| Dec 14, 2008 @ 10:10 AM |
College for grown-ups?
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1stsignofspring
Posts: 17,992
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I sincerely started this thread, because I want to know what you all think of going to college when you are older? What about in your 40's and 50's? I am seriously considering college now....
and wondered.... 
Is it harder when older?
Does it make any sense to do so late in life?
Pros and cons?
Has anyone here actually went to college at an older age...and what were your experiences? 
Thanks for any input to this thread  .............Spring 
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| Dec 14, 2008 @ 10:14 AM |
College for grown-ups? |
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Loreli
Posts: 25,399
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I think it's a great idea.
And, having met you, you will fit right in!
You are very young at heart.
Whether it's harder or not will depend on what you take, and how your life experiences help you.
Go for it! 
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| Dec 14, 2008 @ 12:37 PM |
College for grown-ups?
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dooney123
Posts: 3,511
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It's usually easier when you're older, because you're usually wiser and more disciplined then. You can also relate better to the professors and use your own previous experiences in the workplace to learn from. When I was getting my undergraduate degree there were several "older" people in some of my classes and they always had the highest grade in the class.
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| Dec 14, 2008 @ 12:39 PM |
College for grown-ups? |
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mystery2u888
Posts: 18,025
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Spring you will do fine........I have no doubt about it.............you are exceptional......and you can do it!! I know it...............you will fit right in and succeed ............ 
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| Dec 14, 2008 @ 1:59 PM |
College for grown-ups?
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SunBabe
Posts: 12,279
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Did it...and with a 4.0 (three degrees  ). I'd have NEVER been able to do that when I was 18 or 20.
It's definitely easier, in my mind, to do it later in life -- when one has so much more experience and general knowledge to draw from.
Just do it, Spring. Maybe start out with 2 or 3 courses in January (to get into the rhythm and not be overwhelmed)...a couple of required "base" courses to start and always one elective "just for fun". 
...besides, you have an asset that'll make college a breeze. You can write and articulate your thoughts, coherently. 
(You're gonna LOVE it! Believe me  )
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| Dec 14, 2008 @ 3:09 PM |
College for grown-ups? |
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painter007
Posts: 17,854
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I started college last winter and love it. I had never gone to college before. I love to learn, and the teachers are wonderful. I just finished my 4th term...I started out wanting to get my massage therapy license but have recently changed my major and I am currently going for my degree in exercise physiology.....I would encourage anyone, no matter what age to follow their passion for learning.....Good luck.
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| Dec 14, 2008 @ 3:23 PM |
College for grown-ups?
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Heaveninawildflower
Posts: 18,606
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What they all said ^^^^^^^^^^ !!!!
I dropped out of college as a teen but later did selected post-grad courses where I was placed with 'degreed' younguns....I ended up doing a lot of coaching (you're gonna be amazed at how many real life experiences provide 'hooks' to the things you're learning in class that make learning later on so much easier!).
One of the things I'm looking forward to in retirement is the chance to go back to school, with more time and less stress to deal with...
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| Dec 14, 2008 @ 4:00 PM |
College for grown-ups? |
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Jalon
Posts: 1,611
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I feel one of the best parts of going to college as a "grown-up" is watching all the "kids" in class. Also, there are some fine 18 yr old boys to look at!
On a more serious note, you have a big advantage at your age as you have a real *desire* for learning, a plethora of real life experience/skill and a much better handle on your own capabilities. Sign up for a couple of classes (I recommend English Composition I and Psycology [because it's fun!]) and see how it goes!
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| Dec 14, 2008 @ 4:04 PM |
College for grown-ups?
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1stsignofspring
Posts: 17,992
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Thank you all soooo much! This is great too know!
Thanks so much for the kind words.....I have been going through losing 3 jobs the last 6 yrs because of cutbacks...and I just thought it was time to take control of my future more. Learn to do something that there is a definite need for...
I have been blessed to be able to assist in writing an ebook and helping to produce 2 infomercials....and all because people have believed in me and my gifts and talents...of which I am master of none... 
I just wasn't sure if it would be harder to learn at my age.....but obviously you all think it is much easier....so I will visit a couple of local colleges here in Indianapolis...and see what they have to offer. Meanwhile, I will work on my own book...a dream of mine...
congrats to you Dooney, Sunny, Painter and Heaven for being great students!!
and thanks Loreli....for the encouragement.... Look at all of you....!! Post grad, under grad...4.0..... 
That's why I love this place... 
Edited to add...
Only you would think of the 18 yr old boys Jalon.... 
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| Dec 14, 2008 @ 4:20 PM |
College for grown-ups? |
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painter007
Posts: 17,854
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Pssssssst....yes the young men in college are fun to look at...and they are all so helpful.... 
