Considering going back to uni at 26?

Question

I am considering going back to uni next yr to do an access course followed by a maths degree. I will be 26 at the time the course starts and in total it will take me 5 yrs to complete. Having spoken to my family and friends they seem to think I am crazy for giving up a full time job and going back into education and I worry that I may be too old and left it too late. I never had a good chance at education when I was younger and feel like I want another go. I have always enjoyed maths and been good at it, I think the course I am considering would suit me. I just wish my family and friends would support me. I mean, am I too old? have I left this far too late??

Answer 1

I think it is great that you want to take that chance and go, maybe they rather see you go to school, and also work at the same time, Until such time that you need to do an internship then quit all together and finish.


Can you possibly take some preliminary classes ? Check with an advisor- it never hurts! At any rate i wish you the best- I think you will succeed.
I went back to school in my 30's and did soooo much better and feel i got a better education, I appreciated it more!

Answer 2

In 5 years you'll be 31. You can either be 31 with the degree you want or without it. Those are your options. Don't think about the years. The 5 years will pass regardless, so you might as well come out on the other end of it doing something you're happy with and proud of yourself for having stuck to doing what it took to get there.

You are not too old for university. Ever. Particularly when you're only 26. Stop thinking of it like that. It's really unfortunate that your friends and family aren't supportive, but please don't let that stop you. If they continue to be negative about it, keep those who do that at a distance when you first get started, otherwise they might discourage you.

Do this for yourself. You said yourself that you didn't get a good chance at an education when you were younger. Well now you've got the chance, so take it. If right now you regret not having had a decent opportunity to pursue your education earlier, you'll regret it much more later. Go to school now. Otherwise, this is what will happen - that feeling will always stay with you, and in 5 years, you'll be asking yourself if 31 is too old to go back to university (which it isn't) and at 10 years you'll be asking yourself if 36 is too old (which it isn't). You get my drift. The feeling will never go away. So give yourself this gift now and do it.

Next time someone says something negative to you about your hopes to pursue higher education, tell that person that if they can't be supportive then you'd rather they not say anything at all, and to respect that. If that person refuses to respect your wishes, then keep him/her at a distance and stick to your plan. Remember, almost every time we prepare for or begin a new chapter in our lives things tend to go crazy for awhile and we feel discouraged. But stick to it, keep your eye on the prize and things will get easier. I'm a non-traditional student myself right now and I know it isn't easy, but it's definitely worth it. Good luck.

Answer 3

I currently teach at a community college and my BEST students are my older students. There are a couple of reasons for that, but the foremost reason is the level of maturity of the older students.

Olders students are much more focused. Having had the opportunity to go out and have fun earlier in life, they are much more settled and ready to complete their area of study. They also have a different ideal about their goals and seem to understand exactly what it is that they are trying to accomplish, where the younger student still hasn't quite figured it out yet.

Go for it! If you can affor to do it fulltime, then by all means do so. You will appreciate having made the decision in the long run.

Answer 4

The majority of people in college r over the age of 25, I am 28 years old and I just went back to school this semester after a 7 years break from school. I do have a AA degree now I am working on my BA, after that I plan to go to Medical school, . Do not listen to people, people become jealous, and envious. Focus on yourself and education, maybe they need to go to school. And remember the 94 year old lady who recieved her Masters degree over the summer, just kept think about her when people try to discourage you. And remember walk in that classroom with your head up high.You r there for your education

Answer 5

Better to make a change at 26 -31 then find yourself in a job you hate at the age of 55 when no one wants you as by then you have a bloated salary and expect to earn more. Good luck. Study hard!

Answer 6

If the inventory industry went down somewhat of up for the final 2 years, if we hadn't had significant growth in the GDP for the final 2 quarters, if unemployment become nonetheless on the upward push then Obama's financial efforts may well be a failure. in view that none of those statements are genuine, i don't see any reason to evaluate them a failure. Obama has delivered us out of the worst recession in over fifty years.

Answer 7

Give it a try. If you don't like it you can drop it anytime and get a job. I went back to school when I was 26 (I'm still in school, actually) and I never regretted quitting my job.

Answer 8

I used to read an advice columnist named "Dear Abby" years ago. She had a question like that, and I loved her answer. She asked, "How old will you be in four years if you don't go back to college?" You are so young. Do it. Do it.

Answer 9

I am in uni and some of the guys on my course are 28, and they are the smartest ones.

Answer 10

DO IT! It's great for the classroom environment to have different perspectives!

Twenty years from now you will regret the things you DIDN'T do more than the things you DID.

Good luck!