college at 24?

Question

feel so lost i have been out of high school for almost 5 years i've done a year of city year and worked 2 years i am thinking about going to college but feel that i am too old to be starting college i sould be in my 3 or 4 year will it be weird with a felony what career feild can i still get a good job with a degree because of my age will it be differant because of my age i also have a felony for robbery when i was 18 and feel i wont get a good job i am very worried about the felony always keeping me down

Answer 1

My wife went back to college at 61 and graduated last year.

When I have taught college courses the non-traditional students were often the best students.

Answer 2

Please let me assure you 24 is NOT that old to be going to college. Having a felony might limit your opportunities, but talk to some career counselors and they might be able to tell you where that will and won't be a problem.

I'm 26 right now and am in my 3rd year of college. I actually think the people who start a little later are better students because they are more mature and more serious about being in college (and are also usually in on their own dime, not mommy and daddy's).

I'd recommend going to a community college to start out. It's cheaper and for the lower-level core requirements they are just as good or better than a big school. Class sizes are typically smaller, too, giving more opportunity for 1 on 1 assistance.

I know people who graduated at age 40. I've had fellow classmates even older. Currently I have a peer that is 56 years old pursuing a career in social services so don't think that age is a barrier at all! You can go at any age if you have the desire. And I say more power to you for wanting to!

I hope you will consider going, and I wish you the best!

Answer 3

I would still apply to colleges, because you aren't too old- I've seen older (in their 50s). Also, they will ask if you've had any charges against you, usually in the past 5 years. At least that is what I've been always asked and I'm in nursing and you can't have felonies or any other charges against you- they do background checks. It really depends on the field you want to go into. I'm not saying nursing isn't for you, you just might have a harder time getting accepted. However, there are many areas of study. So go for it. You won't know until you try. And if you don't do it you will always wonder if you could have gotten into a college somewhere. So do it for yourself. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

I just started college and I am 27 years old. It shocked me to realize half the people at the school ( it's a community college) are atleast 22 or older. As for the felony I would say you can't give up. You made a mistake at a young age. Just don't try to hide it and come right out and let your future employers know what happened and explain how long ago it was. Tell them you are a different person now and I think you'll do just fine. Good luck!!

Answer 5

Talk to a lawyer about getting it expunged. I dunno about the chances, but I had a friend get a class A misdemeanor expunged. Also as time goes on if you keep your nose clean I think it will be less of a factor. We all make mistakes, only some of us get caught. I'm 24, back in college after about 2 years out of college and working. Its different. You aren't too old though. I had classes in the past with people 50 years old and over. Yeah you'll be in classes with 18 / 19 year olds, but it isn't bad. I'm there right now. Granted I wouldn't expect to have the kids from class invite you over to party, but you'll make friends easily. I think college would be good for you. My time at an office with a degree vs those with a few years experience and no degree was vastly different. I had more authority, a more challenging and rewarding job, less pressure from the management and made alot more money.

Answer 6

I hope this testimonial encourages you:

At the age of 18, while attending university, I got caught stealing computers parts from a local electronic store, and was charged with grand theft. I was doing really bad academically, and I lost all hope in my track to med school.

Well, soon after I served my time and rehabilitated, I reentered, changed my major to Criminology (because going through the whole legal procedure wanted me to study law). What I learned in Jail was far more life-changing and more valuable than anything I learned in school. And I know you will greatly enrich your classes with your maturity and experiences.

Don't lose hope, fortunately you have a chance to explain yourself in the "Personal Statement" portion of the application. Trust me, Admissions Counsels will greatly weigh in your story, age, experiences, and maturity, and you will have a great platform to do that in your personal statement. And whatever you do, never lie about your past criminal history; honesty is the best policy.

As for me, well I got accepted to a Law School. And my decision to include my brushes-with-the-law in my personal statement actually worked to my advantage because they could see that I had a sincere interest in the law, rather than because-its-the-next-best- thing-to-do-after-college.

In every new venture, you'll be given a fresh new start to prove yourself.

P.S. If possible, try getting your felony expunged if you haven't already.

Answer 7

I am 39 and started school last year. A good field if you like working with people is in Substance Abuse counseling. They won't care if you have a felony from 6 years ago. You could also get into social work.

Answer 8

24 is never too old for college.
My brother stopped went back to college at 30, another brother of mine graduated at 26. I will graduate at 24. It's not too late. :)

Answer 9

Its never too late...if you can afford it, go for it...the felony conviction may limit your opportunities, but that's the price you have to pay.