Is it too late to go back to school at 32?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the question of whether it is advisable to return to school at the age of 32, with participants sharing personal experiences and perspectives on the timing and readiness for further education. The scope includes personal reflections, encouragement, and anecdotal evidence regarding age and education.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about returning to school at 32, emphasizing the need for personal preparation before committing to education.
  • Another participant suggests that personal knowledge and readiness are crucial, indicating that taking time to prepare is valid and may lead to better outcomes.
  • A participant shares their experience of being pressured by family to pursue education sooner, highlighting the emotional aspect of the decision.
  • There is a mention of an individual who successfully completed a degree in their 40s, suggesting that age should not be a barrier to education.
  • Another participant notes their own experience of finishing a degree at 41, reinforcing the idea that maturity and financial readiness are important factors.
  • A personal anecdote is shared about a mother who returned to school in her 50s, illustrating that it is never too late to pursue education.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that age should not be a limiting factor in pursuing education, but there are differing views on the importance of personal readiness and timing. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to returning to school.

Contextual Notes

Some participants emphasize the need for personal readiness and financial considerations, while others suggest easing into education through general education requirements. There is no consensus on a definitive approach to returning to school at an older age.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering returning to school later in life, those seeking reassurance about age-related concerns in education, and anyone interested in personal experiences related to education and maturity.

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do you think going to school at 32 is a good idea? I'm 28 now but due to some setbacks i need to get my life, body and mind in order before i go back to school. i think i need prep time so i can run right out of the gate while others want to push me before i feel i can swim. should i go to school now or do what i feel is the best method for myself?
 
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Personally, I'd always do what I know is good for me. Whilst there can be circumstances where I'll choose a poor route - that mostly applies when I'm not as fully as informed as I think I am - don't have all the facts. It's certainly something that's up to you, I can't see there being many new limitations introduced - and the fact that you feel you need more time before you're ready says to me that it's required. You will need to be committed to school when you get there so that you know you have the best chance you're capable of.
 
thanks, i think i already know what's best for myself (maybe i just need some reassurance :-p ) i just have family members telling me that all i do is waste time and that I'm not showing anything
 
are you worried about being too old to back to school? daveb on this forum got his bachelor's in math and physics at UCLA around age 40 I think. pm him for how his experience was
 
Any time is a good time - as long as you are mature enough (and financially able) to handle it, and it sounds like you understand that. I'll be finishing my BS at age 41.

You can also work a little bit on your general education requirements now and find out what kind of unit load you can handle while working (I'm assuming that you are). Sometimes it is better to ease in and test the waters than to just dive into the deep end right away.
 
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My mom went back to school in her 50's. She had gone from high school into nursing school, which back in the 1950's did not provide degrees.

She decided that since all her kids had college degrees, she ought to do the same. So she did! :approve:
 

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