don't go back to school to get a degree, in several years you will be that much older with no advancement and will probably be depressed and regretful.

Post a question about what kind of work you want to do, and we'll tell you what kind of education you'll need. Math might not be a problem.

Answer 10

It's never too late 'cos education never stops...I started my first degree when I was 32, graduating 4 years later and at almost 60 decided to study for a Masters. 3 years part-time, very enjoyable - hard work but good! One of my friends has just started her Ph.D and she's 62!!! So go for it and good luck.