Old dude... me... going to college!?!?!

by Billy the Ex-Bethelite 95 Replies latest members private

  • zarco
    zarco

    Billy,

    Some have suggested that you CLEP out or otherwise explore getting credit for experience and etc. This can be good advice if you want to finish quickly. However…

    In my experience, this approach may not provide a full educational experience. Sometimes electives like Western Civilization, languages and similar can provide a rewarding experience even though they may not directly apply to your major. So think through what you want to gain from your education and then make choices regarding electives and testing out of courses.

    Best,

    zarco

  • Rocky_Girl
    Rocky_Girl

    I felt a little out of place at first when I started at 28, but I have found many fellow non-trad students on my campus so I don't seem so odd. I have also found that I get concepts faster and study mre efficiently than my 18 year old classmates. I am the queen of study groups, they make all the difference in the upper level classes.

    You seem very intelligent from your posts. That in addition to your great sense of humor will serve you well in your new endeavor. Good luck! Hope to hear some great college stories.

    BTW, will you share your choice of degree field? I'm in Business/accounting

  • Satanus
    Satanus

    Congratulations. That's really great. Your next 40 yrs will be better than your last 40;))

    S

  • daniel-p
    daniel-p

    You're making a good choice by starting locally with a community/junior college. This will give you a leg up on admissions with most places, and also an easier transition for returning students, since you'll have more adults in your classes than you would if you started at a 4-year.

    Can i ask what you want to go back for? PM if private...

  • Billy the Ex-Bethelite
    Billy the Ex-Bethelite

    Gg: "I was honest with my advisor about why I didn't have a higher education"

    Georgiegirl, Thanks for sharing. I was wondering about that, unsure whether I would look foolish. Honesty is certainly worth a try. And I can count my time anti-Witnessing !

    AB: " I got so enthused over math, that i took calculus just for fun! LOL."

    AuntBee, calculus for fun? Now that's just crazy-talk! Okay, yeah, I did very well at math and science. btw, I owe you a PM reply don't I? I've been so busy I can't tell my head from my butt sometimes.

    Ew: "Part of college is learning how to fill out financial aid applications ."

    Elsewhere, "I'm part of a worldwide educational campaign. If you'd care to make a donation toward my educational advancement, I'd be happy to accept!" How does that sound?

    VIII, You bet I'll be taking this seriously.

    Snowbird, as an "experienced" dude, I also know when to turn off the humor. That's a good thing I've gotten better about with experience. Also, I have "lectured" in front of thousands of people, 20 minutes in front of about 14,000 or so dubs was the most at one time, as I recall. And I speak more than one language.

    Thanks y'all.

  • loosie
    loosie

    Well Billy in November I will be in your age group. So it is never to late to go to college. Some people in my algebra class are way older thatn 40. I love how my advisor said I was a non traditional student... that means old.

  • Goshawk
    Goshawk

    Way to go B the X.

    Your practical experience will help you to grasp the theory of what they are trying to teach. Welcome to the fun side of education.

    Just one old dude to another. Don't forget to stop and smell the roses.

  • Spook
    Spook

    Depending on your field, be wise in where you choose to go to school. Some fields place great emphasis on where you graduate - law is a perfect example.

    Some fields this is not important and you should choose the school you prefer for personal and financial reasons. There are lots of great ways to take classes at community colledges like you are doing.

    Looking at the bright side - you will have a better rapport with your teachers who are your own age.

    I strongly recommend you take a modest class load. Only take so many classes that you can fully excel in the courses. I took too much and while I graduated with high marks, it wasn't quite enough to persue the graduate education I would have liked to.

  • daniel-p
    daniel-p

    As Goshawk says, your age and life/work experience will give you a HUGE advantage, if you use it right. The maturity alone will set you apart from everyone, and if you hang in there, you'll likely have your teachers giving you recommendations for awards and admissions ahead of a lot of other students. Just be careful about coming across like you're there to teach everyone else. Believe it or not, more than a few returning adult student to behave this way, eager to share their experiences to the point that they end up trying to overshadow the teachers themselves.

  • Sad emo
    Sad emo

    Congrats and good luck from another oldie student!

    Advice? You already got lots. I would add the following:

    Learn good time management, try to schedule your days and stick to the schedule as best as possible (especially if you're continuing working as I did)

    Self discipline (for sticking to schedules and getting on with coursework!)

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