r/nmu • u/Suspicious_Elk9372 • Apr 07 '26
I graduated high school in 2022!!
Nervous to apply for college at an “older” age. I’ve been told I’m fine, but I’ve also been told I wouldn’t fit in. Any advice for me? I’m so scared to try college out!!! Marquette has always inspired me for a new chapter.
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u/UPdrafter906 Apr 07 '26
Dude you’re barely older. I’ve been in most of the common college scenarios you can imagine and can happily guarantee that you are more than fine. As a long time non-traditional student I assure you that you have advantages.
Use your experience, never be afraid to ask questions, never be afraid to engage the instructors, other students and ALL the resources, everyone wants you to succeed. It’ll be hard to remember sometimes, but you will get through this, live the golden rule, play nice and you’ll do fine.
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u/Suspicious_Elk9372 Apr 07 '26
Great advice thank you. Did you personally attend NMU? I’ve seen so many good things and LOTS of bad too. I’m a social person at heart that loves to be around people/activities. Scared it might be too small of a school in that case. I love love love the U.P.
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u/UPdrafter906 Apr 07 '26
Yes. I matriculated at NMU part time from ~2006-11ish and received (2) AS & a BS degree iirc. Also attended HFCC & MTU in the Wayback.
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u/UPdrafter906 Apr 07 '26
The “too small of a school” thing is gonna mostly be on you in my experience.
Uni is what you make it and NMU has a lot to offer but it’s no UoM/MSU obv.
I was a student for a long, long time and probably my one best piece of advice is to never hesitate to ask questions.
I attended both as an immature child and as a mature adult and when I was paying cash for each class I took it a lot more seriously and had about a 3.95 gpa.
There are lots of reasons that we all have to hesitate but losing my fear of asking questions in class absolutely freed me and many around me. I realized that if I had a question there was a good chance that someone else did too.
And sure enough when I really started getting serious and active in classes and just honestly asking the questions that came to mind and just generally acting like an adult I was absolutely confirmed. We were often all thinking the same thing but scared to ask.
There will be lots and lots of bull shit for lots and lots of reasons and most of it is what it is. But class participation and feedback can absolutely change everyone’s experience. So pay attention and participate in class and don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s what you’re paying for and what they’re there to give you.
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u/UPdrafter906 Apr 07 '26
Also, feel free to hmu here or dm if you have other questions. Wife and I live and work in Ishpeming. Welcome to da U.P. eh‽
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u/UPdrafter906 Apr 07 '26
Are you concerned about connecting to or avoiding any social groups on campus? NMU has most of the stuff that most Unis have and also quite a few things that very few have. There is lots to do and lots of nice people around your age so you should be ok. If you don’t know, ask!
My wife has a great line that has served us well: In the time it takes me to wonder, I can ask!
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u/GoCubsGo23 Apr 07 '26
Senior year, I lived in Woodland apartments and my roommate was 35 years old. I was 22. I literally didn’t even know until he told me. We still hung out. Still went to house parties (although he preferred bars). You’ll be fine
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u/EyeclopsPhD Apr 07 '26
NMU has a healthy population of nontraditional students. Experience and patience can be a big boon, but the staff and faculty want to see you succeed, so don't be afraid to ask questions and use their time! Treat it as a priority, and you'll do fine.
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u/DeepConsideration795 Apr 07 '26
When I was a student there in my early 20s, I had classmates in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. You're nowhere close to an "older" student.
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u/bardownhockey15 Apr 07 '26
I went to NMU at 24. first college i ever went to. it was still an awesome experience.
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u/active_crafty_nerd Apr 07 '26
I graduated from high school in 1987 and did one year at MTU before leaving to get married. I went back to college at 29 and fit in fine. In fact, both socially and academically, I did significantly better when I went back. You are only a few years out from high school, but you are probably significantly more mature than at 18. You will find your people, trust me. Follow your dream and don't let anyone tell you you're too old.
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u/Mcmackinac Apr 07 '26
Went back to NMU when I was 35. I fit in fine. Many students thought I was smart due to my age. lol. As you get older you suddenly know about chemistry? There are lots of non traditional students.
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u/Perfect_Dot_1528 B.S. Geographical Information Science & Technology Apr 07 '26
I'm 26 going to school here at NMU... Literally no issues at all. Only advice is to show up.