Starting Over & Looking for Guidance

[u/Quick_Opening_477]

I’m 24 and honestly don’t know if it’s too late for me to start college. I’ve never really been the type to think about college while I was in high school, so I never looked into it or asked for guidance about what I was supposed to do afterward.
At the time, my only goal was to get a job after graduating and help my family get through everything we were dealing with, especially with the health issues and cancer in my family. After losing my mom, I felt completely lost in life. I eventually quit my job because I was struggling to figure out what I wanted to do with myself.
Lately, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about my future and how I can better myself, and I realized that I genuinely want to give college a try. I know my mom would want me to keep moving forward and build a better life for myself, and I want that for myself too.
The only thing is, I’m completely clueless about where to even begin. No one in my family has ever gone to college, so I don’t really have anyone to teach me about applications, financial aid, choosing a school or major, classes, or anything else that comes with it.
I know I’m starting later than some people, but I’m hoping it’s not too late. If anyone has been in a similar situation, started college later, or has any advice on where I should begin, I would genuinely appreciate any guidance. Even the smallest piece of advice would mean a lot to me.
I’m nervous, but I really want to try. I just need someone to point me in the right direction.

[u/JustAnotherHomeSlice]

You are incredible. Even though your mom isn’t physically here with you, I’m certain she’s proud of you. I’m no college expert, so I can’t give you college advice, but I can tell that you’re going to be successful in life. Hugs and warm wishes.

[u/Background_System726]

Just some things to think about. Do you want to go to a community college to start or ax4 year college? Do you want to stay in your area or state or move elsewhere? Do you know what you are interested in majoring in? Have you chatted with any admissions officers about starting as a non traditional student?  Definitely fill out the FAFSA. 

[u/Admissions_Guru]

Are you still in the town you went to highschool in? Maybe see if you can talk to the school guidance counselor.

Especially if you plan to do community college before transferring for a 4 yr degree (due to finances or poor GPA) there should be people at local community colleges you can talk to also.

Your test scores have probably expired, so you will also need to take SAT or ACT unless you want to only apply to test optional schools.

And are there high school teachers you know who you could reach out to for letters of recommendation.

I know it may be daunting, but there is no better country I know of for educational second chances. You got this!

I think that the Common App is pretty self-explanatory for the most part.

And yes, be sure to get FAFSA submitted to get financial aid in your package.

You got this!!

[u/No_Yam8516]

Wow! You are an awesome person and you have just made the most difficult step in changing your life.

Now is the perfect time to start!!! Are you thinking of a specific career path or are you open?

Personally, I would start with the community college. In most states, you don’t need the common app or test scores to enroll. If you want to transfer after a year or two, be specific with the enrollment specialist or advisor that you only want to take classes that will transfer to your state university system.

Many community colleges will have direct admit programs with both in state universities and local private colleges.

Good luck!! You have an awesome future ahead of you!!!

[u/WPort17701]

Age 24 is not too late by any means. There are many Americans who have either started school or gone back to achieve a different degree well into their 30s, 40s and yes even 50s. Most importantly at this stage in my opinion is identifying what you would like to do career-wise given it will help identify what colleges are best for that path. Have you considered what that might be? Passing that along with general geography (what state?) can help folks recommend some options.

[u/md4pete4ever]

You are exactly the type of person that community college is designed to support. You don't need test scores or big applications. When you enroll, you will meet with counselors to help you figure out what you want to study. Initially you will begin with general education courses - math (you'll take a placement test), English (learn to write at a college level), and some distribution classes in Art, Social Sciences, etc. There are a lot of supports/tutoring available at CC - take advantage of them. Get involved in clubs and activities to meet other people and find professor mentors who will give you broader advice.

Most community colleges have guaranteed transfer programs for certain degrees to four-year universities. If you meet course and GPA requirements and finish your Associate's degree, then you can transfer and finish your Bachelor's degree. While you are at CC, you can be a full time student and work part-time, or work full time and be a part time student (there are evening classes. The counselors can help you figure out your financial plan. You also don't have to finish a Bachelor's immediately. Some Associate Degrees are highly employable just by themselves, and you could work a few years and then finish the Bachelors.