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| Dec 14, 2008 @ 4:26 PM |
College for grown-ups?
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1stsignofspring
Posts: 17,992
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Well that is very encouraging..and I think I am liking the idea of college more and more.... 
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| Dec 14, 2008 @ 5:51 PM |
College for grown-ups? |
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thor22
Posts: 3,350
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well, in college-lingo they will label you as a SOTA=student older than average  ...no matter what yr your in or what time of yr either (hehe!)...you will carry that stigma with you thoroughout your schooling and so just be ready and sure you can handle having that always hanging over your head because it couid possilby scar you mentaly, emotionly, forever ...so would it really be worth it for you and really just why do you want to go to college anyway...ask youself that one seriously ...is it to get an education and why educater yourself this late in life ...is it to better your job opportunities ...the job you already have ...I don't know but I reckon it would be harder the older you are tho perhaps not for some ppl...I have also thought of going back to college but honestly, the only reason why I would do that would be to try meet a lady because that is all that drives me anymore and if I ever do decide to go back to college I wouldn't go anywhere again it gets below zero again, or even close to 32 above...at my age I do not want to live in a dorm again, not even a frat house, so do you have to move and where are ya gonna live when you go there...you will meet a lots of new ppls...so, yeah, go for it, hey!
[Edited on 12/14/2008 5:57 PM]
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| Dec 14, 2008 @ 6:07 PM |
College for grown-ups?
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SunBabe
Posts: 12,279
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The wise person never stops learning new things, whether it's for a job or just for mental stimulation and hunger for knowledge.
LOL, where's KnittinKitten right now? (Probably in one of her classes )
BTW, be sure to look into the local community colleges, Spring. They're often a lot more flexible than standard 4-year full-time schools and you can always transfer your credits to a "full college/university" for your bachelor's degree as long as you take approved classes. Besides, they're most often geared to students of all ages -- lots of 'em a lot older than you are, m'dear. (The "scenery" is still great, though!  )
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| Dec 14, 2008 @ 6:13 PM |
College for grown-ups? |
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kjac
Posts: 8,163
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After reading the OP, I'm not sure I qualify. I'm only in my 30's, but for me, it's a pain in the ass. But it's a pain in the ass that allows me to look at myself in the morning and know I'm doing something to make this life of mine better
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| Dec 14, 2008 @ 6:39 PM |
College for grown-ups?
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thor22
Posts: 3,350
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well, go for it kjac...go for it spring...
(I'm trying to better myself here on MD!) 
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| Dec 14, 2008 @ 8:29 PM |
College for grown-ups? |
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kattsmeow
Posts: 22,625
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My husbands mother came here, and thewn after settled with 2 young sons, went back to school and became a lawyer. If she can do it, you can too!!!
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| Dec 14, 2008 @ 10:31 PM |
College for grown-ups?
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Jalon
Posts: 1,611
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it's a pain in the ass that allows me to look at myself in the morning and know I'm doing something to make this life of mine better 
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| Dec 15, 2008 @ 1:06 AM |
College for grown-ups? |
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Always_Striving
Posts: 8,794
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SunBabe that's pretty impressive to maintain a 4.0 across all degrees.
BTW, I too have 3 degrees but I did not maintain a 4.0 in any one of them  , (I'm envious). That must mean you are one smart chickie...LOL.
I have attended college off and on even after I graduated. I have also taken specialty courses granted by my employer(s) for job specific related tasks.
Lately I had taught engineers for 3 to 4 local community colleges as well as corporate groups. I have not taught classes at a university. It has been actually over a year since I have been asked to teach. Anyway I think it is always a great idea to learn new things if not to upgrade your mental software.
It will most likely increase your intellectual capabilities. That is a positive thing!
1stsignofspring go ahead and do it.
The wise person never stops learning new things, whether it's for a job or just for mental stimulation and hunger for knowledge.
Well said SunBabe. I find you and Heaveninawildflower to be pretty wise women. I do pay attention to both of your comments in the forums.
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| Dec 15, 2008 @ 2:37 AM |
College for grown-ups?
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1stsignofspring
Posts: 17,992
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Well now thor......if you are trying to better yourself here on MD...I certainly for one won't knock it! You are in perfectly good hands....great people here!
I for one....of course would like to meet the last love of my life...but...meanwhile I would like to keep living.... and that means doing the things that are important to me and going forward!
Why school? I say...Why not? I have an insatiable curiosity to say the least and I do need to take care of myself......
sunny....thanks ....really good information!
Katt...
always.....not only are Heaven and sunny wise women....you my dear are very smart indeed yourself! Thank you for your support! 
I can see it now.......Spring.....atty at law!
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