Can a person be too young to go to graduate school?

Question

I went to visit a graduate school(Journalism) and I was so intimidated by the other candidates because I was the youngest one, I'm 20, and everyone else is in their late 20's. Now I am having doubts about going to graduate school right away. Should I work for a few years and then go to graduate school?

Answer 1

That is true in some subject matters, like business (where experience matters more than age) or gerontology, but I'm not sure you need to be older for journalism. It sounds like you could use a little more confidence, though.

Answer 2

Don't let the age difference bother you. I felt intimidated when I began graduate school as well. You have a great opportunity to move ahead with a graduate degree at a young age, so go for it. You seem like an intelligent person with a lot going for you, so go after your dream and don't let anything come between you and the fulfillment of your dreams and professional goals. Graduate School isn't about one-uping the other guy (although people seem to play that game). It's about you moving ahead with your career goals and earning your degree. You might just learn some helpful things from the experiences of those "older" students. So, go for it! And good luck. BTW - my neice began grad school at the U of Michigan (Phychology) at age 20 and will finish up in a couple of months. Age did not make a huge difference for her. She will now get a head start on her career. Phil.

Answer 3

Age is pretty much irrelevant to academic study. Life experience might be nice to incorporate into your studies, but it is not always necessary. Some who take some time off of school to work have a difficult time entering school again and must relearn how to study, write papers, etc. It all depends on your level of motivation whether you should work for a bit or go right into graduate school.

I went to graduate school right after undergrad. Actually, I started taking grad level courses while an undergrad since my college had an accelerated master's program where you could take up to 12 hours of graduate credit while finishing your undergrad degree. I was the youngest person in many of my classes and I don't think that was a problem. The issue seems to be more with married students versus single students.

Answer 4

Being ready for graduate school has little to do with age, and more to do with academic preparation. Granted, at 20 years old, you're likely going to be the youngest student no matter what graduate school you attend. But if it's what you want to do, by all means do it now. Many people intend to go back to school after working a few years, but since their routines get defined and other obligations (family) often interfere, they never actually get there.

Answer 5

Graduate school entails a very specific area of study. If you're absolutely sure about what you want to do, then by all means go to grad school now. But most people will see the benefit of working or traveling for a few years before grad school. Non-academic experiences will enhance what you get out of grad school and give you a different perspective.

Go out and experience the issues and problems people face in the real world for a few years, before you come back to journalism school and learn how to write about them. Like you said, you're so young, you can explore for a few years and still come back to school younger than most of your classmates.

Answer 6

NO!!!
I started grad school at 21, and I was also the youngest. Yes, it's very intimidating at first. Actually, grad school altogether is intimidating at any age. But think about it...everyone else in your program is around 5 years older than you. Imagine where you will be in 5 years, and be thankful you didn't waste that time!

Answer 7

It is really up to you. Age is just a number and it isn't going to hurt you. Being younger is going to give you both advantages and disadvantages, but what doesn't? If you go right away you are on your way to a great career. On the other hand, if you work first, you might be lucky enough to find an employer who will assist in paying for grad school, so be sure to check that out before making a final decision.

Answer 8

You should start right away. When you think about it being the youngest actually gives you an edge over everyone else. the younger you are the easier it is for you to learn and memorize what you need to know.

Answer 9

The above answer is technically real yet could not be what you're searching for. The boy became into ten yet he did not attend a regular intense college. He did self sufficient learn so he did not have the frustrations or became into not held returned with the help of crowded school rooms or inadequate coaching at many regular intense college.

Answer 10

Live for today not tomorrow.....I spent 7 years in the military and started college at 27.....imagine my feelings in the reverse....you have to also appreciate that you have an advantage in being a woman....women in my experience/opinion run 6 to 7 years ahead of us "boys" and boys we stay until about 27 and 28.....I found myself on an equal with the young women in college versus the "boys" .....do not worry about it, if anything it would be the reverse to myself seeing a much younger person there telling me that I am behind......go for it.......or just go join the Green Berets for the next 4 years and see if that doesn't mature you......go for it....you are old enough to be my daughter and I would insist if I was your Dad....good luck!