Too Old For College? (anthropology, economy, pay, private)

[NYChistorygal]

If you love to learn, you are never too old!

[Mightyqueen801]

Originally Posted by LovingSAT

It is doable, just tell yourself you are not going to let it stop you. I am 50 and just graduated! Yay me! I started with the very basic 0300 I had to take all remedials and had to take some two or three times. Start where you need to and do your assignments everyday, if you do not understand ask. If you think you are going to fail, dont drop, hang in there and keep working even if you have to take the class over again. Check out Ratemyprofessor and find a professor that gets good ratings, a professor that is going to help you help yourself. I took one guy that the minute you walked in your room he laughed and let us know that in two weeks half of the students would have dropped. I dropped but not before I told him he had a horrible attitude and he is someone that really should not be teaching. I am sure he did not lose sleep over what I had to say.

My spouse is an Algebra teacher and he was not a bit of help, I am math disfunctional and he could not understand what was so hard about it!

You can do it, please try!

That is good to know. I was going to school nights in my 20's and didn't continue because I too am a mathtard. I failed the non-credit remedial algebra class and got too discouraged. I could get As in History and English with my eyes closed, but algebra just doesn't stick in my head for some reason. Oddly, because I was able to move up at work if I got a certain score on CLEP exams in lieu of a degree, I got an above-average score on the Math CLEP, but that was because I was able to choose the answer that made the most sense and not have to show anyone how I got to it. I am confused by the claim that math is logic when the path you are required to take to get the answer seems very illogical.

My only kid is in college now, and every once in a while she half-jokes about me going back to get my degree. I am 51...I know it's not too late, but I'm not sure I could stay awake in class after a full day's work!

[ferretkona]

Originally Posted by Mightyqueen801

,,My only kid is in college now, and every once in a while she half-jokes about me going back to get my degree. I am 51...I know it's not too late, but I'm not sure I could stay awake in class after a full day's work!

You go back after retirement. I retire in a couple years and I am looking at getting a D.V.M. or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. It is what I wanted to do when I graduated high school, my parents discouraged any thoughts that might have included emotional or financial support.

[LovingSAT]

Originally Posted by Mightyqueen801

That is good to know. I was going to school nights in my 20's and didn't continue because I too am a mathtard. I failed the non-credit remedial algebra class and got too discouraged. I could get As in History and English with my eyes closed, but algebra just doesn't stick in my head for some reason. Oddly, because I was able to move up at work if I got a certain score on CLEP exams in lieu of a degree, I got an above-average score on the Math CLEP, but that was because I was able to choose the answer that made the most sense and not have to show anyone how I got to it. I am confused by the claim that math is logic when the path you are required to take to get the answer seems very illogical.

My only kid is in college now, and every once in a while she half-jokes about me going back to get my degree. I am 51...I know it's not too late, but I'm not sure I could stay awake in class after a full day's work!

I think you could if you want to go, go. I will be happy to give you my email address if you have any questions or just need a friend for motivation. I work full time and am now going for my masters and the acp program. I work full time in a very fast paced office so no homework at work. I belong to some nonprofit organization organizations and I am not naturally smart - I work my behind off. If you want, go take one or two classes, look into hybrid or online. I love the online and again, email me and I will help you. Rate my professor is your friend and I am not saying to look for the easy professors but just try not to get the really difficult hard a>>>.

I love to learn and the atmosphere as a non traditional student is amazying, the kids are great and that in itself will keep you awake and interested. I divide my homework up, I divide my reading up, I figure out how many pages I need to read before the next class and divide by the number of days I have.
Its really great fun - if you want to do it - DO IT!

[LovingSAT]

Thank you for the rep points!

[stargazer03]

Hi, I'm 50, and I finally am being honest enough with myself about what 'I' want to do for myself. I've raised 3 children, now 5 grandchildren, and second marriage. I spent loads of money (student loans) on the field of court reporting, which I was very good at, but because of time and limited resources could only give 99% to a field that requires 110% in order to be profitable. I almost continued in this 'major' in the field of realtime captioning, but as I read more and more articles and educated myself over the past 6 months, I realized that digital electronic advances and voice recognition are something I don't feel like being concerned about at my 'age'. After much more soul-searching, I decided I wanted to face my old fears and do what I really wanted to do as a child and young adult. I wanted to teach. Now I feel nothing is stopping me except myself. You're all correct about the fact that we are our own worst enemies as far as the 'I just can'ts', or I'm 'too old'. I feel younger mentally than I did at 25. I don't know when my mind opened up to myself and what I could accomplish with faith and perseverance, but thank God it did. Thank you guys for all your sharing. I hope to come here often to 'get out of myself'.

[Forever Blue]

One is NEVER too old for college or learning new things in general. Tell whoever it is to DO IT!

[dgz]

Originally Posted by glasshouses

How old is TOO OLD to go to college? Is it worthwhile to go to college for a degree (BA) and seek employment if you are over 35? over 45? over 55?

Lots of variables to consider of course, but would this be foolish and a waste of money and/or time if the end result is a degree but no job offer. Or a job, but not for years and years as such, since the age would be advanced at the start of the new job.

Anyone with experience at college in these age groups? I know the old saying, "Education is wasted on the young." What do you think?

First of all, 45? 55? This isn't old. Do you realize that with our current level of health, nutrition, and fitness, if you are 50 today... you might be only 1/2 way through your life.

With this said, even if you're in your 70s or 80s, you're never to old too learn.

I'm coming up on 50 very soon and I have jumped in and out of college programs for most of my life. Just 2 years ago, I went through my 2nd graduate program and earned a Master's in Adult Education.

For people who get a college degree (or 2) after high school, jump into the workforce, and pursue their education no further... they pretty much stay in a rut. Yes, they might move a little within their field, but how exciting is that? (I've told myself occasionally, 'When something becomes really easy, move on.')

But if you're a lifelong learner, there is this wonderful knowledge that seems to emerge when you begin blending different fields of study that you've pursued across your life. And there are some jobs that are more 'niche jobs' that require multiple knowledge and skills sets. These jobs tends to have older employees in them because younger employees don't have the diversity of knowledge, skills, and experiences. This is one benefit that I've discovered in the job market as I've grown older.

[housingcrashsurvivor]

I'm 53 and going back to school for the third time to start a new career. So far I've enjoyed 10 years in construction and 20 years in publishing. I'm still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up.

I very much admired a dear departed friend who had numerous careers over his 80plus years, including English teacher (Spanish being his native language), a doctor, a psychology teacher & psychiatrist in private practice.

Both my uncle and mother attended college up until they died. Even after mom got Alzheimer's I signed up her caregiver to take mom to lectures. So, without having gotten left back, I'm not the oldest of my family and friends to still be in class, but I'm probably the first of them to buy a house near campus specifically for throwing keg parties. Hey, I might be old but I ain't dead yet.

[wanderlust76]

If you have the time college is fun when you're older. Usually people that are older go because they really want to not because they feel they have to.