Uni myths debunked: mature age students

If you ™re considering returning to study, it ™s likely that you have a few worries or reservations. Heading back to the classroom can be stressful ” but it ™s not as scary as some make it out to be! Here are some of the most common myths surrounding mature age study.

I won ™t be able to get in

While school leavers apply to courses using their Year 12 results, non-school leavers are able to gain admission based on work and life experience. Even if you didn ™t finish high school, it is still possible to enter tertiary study. If you ™re concerned about meeting entry requirements, you can always pursue a pathway program ” a foundation course or VET qualification, for instance.

I will be surrounded by teenagers

Many mature age students worry about being surrounded by fresh-faced school leavers, but university classes are made up of students of all ages and backgrounds. In fact, around half of undergraduates are non-school leavers, commencing study as a mature age student or through a pathway program.

I will have to quit my job

If you ™re looking at ways to fit study into your busy work schedule, you ™ll be happy to know that there is a number of flexible options available. You may choose to study part time or pursue a qualification online. Some universities also offer intensive summer semesters or may run classes at night to cater to those in the workforce. See Flexible study options and Online and distance education for more information.

I won ™t be able to keep up

The idea of heading back to study after a long break can be intimidating, and it is natural to worry about being ˜out of practice ™. University is a big transition for many students ” not just mature age entrants. Even students commencing fresh from high school may struggle with new teaching styles and a greater level of independence. Your work and life skills will often compensate for a lack of recent study experience, and you may find that you are more motivated than students continuing straight from high school, who can often feel burnt out.

I struggled at school, therefore I will struggle at university

If you didn ™t enjoy high school or found it difficult, you may be quick to dismiss tertiary study. You should know, however, that university offers a completely different learning environment to secondary school. Many students find that they thrive when given the opportunity to pursue study in an area of interest, regardless of their results in high school. If it ™s been a long time since you last studied, you may be surprised how your skills have developed since then ” work and life experience can be very valuable for university assessments.