You'll be a good student, you might be just nervous but there's no reason to be terrified. Mature students do better...

I started college in my 30's because I already had two children, My advice don't sweat it and you are never too old to try something new. I'm 60 now and it definitely changed my life for the better and put me on the path to do what I love. Don't spend your life terrified, live it. One day you will look back and you will be old.

I am a university lecturer here in UK and I have students even older than me (52 years). You have a lot to give any course you take, not only intelligence but life experience, which is invaluable. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Any advice?

Yeah, get your degree. One step at a time.

What is the worst thing that could happen? For sure, your spelling & grammar skills will stun your teachers with delight!

I loved the older students who were in my classes in college. Just one or two here and there - but they were so fun for us to see and interact with.

Now if I went back - I'd be them? lol

Have fun. There'll be students who'll love you. We thought they were so brave!

You will be head-and-shoulders above 18 to 21 year-olds with maturity and work experience.

As a college professor, I loved older students. They were more respectful, mature, responsible and appreciative. Even with families, they did the homework without making excuses. A breath of fresh air.

Raise your hand and ask questions in class. Participate in class discussions. Students will learn from your insight and maturity. Professors will appreciate you.

Stop being terrified. You could be 55!

Yes.

Feel the fear and go.

It will only hurt for a few minutes.

Promise.

Do your readings/prep. Take actual notes in lectures. Ask for clarification of tricky points at the appropriate time. If you're having trouble with an assignment then ask for assistance well in advance of the submission deadline. You'll be a breath of fresh air.
Oh, and shag someone young and beautiful. That's what college is for.

Go for it can be a awesome experience for you

You will do fine and might also find you are not alone in this as many your age are going back to school. I'm 73 and have thought about it myself but once I did graduate home many productive years would I have left? Who wants an old lawyer?

Yes, ask your school for placement statistics . . . . how many people that took your line of study actually got a job in that field. Also, if it is a for-profit school, chances are very good you will not get much recognition from potential employers, because the REAL education comes from the schools that are not in it for the $$$$. One more thing . . . . before ANYONE starts college, they should read this book:

[amazon.com]

Just stick with it.

I went back to school at age 54. It was for a PhD, after a 20 year hiatus following my Masters. I graduated at age 60 with my degree. That may be a little different from what you are experiencing. If at age 35, this is your first foray back into formal education since high school, your challenges are different.

The advantage to returning at your age is wisdom and experience. You've been out there in the real world and have accumulated lots of information that should aide in your motivation.

One, you now have the wisdom and experience to know what you don't want and what hasn't worked for you on your journey in life. Second, you have more discipline than you might otherwise have, a lot of it related to the knowledge of what this moves means for you.

It will be challenging and replete with difficulties. But the end goal is a more marketable you. A chance to move your life in a direction you choose as opposed to be dependent on the whims of the economic tide.

Only, be the best you can be and don't give up.

I didn't go to university till I was 26 and then had 10 years of formal learning - it gave me work with lots of money, stress, worry and stole my time with those I loved.
Learning is about training your mind to think and is an end in itself - if you do that you can find a good life - but you may find that money buys 'things' but does not give you what you are looking for

Enjoy it! As well I think that is very commendable!

Forget about your age, it doesn't matter at all. Free your.mind about any prejudice related to your chronological age. The fact of deciding going.back to school demostrates you are open-minded! Good luck and.enjoy every second!

for the 1st or 2nd semester take only 1 or 2 classes. built back into going to a full semester. it can be frustrating.

I went to college for the first time at 40, that was 18 years ago. I had just gone though a divorce and had been a stay at home mom for half of my 14 yr marriage. I became a special education teacher (I would not advise this career) pay can be an issue. It can be difficult to pay back loans if the job does not pay adequately. I worked full time while.attending and my children were 10, 12 and 14. It was difficult but as long as you have a goal in mind it is doable. I would make sure the degree would pay off, if it's to increase your income. If you are taking out loans be careful as this adds up quickly. I went to a small public college that was mostly for adults in NH. I was terrified as well but we are stronger and more resourceful then we give ourselves credit for.

Advice? Avoid the hunch punch at the frat parties. You do NOT want to know what’s in that stuff.

Other than that, have fun. But not so much fun that you forget to make it to class, study and get good grades.

My oldest Ph.D. student was 84 as he started. He wrote a great dissertation in computer science and completed the program in two years. Don't worry!

I received my undergraduate degree at the age of 35 and masters at 45. It has its advantages being older. You have a better understanding of the world. It also helps if your employer helps with the cost.