None of us are the same person we were at 18, or 22, or even 30. As you grow older and wiser, the thoughts of choices you did or did not make can rent space in your head. If you skipped college, did not finish, or completed your degree but are finding yourself thirsty for a career change, there is no time like the present. You are never too old to pursue a dream, so let age motivate you towards fulfilling your dreams instead of being the thing that holds you back.

Plan Out Payment

Money is important but do not let it intimidate you to the point you talk yourself out of going back to college. This is where having some years under your belt will come in handy because you have developed the financial skills to be able to navigate this new financial commitment. If paying out of pocket is not an option, consider taking out student loans from a private lender in order to pay for your education. College hopefuls that are older have the gift of established credit on their side. If you are in good standing, then you will be a more attractive applicant and qualify for better terms and interest rates. Another perk of being of a non-traditional age and going back to college, is you will probably not need a cosigner, which means you do not have to hinge your dreams on anyone or anything else.

Create a Practical Schedule

When you head to college straight from high school, you have the luxury of being able to be a full-time student and focus solely on your studies. As an older student you likely have other life responsibilities you will need to balance with your coursework. This should not be a deterrent, but it will require some additional attention. Consider the other areas of your life that will require attention and determine how and where college classes will fit. Are you planning to continue to work? If so, online colleges might be your best bet, and consider your full-time job when you determine the amount of credits you take on each semester. Be realistic with what the demands of this transition will be and allow family and friends that support you to help you. Another perk of being a more mature student is you have an established network of supporters that can help lift you up and push you closer to realizing your dream.

Be Confident and Comfortable

Being the old person in class might cause you to be self-conscious, but you must battle that quickly and change the narrative towards using your age as an advantage. Going back to school as an adult gives you the advantage of being able to simply focus on the job of being a student, and the goal of earning a degree, since you need to be less concerned with the social aspects and life on campus. Use the confidence you have cultivated over the years in your everyday life and apply it to confidence in the classroom. The life experience you have behind you is going to set you apart from the younger students in a positive way. Already having established the skill set required to succeed in the classroom will be your most invaluable asset, you do not need to find yourself while also completing your coursework like the younger students do, because you already know exactly who you are, a capable, motivated, dream chaser.