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[JettDash]

I'm taking community college classes to get an associates in computer science. They start next week. My plan is to transfer that to a university to get a bachelor's in computer science.

Last time I've been to college, I was 18-20, never finished because I liked to party way too much.

Classes are online BTW. I think it will be easier for me to me that way.

Anyone have a similar experience and have advice?

Thanks.

 

[Farsi]

I'm on the same boat as you, would love some advice too.

 

[WinterIsComing]

Since the classes are online, my best advice goes down the drain. It would be not to bang underaged girls.

 

[Mango Positive]

I finally graduated at 35. I was on the 2 courses per semester program and it took forever, but I had to work full-time. My experience was that I never had any friends from my college and I had to do all the work in those group projects they love to hand out to show you how it absolutely does not work in the real world. Also, my professors seemed to like me.

 

[Tony Redgrave]

Sorry, dunno about online lectures (if there are any) but for your Bachelor's I recommend that you don't skip classes, especially if you are studying sciences, you can technically still pass but it makes life ten times easier.

Sorry that's all the advice I can give you, I'm sure someone who has studied something similar to you can give better advice.

 

[CS_Dan]

Learn memes and fidget spinner tricks

 

[Greedings]

Study. That's like the only advice you need.

 

[Napoleonthechimp]

It's online. So... study, work hard. Don't do what I do as a self-employed individual that works from home, which is to get easily distracted by neogaf when I should be working.

 

[capitalCORN]

I basically got my chance at post secondary at 30. The best advice is that it doesn't matter how hard it gets, even with a creaky mind, it's doable. No one designs the curriculim to make it impossible, it's a matter of applying yourself.

 

[Assanova]

Save money and skip as much of it as you can. I went back to school at a late age and tested out of as many classes as possible. Some schools will also give you credit for work experience too. Also, if you just want a career change and don't really care about the degree, try to get an internship in the field as soon as possible and leverage the experience into a real job. You might be able to save a huge amount of money that way. A lot of those computer science jobs will look past the degree requirements if you have experience and/or certifications because they are desperate for talent.

 

[JettDash]

Save money and skip as much of it as you can. I went back to school at a late age and tested out of as many classes as possible. Some schools will also give you credit for work experience too. Also, if you just want a career change and don't really care about the degree, try to get an internship in the field as soon as possible and leverage the experience into a real job. You might be able to save a huge amount of money that way. A lot of those computer science jobs will look past the degree requirements if you have experience and/or certifications because they are desperate for talent.

Didn't even think of testing out of classes. Thanks!

I think there are some that I could. I will look into it.

 

[AppleSeason]

Same Boat here. I'm looking at what Community College exactly is and it seems to be ISCED 5, same level as the 2 years formation I did years ago (Things are a bit more confusing in Europe, it seems)


I want to start college now at a similar age to yours. IT would also be online / sellf teaching with the National Long Distance University. While it costs the same as a Public University and I can afford the money now, what worries me is the time investment. They have told me that it is much harder than actually assisting to classes and the material can be so messy that without a teacher to ask or explain properly you may lose your head trying to understand somethings, and the truth is that I am working full time with not exactly a great schedule.


The other problem is... after so many years I have completely lost the habit. I'm trying to regain a student mindset by studying on my own (I need to recycle myself in Software Development for a new project at the company), so I hope this will tell if I have what it takes to be a student again.

 

[JettDash]

Same Boat here. I'm looking at what Community College exactly is and it seems to be ISCED 5, same level as the 2 years formation I did years ago (Things are a bit more confusing in Europe, it seems)


I want to start college now at a similar age to yours. IT would also be online / sellf teaching with the National Long Distance University. While it costs the same as a Public University and I can afford the money now, what worries me is the time investment. They have told me that it is much harder than actually assisting to classes and the material can be so messy that without a teacher to ask or explain properly you may lose your head trying to understand somethings, and the truth is that I am working full time with not exactly a great schedule.


The other problem is... after so many years I have completely lost the habit. I'm trying to regain a student mindset by studying on my own (I need to recycle myself in Software Development for a new project at the company), so I hope this will tell if I have what it takes to be a student again.

I guess one of my problems was that high school was so easy for me that I never really got in the habit. That's why I didn't finish college when I first went. Hopefully I will be able to change it.

 

[Big Baybee]

Went back to school summer '16 at age 31. It has been a breeze. My classes aren't online, so I don't really have much advice to offer there. I thought I'd be a grandpa, but there have been plenty of classmates my age and older. It also seems like teachers enjoy having older students. Nothing negative so far.

 

[AppleSeason]

I guess one of my problems was that high school was so easy for me that I never really got in the habit. That's why I didn't finish college when I first went. Hopefully I will be able to change it.

