Do you think it's too late to go for a 4 year degree at 28?

Question

I'm 28 and I've been thinking about going to college for either political science or a 4 year business degree. Last time I took an IQ test, I scored 131, so I'm not too worried about failing. I have strong family support, so there's no worry that I won't be able to afford it. My two biggest concerns are:

1. My age, I feel as if it's to late to be going for a 4 year degree at 28.

2. I suffer from a bad case of social anxiety. So I worry that I may have to do a lot of presentations and public speaking in front of my classmates. The social anxiety has prevented me in the past from attending college, but I'm starting to get it under control with some medication and therapy sessions. Either way, college is a big step, one that will bring on the anxious feelings.

Maybe I'm just looking for affirmation. Anyway, all answers much appreciated.

Thanks for the positive and encouraging answers from everyone. Too many good answers, so I'll have to put this up for a vote. Again, thanks for the encouragement.

Answer 1

It's NEVER too late!!!

Answer 2

It is never too late to learn. 28 is still very young. If your friend's english standard is no better than you. I think you should advise him to continue to studying. Nowadays with a degree is not uncommon. He will regret if he doesn't get a degree in his life. It is not only to widen one's knowledge and wit. But it is also a social status if one has a degree. People will respect you more because you are educated. However if your friend has finacial problem and needs to work for his family. Then it will be another issue. So you had better analyse the situation and discuss with him or just write down the advantage and disadvatage of studying or starting a career.

Answer 3

I have the same type of social anxiety. It really can limit people. I don't think people understand how tough it can be to be to think about every single conversation and interaction you have in your life to the extreme. I find there are a lot of jobs I won't even consider doing because of it.

The fact that you are now thinking about going to school and actually wanting to do it is a great sign. It means that you're finally ready to start having the life you want. I just recently had that same type of change in my life. I just decided I am sick of living my life being worried about everything. I started an online business and it's starting to work.

I don't think you will have to do any presentations at all in front of people or very rarely in college. If you are faced with giving a presentation just be honest about how hard it is for you and talk with the professor. For the most part you will be listening to them speak.

You're still young enough to get invited to college partys and experience making new friends. I knew dudes who were over thirty who would still hit up the girls at schools with success.

The thing I've found is that the more you stay away from people the harder it gets to be around people when you have to do it. If you break that cycle you'll eventually get to a point where you just like being around people.

Well anyway I am babbling I just hope you actually do this and get excited about it. GL man.

Answer 4

Definitely not! You're never too old to get an education. You're always learning in life. To address your concerns:
1) 28 is not old.... as long as you can make the commitment you'll be fine. 4 year degrees can take 4-1/2 or 5 or 6 or more depending on your commitments.... I do believe you have 10 years to complete a BA. Check with your university of choice.
2) re: social anxiety - you probably won't have much presentations/public speaking when going for your BA. Depends on the courses you take, but most likely not. Much work in college is independent, including projects. And if there is a presentation project, you'll have a partner at least who can help with the presentation, you wouldn't be up there by yourself. That must be some help/relief to you.

You can do it..... remind yourself you can, ok?
Good luck!

Answer 5

No way - do it. I don't think that you are ever too old for more education. I worked at a university for 17 years, and while there got my degree, which I guess is different than just going. I got to know so many people and yes, it is a bit intimidating at first to get up and speak in front of groups. I don't worry about that at work, because I'm "sharing". At school, it feels like you are being judged a little, unless you can be the "expert" in what you are "sharing" and then it's like teaching people stuff they don't know. College is waaaayyyyy different than high school too, and most people are trying to grow up. The degree (paper) will help gain you more respect and even more money in some cases. You will also feel better (smarter) about yourself, which will make you feel less anxious just naturally. Also sometimes it helps to talk to your teacher ahead of time and let her/him know about your anxieties. Working with some of them, I learned that they too are afraid of forgeting information, projecting, or the class loosing interest. They get nervous too. Even professors that have taught at Harvard!! I also appreciated more of the information and could actually relate it to my life, as an "older" student. In short - GO FOR IT !! You won't be sorry.

Answer 6

I would tell you not to worry, but realistically, you're going to be worrying whether or not you do it (I have a son with social anxiety disorder -- worrying is just part of the package.)

You might consider an online degree (these are being offered more and more by reputable, accredited institutions.)

28 is really young in the grand scheme of things. I say go for it and enjoy it as much as you can. I am working on my master's degree at age 48; won't be done until I'm 50, but it's something I've wanted to do for about 25 years. If you can find a way to get your degree now, do it! And good luck.

Answer 7

The replies to this question are awesome.

I'm 28 and am in my Sophomore year at college. I was having the exact same thoughts as you when I first thought about going back. The question ended up being “Where will I be 4 years from now if I *don’t* go to College?” The answer was, ‘Pretty much in the exact same spot’.

Besides, time shouldn’t worry you. This generation is going to live to be 120+ yrs. old anyway.

Go for it, and don’t hold anything back. Oh, and go to school in a sunny and upbeat place. Sun will warm the social anxiety right out of ya’ (it did me).

Answer 8

Buddy I am younger than u and I feel the same way I'm 22 and wanna go and finish my college. but look at it this way if u don't do it now and u aren't gong back asue u think your too old then what will u do with yourself if u don't go for the rest of your life. Do your self a favour and get the degree. You'll be more respected and you'll be more confident knowing that u completed it. I personally was out of the social circle so I know what your talking about like I can't go and just talk to a girl and pick her up I need to be friends with her first funny eh. Don't let the anxiety bother u just don't think like there's any pressure clear your mind maybe try meditating if your familiar with that. you sound like u've been faced with many obsticals just like me I'm epileptic, legally bind, asthmatic, and I just had my gallbladder removed. I know some ppl are worse off then me.

Well good luck with the issue your faced with

Answer 9

I am in my forties, will have an empty nest this year and I am a junior in a four year program! If I can do it you can too! I see it this way. Four years is NOT a very long time in comparison to the next forty years of my life. I would rather be doing in the next forty years something I like and have chosen than to be stuck with less of a choice for that amount of time. You are only 28! You have only lived approximately 1/4th of your life! You have time for everything you want to do! Just remember that EVERYONE is anxious including the teacher! You are not the only anxious person in a room! You will have a blast and it will be a wonderful challenge. I am glad I have done it!

Answer 10

No it's never too late to get your degree. I also have a really bad case of social anxiety so I know how you feel.

You could start by taking one or 2 classes at a time. Or a few less important ones online just to get the credits.

I've never had a problem speaking in front of people, I just hate working in groups. I would rather do it on my own.

Answer 11

It is Never too late to get a college degree. These days, 28 is still considered young anyway :) It's just that most in your age bracket do not live on-campus ;) I have social anxiety as well with a fear of public speaking so I can relate. I would start out on a part-time basis to ease into the feeling of being in a group, classroom setting.

You may have gone over some relaxation exercises/stress management techniques to try when feeling really anxious. I find that the deep breathing one helps me. I slowly breathe in thru my nose and slowly breathe out thru pursed lips. I do that for a couple of times and then breathe normally. Perhaps you can practice that with your therapist too, if you haven't already :) Just take things one step at a time, and you will be fine.

If considering taking some courses online, please do Not go to one of those 'online schools' such as university of phoenix or strayer u as former students of u of phoenix started a website: http://www.uopsucks.com

For US colleges: http://www.utexas.edu/world/univ