Is there such a thing as 'too late'?
Hello everyone,
I am from England and I completed my A-Levels last year. Unfortunately due to Visa restrictions I was unable to get a loan to go to University this year so now I'll probably go to University aged 20 or 21 - most likely 21.
I will be taking a degree in Mathematics or Economics. I don't want to waste the next 2-3 years doing nothing so I have chosen to self teach Mathematics (Basic Degree Level) and Programming. What else can I do to enhance my degree and IB application?
I hope those things will help me secure a place at a top Uni as my A-Level grades for Maths already are fantastic.
Starting Uni at 21 means I will graduate at 24, almost turning 25. Would you say this is too late? Would I feel comfortable having people younger than me being my seniors? Is it a barrier to entry, if at all?
I look forward to hearing from you :)
I can't speak to how much (if at all) it may hinder your career, but I can recommend that you do something meaningful (to you) during the time off you'll have. You can self-teach anything at almost any time, so do something that will provide you with valuable experiences. If you can join some sort of volunteer initiative (not sure if the Peace Corps operates internationally or has an equivalent; also consider UN volunteer groups, things like that), it would be a great learning experience and a great way to travel.
I highly recommend traveling during the next few years and doing something that you can put on your resume during that time as well. Another suggestion: you have a perhaps once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn a language or languages. Make great use of this opportunity.
You'll quickly get bored and lose sight of what you're doing if you don't have an occupation to keep you busy. I recommend you find something to do such as taking up the travel or volunteering idea or even working someplace that gives you a role with responsibilities (don't work at a fast food restaurant, do work at a small business that needs a do-everything guy). Then, wherever it is you wind up, use the money you earn to fund your learning.
This is a great opportunity to go "teach English in China", btw.
Plenty of people start university a little late, for various reasons - maybe a move from another country causing a kid to have to drop a couple of grade levels, or time spent working before college.
Why should anyone hold it against you?
Thanks for the posts guys and sorry for the late reply! I lost access to my Google Account and thus couldn't access WSO :(
Hey Kassad,
Well, I have been successfully tutoring. I have a couple of kids who are 6 years ahead in Mathematics at school! I have also been learning a couple of languages (French, Spanish, Chinese) I am already proficient in English and Hindi.
What kind of work experience do you guys recommend, I am in the UK. I think I'll definitely volunteer for a while, thank you for that suggestion :)
Well Angus,
I understand you but it's just that I feel like I am being left behind after having been ahead for so long - academically anyway. This makes me sad. Do you see a lot of 24 year olds then? Analysts that is as I guess most that age would be associates by that age.
I really appreciate your replies, thank you :)
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