My dad is 42yrs old Do you think that he has a chance of succeeding in college?

Question

He is going to the English language institute at my university to learn english as a second language, after that I am motivating him to get his GED. He already finished High school in Mexico but he needs to take the GED exam. After taking his GED I want him to apply to my university. He really wants to study and graduate, its been his long life dream. He would be around 46yrs old when he graduates is it too late? or extremely difficult? Im a sophomore at college already and I would help out my dad all I can. Will employers consider my dad? he wants to study something in electricity or history. Thanks.

Answer 1

Getting his GED is honorable. You didn't say what job he does or has. You asked if it's too late for him to graduate from college. There are people who get their degree when they're in their 80's. Now if you're asking if his college degree would help him get a job or better job then I would say no at his age, even if he has the money to go to college. I would suggest that maybe he take a few classes of what he really needs to bone up on, but there is no need to get a college degree nor would that enhance his income. Competition is very keen in the workplace with a lot of young people, the honest answer is that your dad wouldn't have a chance. I suggest that your dad open his own business...in electricity (not history), like even take trade school and become an electrician. And, I think he should be saving for his retirement, and keeping his medical insurance going.

What people are answering is on an ego level, and they are not considering the cost of college today...which is humungeous. Please think of your father's future and no one elses. Your dad will be considered a senior citizen at age 50 and it will be difficult for him to get work from an employer for a decent wage. He needs to train and then get his own business.

Answer 2

I started community college when I was 42, and was just accepted into a very competitive nursing program. I'm starting nursing school at 45 and couldn't be happier. So what if I'm 25 years older than some of my peers (and older than most of my profs). We're all young in nursing years, with exciting new experiences ahead of us. If you want to make a change in your life, at any point, I say do it, 'cause we're all going to get older regardless. Why wither on the vine while doing so??

I think it's wonderful that you are helping and encouraging your dad. I think employers will consider him. More importantly, you never know where the road may lead, but education ALWAYS leads to great things.

Answer 3

I think he could do great. If it's his dream, I'm sure he can make it. Drive is really what it's all about and I think employers can appreciate a person who sets goals and accomplishes them.
My dad didn't go to college because he joined the navy right out of high school. But at about 40, he started classes at a community college. He did really well and is one class away from getting his bachelors.
I think older people actually are more focused when it comes to education. Plus, he wouldn't have the social distractions that we have while in college. (I'm a sophomore too.)
Good luck to your dad!

Answer 4

I think it's great. I started college when I was 30 and I was not near the oldest student. As an educator I don't think you are ever too old to start college. Many employers look for older graduates also.

Answer 5

I don't think you are ever too old to learn. As an undergraduate, we had a classmate in the Linguistics program who was retired, she was 72 years old, and smart as a whip!! In regards to employers considering him for employment: I don't think that it'll be such an issue if he wants to become a teacher (with his history studies) but, I don't know much about the electrical field. I wish your father great success!

Answer 6

What a great idea ...and what a great daughter you are to want to help your Dad achieve his dream!!

As a former university employee, I can assure that there are many students who are "older than average" attending colleges and universities. They often do very well in college coursework because they bring valuable life experiences to their classes.

After your Dad achieves his GED tell him to go to a career counselor and take some aptitude tests. These tests will help determine where his skills are so that he can choose an appropriate major.

Best of luck to your and to your Dad!!

Answer 7

I'll bet that he won't be the only person of that age in his class. Its not that uncommon anymore.

And when he graduates at 46, he will still have 19 years of employment to give to a company, more if he chooses to continue working after he's 65.

Answer 8

why not? if he can get in the university, and if he really wants to graduate, then everything will be alright. i'm just not sure how the employment problem works out, though. he might have an advantage of having more experience than new graduates.

Answer 9

Wow! Sounds like you've got a great dad! You're really lucky! I know people who have graduated from uni in their 80's. I know a guy who sailed round the world in his 70's, your dad is still a baby compared to them!
There should be more people like your dad. People who have the capacity and vision to challenge what they want to do in life.

Answer 10

Often mature, or "nontraditional" students are more stable and more motivated than others, and they frequently do extremely well. Good for him for making the effort, and good for you for encouraging him! He may have a little more trouble finding a job at 46 than he would have at 22, but he certainly will do better than he would have without the education.