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 degreebecause 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 i cant get past this

Answer 1

You'd be surprised how many 24 and up undergrads there are on any given campus. 24 is not old at all. Go for it! Good luck.

Answer 2

1. If you want to go to college -- go to college!

College of today is NOTHING like college of 10 years ago. My husband is just finishing his now (at nearly 28 b/c he went back). I have been to school with so many "non-traditional" students that I feel like this label should go away.

Nobody thinks anything weird of someone going back -- especially at 24 b/c that is quite young still; you will not be much older than the typical college student. And there will be many students right at your age as well as older.

In fact, I am in medical school right now, and there is a mix of people from 22-50. One of my closest friends is a 45 year old woman who has 3 grown children and was a nurse for 20 years. She is NOT at all out of place. Also, being a few years older can be an advantage b/c you had time to mature.

2. While I am not an empolyer, I would imagine that your felony would not be an issue for many employers. Considering you will be done with school in 4 or 5 years, you will be about 10 years removed from this mistake you made in your life. While they will undoubtedly know of your record, honosty goes a long way with people. Just speak of it as something that happened in your youth, you realize your mistake, you have learned from your mistake, you regret your mistake and you have paid for your mistake. Also, make sure to be involved in things (like volunteering) that prove your good character and how you have grown. From people I have spoken to, past is not a problem as long as there is obvious change. (and maybe also that there wasn't something like a murder or sex offense... but neither of those pertain to you).

Don't sell yourself short -- work toward your aspirations!

Good luck :-)

Answer 3

You sound like a great candidate for a community college. I've had students just like you in my CC courses (I do university teaching too)--and I can assure you that 24 is younger than the average CC student, and the faculty will not hold your past against you--almost all of them will go the extra mile to help you get up to speed and succeed.

Your first couple of years of college are mostly devoted to general courses anyway--then after two years of (less expensive) community college, you can transfer to a university and finish the bachelor's. You're not as limited as you think.

When you decide to apply to the community college, take advantage of all their services. You should go early to their career development office and get them to help you set a career goal and to pick a major and a university to transfer to. They'll know how to match your interests to a profession where a felony conviction when you were young n stupid won't prevent you from working. Then you'll get an academic advisor who will help you select courses. Use the college's testing services, learning lab (tutoring center), and don't be afraid to ask librarians to help you with anything--they're often the smartest people there!

One other thing: most states have legal ways you can have your criminal record erased if you've lived as a law-abiding citizen for several years. You might ask your lawyer about that possibility; finishing some college successfully can be evidence in favor of cleaning your record in court.

Best of luck to you.

Answer 4

I started university at 28. I am now 34 and have one degree another now part through and waiting for the right time to do my honors year. You are never too old it's just that the time is right for you. Get your degree, people will see past one felony many years ago if you show them you are serious and have made a change for the better. Best of luck!

Answer 5

24 is not too old! I suggest that you visit the campus of the university you are interested in and ask their registrar in private about your concerns over your felony.
You can succeed.
Good Luck!

Answer 6

I started college at age 22 after four years in the Navy. I earned my B.A. at age 26 and my M.A. at age 29.

So you go for it!!!