Do you think 42 is too "old" to go back to college

[MAC3]

Never to old to learn something new!

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

As Dear Abby would say, you are going to be 42 whether you go back to school or not....I say go for it!! You have life experience and wisdom on your side.. I admire you so much!

 

[Pooh's Pal]

Go for it Lynn!! There is a great "re-entry" program at 4C's to, check it out!
I went back when I was 32, but didn't finish...fell in love, then had my DD! Now at 51 I'm thinking of doing some "online" courses this fall and then in the fall of 05' going back full time days and working nights. My DD is off to college this fall & I also think you'll get more "benefits" when two in a househould are in school at the same time also! Not sure on that thou', I'll have to check it out 1st.

 

[camper]

I started attending the community college last year, and my dd started going to the university the same year. The community college is about half full of "older" students, so I felt pretty comfortable.

If this is something that you really want to do, you should go for it. You won't regret it.

 

[Cindy B]

NO! It is never too old. I went back to school at 31. There were more older students than myself.

In fact in my one class, there were women in their 50's and 60's.

I am a better student in my 30's than when I was younger I made the Deans List which is somethin I could have NEVER done when I was 18.

I also agree wtih Saffron. The professors are more on an even keel than the students. I can approach them more easily and its isn't an intimidation factor.

 

[danacara]

I think it's fantastic. All the best to you.

 

[bballmom56]

My DH teaches at both a 4 year college and the community college. He has seen a lot more of the "non-traditional" students (like you) in both schools as the years go by. The non-traditional are often the better students in his experience. Go for it!!!

 

[Lynn CC]

Just maybe don't go to the same school as your son, he might find that wayyyyyy too weird.

Go for it. Maybe you should tell your son that you're his new roommate!

LOL!! Somehow I don't think my SAT scores would be nearly as high as DS's.....he's applying to Harvard, Brown, Yale, Stanford etc......so I don't think he'll have to worry about rooming with me. Although he'd probably like that so I could wait on him and clean his room! LOL

 

[G&J's Mom]

I too am planning on going back. Hopefully soon. I am 41. SO GO FOR IT!!!!

Denise

 

[inaminute]

i haven't read the thread, but I have to say that you're never too old to continue your education. My DH just got his Associates last May-and he's 53! I think he'll continue when things calm down at work.

Check to see if there is a class or program that will allow you credit for your life experience. My DH took the class and received a ton of credits!

 

[spb999]

Speaking for the current 42 year olds in the world .....NO !!
Sounds like a great plan.....go for it !

 

[goin2disneyagain]

Originally posted by Lynn CC
I'm not 42 yet, but when I enroll in fall of 2005 to go further my degree I will be. I don't feel 42.
Truthfully, will I feel funny with all those young college students?I always looked up to the older people in class when I was in college 20 years ago. But DS seems to think it's a rediculous idea, and that I won't be able to remember anything (do you think he's calling me an airhead? LOL )
He will be off to college that same fall and I think it's a good time in my life to concentrate on my career.
Has anyone else gone back?

No you are not too old. A lady I work with is 63 and she just finished her degree 5 years ago.

 

[princesstommi]

Hmm, there was something I didn't like about 'non-traditional' students when I was getting my bachelor's...

They usually threw off the curve! Not to mention making a majority of the class look bad.

In some of the upper division classes I had with these students, they brought a lot of value and insight into our discussions. They had actual life/business experience to talk about as it related to the material.

Definitely go back! It's a wonderful idea and you will do great!

 

[missypie]

My sister just got her undergraduate degree in May at the age of 49. And she was by no means the oldest one at the graduation ceremony.

As it turned out, the speaker from their class was over 40...she had been a flight attendant who got rif'd after 9-11; her airline had a "re-eduation" progrom, so she went back and got her degree.

My sister was at somewhat of a "commuter" college, so that probably made it easier for her. You probably should check out the student body of the schools you're interested in-the more diverse, the better.

And as Ann Landers always said, How old will you be in 4 years if you DON'T go back and get your degree?

 

[Talking Hands]

I went back to college at 50 and carry a 3.6 GPA. Never to late to follow your dreams Go for it.

 

[Poppins]

Absolutely do it! I am 48, and last December graduated with a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education (Cum Laude) with a 3.9 GPA. I am now almost done with my Masters degree in Elementary Education. My husband is 52 and he finishes his Doctorate in Pharmacy this week. It has been a difficult four years for each of us, very challenging, but also very rewarding. We are both now pursuing careers that we love. I definitely stick out in class as a "non-traditional" student, but my classmates respect me and value me once they get to know me. I have been privileged to meet many wonderful young people. It is a little strange when my teachers are almost all younger than I am, though! Life is short. Make the most of yours in a way that will fulfill and gratify YOU! Good luck!

 

[Pin Wizard]

Nope...not too old. I went back at 41 or 42. Don't worry, there's always someone older than you there! My sister told me that, and she was right! Had a lady in a class who was taking one course at a time. Stick with it. Unfortunately, I'm out for now...need to work again. Hey, maybe I'll be 70 when I finally get my degree.

 

[willidc]

I teach computer science at Penn State and about 17 years ago I had a woman in one of my entry level classes who was 64 years old and preparing to retire from working at the IRS.

Her daughter had an MS in Computer Science and the mother wanted to take a couple of courses so that she could talk intelligently with her daughter about her daughter's work.

Long story short, this 64 year old woman went on to take a total of 4 courses from me and eventually finished up two years remaining on her BS. She graduated with a degree in Computer Information Systems. The last time I saw her she was 68 and working in her new field, loving it and said she would never retire.

If this doesn't prove that it is never too late, I can't think of anything that would! Go for it!!!!!!!

 

[charlie,nj]

Go for it!

My mother went to college in her mid 60's..she graudated magna cum luade.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Go for it!!! I want to do it too. I am turning 40 in Feb.