Going back to school later in life can be a great experience. The older people get, the more likely they are to have reached a decision about exactly what they want to do in life. When and where to go to school and juggling schoolwork with work and family responsibilities are some things to consider when you're thinking of going back to school.
Although it can sometimes be a little daunting to be nearly twice as old as the majority of students on college campuses, older students are more common these days than they once were. College was once thought of as only something for young adults, but that has changed as an appreciation of lifelong learning has become more of a part of our culture. If you still find yourself worried about your age difference, speak to advisors at your school or think of ways to meet other older students, such as starting a special study group.
You may also want to consider distance education. Many top universities have programs that allow students to take classes online, and if you can find a program in your field, it may be an excellent alternative to attending in person. Some distance education programs may require you to complete the exams in person, but usually only once per course. Taking these classes also saves on transportation costs and is more environmentally friendly.
People with family and/or work responsibilities often find that distance education can really save time. You can learn from home during time that you schedule to fit your needs. Many parents find that they can avoid having to put their children in daycare while they attend school and can take classes at the time that suits them best.
Whether you decide to attend classes in person or via computer when you go back to school, make sure ahead of time that the classes suit your career prospects or goals. It's also a good idea to take prep courses for subjects, such as mathematics or statistics, if you've been out of school for some time. Making sure to have enough time for study is important too. Keep in mind as well that most distance education courses today have online discussions to participate in that count as course credit.
