Can a reformed slacker start college for the first time at 23?

Question

In high school, I was the typical stereotype of the American underachieving slacker. It isn't that I wasn't smart enough to succeed, I just often flatly refused to apply myself to any school curriculum. As a result, I graduated with a 2.6 GPA and never took either the SATs or the ACTs. Needless to say, I never spent any time in college. Now that I'm looking down the barrel of 30, I have decided that it might be in my best interest to change my ways and start a bachelor program at my state's university. However, how do I handle this on my application? Most undergraduate applications are tailored for high school seniors and focus heavily on academic accomplishments. I know that if I am accepted, I'll have no trouble actually completing the program. But how can I smooth talk my way into acceptance at a university?

Answer 1

There is one thing to say about being older, you are there because you want to be, not cause mom says so. Remember, they look at that too. Good luck!

Answer 2

The simple answer to your question is yes. However, like everything else in life there are several if ands & buts to muddy the waters. First of all you should not be applying the way a 17 year old high school student should. At most colleges you would be considered an adult learner. I reccomend you make an appointment with someone in the college(s) of your choice admissions department to find out the best course of action for applying to that college. I also highly reccomend that you seriously consider a community college for 1-2 years. You will get back into to groove of education and will have an easier time transferring to the college of your choice (providing you do well). I work in higher education, although not in admissions, so I have a little bit of a handle on this.

Answer 3

The way to look at it is you're going to be 30 anyway. Would you rather be there with a degree or not? Let me offer a suggestion or two.

You could opt for a community college start - in many states community colleges offer course work for the freshman and sophomore years that is transferrable to a university. Check there.

Take courses in extention. Many universities have a life long learning program where you can take a course or two in extension that is transferrable to a degree program later. These usually don't require you to be enrolled in a degree program. Do well in these and often that is the proof you need to show them you are serious about degree work.

Talk to them. I left UCLA in the middle of a semester years ago. I just booked - couldn't deal with school, crap going on in my life, blah, blah. Anyway when I decided to go back to school about 10 years later, I was facing a whole semester of Fs. Ouch. So I wrote a letter to the registrar's office, told them it was a tough time and asked them what I could do. They gave me a 10 year retroactive drop for that semester and I got into NCSU. And graduated. And got a Masters. (later) The point is, folks are there to help you. Go talk to them straight and they may help you find a solution.

Anyway, you can do it. The university system in the USA is the most forgiving and accessable in the world. Good luck!

Answer 4

I'd start with a community college. Virginia has a great CC system. A lot of their students are in the work-a-day world. You can then transfer your credits to another school ... or get your degree at the CC.

Good luck to you.

Answer 5

If you think you can "smooth talk" into acceptance you still arn't ready for university. On the other hand if you've been looking over grade 12 textbooks and studying with them you'd have a better chance.

Answer 6

It's never too late! Be honest, straight forward and confident. Good luck and best wishes!