How old were you when starting prereqs and did it discourage you?

[princesax11]

I just turned 22 and a lot of people I went to high school with are graduating with a bachelor's degree this spring. So I am feeling a little discouraged and sad.

I started community college right out of high school. I was a little lazy and didn't want hard classes so I went with elementary education even though I wasn't too sure about it. Well a year and a half into it I discovered nursing was where I really wanted to be so I changed majors and took classes for the local ADN program at my community college. I went to a information session and got misleading information that I could apply then with just a few prereqs done so I applied. I got a letter telling me I needed to finish all my prereqs before I could apply and the admissions advisor changed.

So feeling defeated I took a semester off which turned into two when my part time job's company declared bankruptcy and I had to work full time to help. This summer I moved from NJ to FL and have to wait until Fall 2013 to get instate tuition to finish my last 4 prereqs here. I wanted to take maybe a class or two until I was instate then I saw the price was almost 400 per credit! Yikes, I can't afford 1,200-1,600$ a class!

I have 5 prereqs done that apply to the program down here and my gpa is a 3.6. If I get in when I plan to I will be 26 when I graduate with a ADN. I can't get into a BSN program because my overall gpa in the classes I don't need anymore is still calculated into a lot of admissions which is only a 3.1.

I guess I am just looking for words of encouragement and your stories to help. I look forward to hearing some uplifting answers! :)

[MrsStudentNurse]

This is very similar to my story except I'm 26 and we can replace being married with I having a child. I did, however, consider nursing for one semester (freshman year, so it was technically pre-nursing) but a bulk of my pre-reqs I took while under another major. I definitely agree with it being perfect timing! Sometimes I tell myself that I should have entered a nursing program a while ago but it just wasn't my time.

I feel ya on sometimes telling myself the whole shoulda, coulda, woulda thing but It is just that minute thought of looking at th past few years and I realize there's no way I'd of made it then:) Good luck to you!!

[AM326]

hey hun, I feel the same way... I'm 24 and I started on my pre reqs for my BSN :3 I should be 28 or 29 when I'm a nurse! I know ALOT of students here that are in their 40s+50's taking pre reqs for the ASN :3 It's never late to make a career move or finally know what you wanna do!!!! :D

[Corpsman514]

I just started my pre reqs for BSN. I have a LONG way to go and I am 30. I went into the Navy right out of hs as a Corpsman. I wish I worked on my pre reqs while on shore duty- sigh. At least I am a Registered Medical Assistant :-)

[Dtermnd2Bgreat]

I am 26 and I will be starting my pre requisites this fall. I was a little discouraged at first but with the warm words from everyone on this site I feel a whole lot better. Good luck to you.

[madelynsmom]

I start my pre-req's this summer and I will be 28 this September. I will be 32ish when I graduate and become a RN. I have been in the corporate world for 11 years and I have made a good living for my family. Once I got pregnant with my now 8 1/2 month old baby girl, I started to look more into my work and how I want to be a role model to my daughter and came to terms how unfulfilled I am at work. After a lot of thought, I will soon be working part time, going to school full time, and still being a wife and mommy. I'm not getting any younger but it is never too late to do what will make you happy. Who cares what everyone else your age is doing? All that matters is you and your family.

[alysonp]

I am 50...yikes. I start the ADN program in August. I will be 52 when I graduate and my plan is to get my BSN after that. I have been working on this for years.

I have 5 children, my youngest is 19. I have actually taken A&P with my oldest child. That was a lot of fun.

I just want to finish before I retire :)

[shelly0821]

GOOD FOR YOU!!!

[D1ana123]

You seriously don't need to be discouraged. Listen to my story!

I got kinda held back in highschool because I moved schools and my new school didn't accept the credits I had from my previous school.

I was supposed to graduate high school in 2009 but ended up stuck in high school till 2011. and by the way I'm the kind of student who cares alot about school. almost a nerd hehe

I complained about this too much. talked to my counselors everyday and no help!!!!

so I found myself a solution; I graduated June 2011 from high school but started going to a community college may 2011 and since then I did not take a break I'm taking classes in Summer I and Summer II to make up for the time I lost. now I'm almost 22 and I just got to apply to a nursing program. if I'm lucky and get to start Fall 2013 when I graduate I will be 25 or 26 :)

Don't compare yourself to other people. And don't try to be like them. Just do whatever makes you happy :)

[Mgaytan175]

I fell old but I am starting first year nursing this fall and I am turning 40 in 10 days. I went to college after high school and talking about being an under achiever all my hs friends are lawyers, doctors, and professionals. In reality going back to school now is much better and I am paying attention and enjoying my classes. Its never too late and enjoy life, don't rush, and from someone who has been around the block--always tell those you care about what they mean to you and that you love them. Life goes so fast and then they are gone. Your young and have a great head on your shoulders just slow down and enjoy life.

[Irish_Mist, BSN, RN]

My thought process is that it is never too late to get an education or pursue your dreams. You are not on anyone else's timetable but your own. If someone has something to say about your age, tell them to suck it. I'm 25 and I'll be finishing my bachelors in December. I started college when I was 20. I just wasn't ready to start right out of high school. I am glad I made the decision to wait. A lot of kids aren't ready and they bomb their classes. I didn't want to waste my time and money if I wasn't ready. I had a co-worker criticize me for not being done yet. But guess what. She doesn't pay my tuition so whatever spectators think or say doesn't count in the least to me. It is up to you to live your life and make decisions accordingly. I will hopefully start an ABSN next May if all goes as planned. I wish you well. Please do not be discouraged. I'd be willing to bet that since you're older, that you're likely much wiser and more mature. Those two ingredients should make for a much better prepared and capable student.

[PeninahYisrael]

I started prereqs at 22.. now @ 23 i still have 3 more to go! Not to mention I had to take 2 classes over! So all together about 1year 1/2 to complete! If being a nurse is your goal go for it! Success is just miles away. We can do it!!!

[carolinapooh, BSN, RN]

I started prereqs at 32. I graduated from an ABSN at age 34.

I WISH I had done this at 24! I'd be up for military retirement in four years!