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! :)

[thecareerchanger, BSN]

OP you get your first degree at 22 sounds good to me! I was 23 when I got my degree now I am thinking of changing careers to nursing and will take first pre req in the spring at 32 years old. If all goes planned and I make the switch to nursing, I will about 36 when I am done. I wish I changed gears (or just went straight into the field) a little bit earlier but it is what it is. Don't compare your progress to others. as someone said ppl do things at their own pace.

[zoe92]

Nope you are not old! I am the youngest one in my A & P class (I'm 20). Most people are early 30s & either switching careers or doing college for the first time.

[mhz1973]

I'm 39. Started my prereqs 2 years ago & just finished my last ones this semester: Microbiology (93.1%), lab (92%), & Stats (95%). Staying in school for Spring semester & taking College Algebra and Elementary Spanish while waiting for the next admissions application date (March 1st).

Not discouraged at all. Have a 3.85 GPA now, and the process has made me older & wiser, literally & figuratively! LOL!

[sgo1989]

They may be graduating, but a degree doesn't always equal a career. If they have a bachelor's degree in, say, art...well, did they really accomplish anything? I'm 23 and will be starting the nursing program in January. I switched majors a few times and took different classes to make sure I was 100% sure before I settled into a field, I became a CNA and I can confidently say I want to be a RN and that I will be able to find a job once I finish school. It may have taken me a few years longer, but I know in the long run I will be better off! Don't compare yourself to others, circumstances are different for everyone.

[violetgirl]

Don't worry about the time frame... At least this is what I tell myself everyday! HA!

I am 46 years old now, oh well...

Oh, life may throw you a few curve balls along the way, just keep focused and you will be just fine no matter what your age is and when

you get that degree!!!

It will happen!!!

Blessings~

[Michaela, RN]

I didn't start pre reqs until I was 22. I had a baby and wanted to wait until she was a little older, because I was a single mom. I am now 25 and will be starting my 2nd semester of a BSN program in January. I will turn 27 a couple week prior to graduation. Although, it's not my ideal situation, I am just grateful to have the opportunity! You still have plenty of time! Good luck to you.

[Racer15, BSN, RN]

I did everything on track. College right out of high school, had my bachelors degree by 23...not in nursing. I am 28 and just graduated with my ADN. Just because people graduate on track at 22 does not mean that they will stay in that field. My psych professor in college dropped out of school in his early 20's because he was a terrible student and wasn't going to graduate, was a truck driver for years. Didn't finish his PhD till he was in his late 30's!

[Nrsasrus, ASN, RN]

I'll be 32 when I get my ADN this coming spring and probably 35 or 36 when I get my BSN. Go for it, you will still be one of the young ones!

[Graduation2016]

I'll be 44 when I'm done with my BSN too!!! Also started a bit later in life but since I still have 25 to 30 years of working ahead might as well do something I feel passionate about.

[ER(notso)n00b, ASN, RN]

I'm 35 and going into my 3rd semester as an ADN student. The average age in my class seems to be around 30-35. I started my pre-reqs when I was 26, took several years off to have kids, and am way more motivated now than I have ever been. I think that having some life experience helps immensely in nursing.

[EJ_81]

Thank you for asking this question! I'm 31 and the ONLY one of all my friends who doesn't have any type of degree. I started school full time at age 29 (I had taken classes here and there with no real goal in mind) and this is the closest I've ever been in earning my bsn. That last sentence still intimidates me but I at this point I'm a better student than I ever was in h.s.

This thread has really helped me in my anxiety about my age while in school!

Elle

[rach128]

I'm 30 and just now taking pre-reqs. I actually have a BA and have taken grad courses, but then my husband was in the military and my life got thrown all off course as I moved around the country. I've finally committed to this program of study and am hoping to be accepted to a program in the fall.

In other words, you're not behind at all! Everyone follows their own path. :)