I'm nearly 25. After high school I did not attend college, as I was not in a position to receive aid. The plan was always to make enough money from whatever job I held to afford tuition. Life got in the way and now here I am, wishing I'd gone off to school when I was younger. Any tips for someone going to college as an adult learner? Will people look at me weird when I show up 6 years late? Any resources I should look into? I'd really like to get into a school that's a little "better" than a community college if possible but I'm not sure if they accept adult learners or how difficult it would be for me to get in. Any information you guys can help with would be much appreciated!
2007-01-15 13:24:43 · 11 answers · asked by ladyfish 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Yes, some students will look at you weird, but think about this: isn't it better to get the looks than to never get your degree?
I don't know a single school that doesn't accept adult learners, and I've taught at six different colleges. I've had students who are in their 70s!
Just think of it this way: sometimes, "traditional" students are intimidated by older or "nontraditional" students, but once they get to know them, they tend to love them because they have more experience and more insights.
Your fear is quite normal, but you'll be OK.
As an adult learner, I'd recommend just getting to know everything about the college you attend. READ the college catalog. It can be your best friend, and it can also tell you where your tuition dollars are going (and what services are really available to you).
Good luck to you, and don't worry about it so much!
2007-01-15 13:30:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi there, I didn't start college full time until I was 25 too. Whatever, you decide, be just to just follow through and do it. In many ways you'll see that it's an advantage being just a little older...you'll take it more seriously (which doesn't mean you won't enjoy it too) and probably get more out of it than you would have if you were a few years younger. When I went to college there were several people who were older than me as well.
Personally I went to community college first and then transferred to the 4 year school I graduated from. It was *much* cheaper this way and I didn't feel I missed out on anything. For the community college part, you can get out of it what you put into it. Most of the general ed classes at a 4 year school aren't much different than what they are at a community college (I'm only speaking for the experience of the community college I went to though) Do what's right for you though. If you can get into the 4 year school (be willing to write an appeal letter) and want to do that right away, go for it! Either way will work and you end up with the same degree from the same school. It is so worth it to complete college and get that degree so whatever you decide, just take action on it.
You'll never regret completing college--don't let anyone tell you different.
2007-01-17 19:32:46 · answer #2 · answered by bluenote 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most universities have special groups for returning students. Mine had an "older and wiser" group. At 25, you certainly will not be the oldest student there. I once taught a student who was in her seventies. You probably want to pass on the community college unless you are hoping to save money. You are probably way ahead of the average student there, even without having had any post-high school training. If you go that route, you will be shocked at the average student's abilities. They keep lowering the bar at the high schools. On the other hand, if you want to stand out, go to the community college. It wouldn't hurt to do the first two years at a CC, and it could give you a decent grade point to take with you when you transfer.
2007-01-15 21:34:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are in a position to go to school full-time, and you could have been accepted to college when you graduated from high school, you should be able to get in to agood liberal arts college. Many of them also have "adult learner" programs that are tailored to people who have jobs and families, and can only go to classes on weekends or in the evenings. They don't "look at you wierd"---lots of people go to college later in life. I mean a LOT later, like in their 40's, 50's, 60's. You'll probably have less trouble adjusting than a lot of 18-year-olds who are on their own and away from home for the first time. Go for it.
2007-01-15 21:27:40 · answer #4 · answered by MOM KNOWS EVERYTHING 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I actually thought college was funner ahen I went back @ age 26. You just tend to find more mature, serious friends, and the focus isn't about bars and parties and being wild all the time.
What are you looking into doing? 4 year universities are hard to get into, and quite expensive relative to JuCos or community colleges, but a degree from a 4 year looks better, IMHO.
2007-01-15 21:30:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was 26 when I went to college and I didn't find it uncomfortable at all. I thought I would stick out like a sore thumb being "older" but it was actually not like that at all. In fact, most of the friends I made where younger, fresh out of school, so it made me feel young again. A lot of ppl are deciding to upgrade their education so college is full of older and wiser ppl. My friend went back too the same time as me and she was 31 at the time.
2007-01-15 21:28:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't worry about how anyone will look at you. Yes, the majority of people who go to college are between 18-23, however I had people in my classes of ALL ages. There was a 75 yr-old woman in my classes!
Mid 20s, you'll still blend in.
What's important is that degree you'll get in the end. You'll have a better chance at landing jobs. That's ALL THAT MATTERS. No matter how anyone looks at you (which they won't) throughout the process.
2007-01-15 21:30:19 · answer #7 · answered by Lizzie T 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The age thing is no big deal. In fact, your maturity will likely give you an advantage over the kids that started right out of high school, because you have likely already developed a work ethic that they are still working on.
Good luck.
2007-01-15 21:34:00 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oh please sister, I had 60 year old white haired women in my classes and that was 10 years ago. Anything goes in college. A lot of people go at all kinds of ages.
2007-01-15 21:30:20 · answer #9 · answered by Kiss My Shaz 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
woman please! my mother went to school at 41; she got her AA, then her bachelors and masters all by the time she was 46! she loved it!
it doesn't matter when you go back, just so long as you go back.
look at it this way, you can be 30 with a degree or 30 without one...you make the call...
good luck!
2007-01-15 21:32:55 · answer #10 · answered by SIMON ADEBISI 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