Younger college students tend to start or resume their higher education journey without an established goal in mind, which helps them avoid distractions that might derail other students.
Older students tend to bring much-needed experience and insights into classroom discussions and projects. Unfortunately, however, some may struggle to adapt to higher learning environments.
Know Your Requirements
College admission requirements do differ significantly from high school requirements; however, they still expect applicants to provide transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal essays and SAT or ACT scores as part of the application process. Some schools also set age-based application or interview deadlines.
Colleges typically utilize the personal essay as a means of understanding who their applicants are and the impact of life experiences on them. Furthermore, colleges use personal essays as a measure of writing abilities among applicants.
Some schools require early decision or early action applications from senior year students during the fall of their senior year, while regular applications must be submitted during January/February and decisions will be announced by April. Financial aid deadlines must also be met by June 30 annually - for many older students this may be their inaugural attempt at applying for financial assistance.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Admissions officers want students to thrive and are happy to support this goal by asking questions! Though some might worry that raising questions would label them as stupid, remembering this fact helps put your mind at ease! Asking questions is just another way you can contribute towards student success!
Many colleges operate under rolling admissions policies, meaning they will accept applications until all spots in their incoming class have been filled. Still, it is wise to start your application process early to increase the odds of visiting schools and being accepted before deadlines pass.
Exploring college financial aid options and calculating your net price are important aspects of college admissions. Contact the schools you are considering for additional information and letters of recommendation from previous postsecondary professors and employers who know about you as an applicant - they will have more insight into your desire to attend and academic abilities.
Overcome Ageism
Ageism is a form of discrimination in which people make negative assumptions about people based on their age, such as older adults being perceived as useless, ill, forgetful and incompetent based on stereotypes about them based on age. This can have detrimental effects on mental and physical health as well as self-esteem and sense of worth; furthermore it could result in poorer healthcare outcomes and decreased life expectancies.
Ageism can be overcome, much like racism and sexism can. Awareness is the first step to combating ageism by correcting people when they express stereotypical thoughts and speaking up when inappropriate comments arise. Intergenerational collaboration programs that pair older students or employees with younger ones should also be implemented as effective countermeasures.
Universities that focus on issues of sexism and racism within their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives often forget to address ageism as part of those initiatives, Morrow-Howell states. She and her team at the Friedman Center are currently leading efforts to incorporate ageism in those DE&I efforts both on campus and beyond.
Make Friends
College can be both exciting and intimidating all at the same time; making new friends may require conscious effort; however, it's completely achievable.
One of the easiest and best ways to meet people is through campus events and socializing. Many schools host intramural sports competitions, guest lecture series and Family Day that offer great opportunities to strike up conversations with strangers. You might also consider getting involved with campus organizations like clubs dedicated to specific causes or interests - this way it becomes easier to build regular social circles among these members.
Note, though, that not everyone may respond positively; don't take rejection personally!