I sucked so much at High School and the 2 years that followed that I thought I was retarded or had a super low IQ and tried to accept I would never achieve more. Then a shrink tells me that I have ADHD, puts me on therapy and drugs and suddenly it's like everything is easy and I have to make up for all those lost years and the inferiority complex I got every time that at my old job they thought I had finished college and asked for what my degree was (I did a lot of additional learning over the years, but nothing official).

 

[JettDash]

I sucked so much at High School and the 2 years that followed that I thought I was retarded or had a super low IQ and tried to accept I would never achieve more. Then a shrink tells me that I have ADHD, puts me on therapy and drugs and suddenly it's like everything is easy and I have to make up for all those lost years and the inferiority complex I got every time that at my old job they thought I had finished college and asked for what my degree was (I did a lot of additional learning over the years, but nothing official).

I have a prescription for Adderall. I don't know if I really need it, I just kinda like it. Maybe it will actually serve to be useful.

 

[Apathy]

Watch "Homer goes to college" and imatoot him exarktly.

 

[Laughing Banana]

I'm 33 years old now, and to be frank I feel like I'm too old to reenroll to a college class or something similar. Probably because where I live online courses are not really viable yet and thus I become a bit more self conscious especially when I think about the younger ages of my potential classmates.

Hmmm

 

[Kill Your Masters]

Went back with 28, similar situation, also CS, about to finish next semester. Best decision I have made. Wasn't even the only person below 28, met great people and made nice connections that even have opened good job opportunities already.

 

[JettDash]

I'm 33 years old now, and to be frank I feel like I'm too old to reenroll to a college class or something similar. Probably because where I live online courses are not really viable yet and thus I become a bit more self conscious especially when I think about the younger ages of my potential classmates.

I don't know about where you live, but where I am lots of older people take community college classes. I'm just doing it online because I think that it will be easier for me that way.

And even if you would be the oldest person there, you shouldn't let that get in the way of furthering your education.

 

[Laughing Banana]

I don't know about where you live, but where I am lots of older people take community college classes. I'm just doing it online because I think that it will be easier for me that way.

And even if you would be the oldest person there, you shouldn't let that get in the way of furthering your education.

Yeah, I'm thinking of learning web designs/programming. Probably too late with how old I am right now tho, haha.

 

[JettDash]

Yeah, I'm thinking of learning web designs/programming. Probably too late with how old I am right now tho, haha.

Never too late. And 33 isn't that old.

I strongly encourage you to do it if that's what you want.

 

[Poeton]

Congrats on taking the plunge. I'm going to assume eventually you'll find yourself in a physical classroom.

Don't be afraid to be the adult in the room, your professors will appreciate it

Keep your phone away during class

Even the classes you take to check mark a box. Those classes still matter, give 100%

Do not avoid the thing you suck at, lean into it and get good.

Make friends, who cares if they are younger than you

Ask for help

It took me 7 years to complete my bachelors, It's the journey not the destination

 

[NeoGold123]

Sadly I don't have any advice because I'm in a similar situation, but I'm so glad the thread was made. I go back next week at 29 and I've been kindof stressing about it. You're not alone, OP!

 

[friskykillface]

Read, study , repeat
I'd say about 50% of my classes during my final year had no one reading the book since people were clueless in discussions
Just read and you'll go "wow it makes sense"

Good luck OP and everyone going back to school

I remember taking 11 courses in two semesters and a winter season to graduate, the previous 6 years I only took 1-2 courses a semester

 

[Savitar]

Consume the hearts of those weaker than you and gather their power.

 

[Praetorpwj]

I did a second degree at 28 for 4 years to change careers. Prepare for your peers to consider you very old.

I really enjoyed it and if it is of comfort my career has been very strong since and I am ahead of many who started from 21.

Best of luck

 

[Fluffernutter Pancake]

Leave the Trapper Keeper at home.

New Kids on the Block is no longer cool.

Capri Sun is bad for you despite still looking awesome.

 

[AppleSeason]

I have a prescription for Adderall. I don't know if I really need it, I just kinda like it. Maybe it will actually serve to be useful.

When I began with testing automation and java development, I had to deal with procrastination, falling asleep during lecture, daydreaming non stop and stopping all the time when I did not like a topic. Except for procrastrination, Concerta is one hell of a remedy. Just that if I take it on a non working day... Shit can get weird.

 

[stenbumling]

If the courses are online, you better plan it way beforehand. You will need discipline, because it's incredibly easy to push something off for the next day. This is obvious of course, but it will still happen if you're not aware of how your mind will use every means to justify and twist everything so it can escape from working. Do the work as early as possible. I don't mean you have to go 16 hours a day until it's finished, but don't cram it all on the last day either.

 

[JettDash]

If the courses are online, you better plan it way beforehand. You will need discipline, because it's incredibly easy to push something off for the next day. This is obvious of course, but it will still happen if you're not aware of how your mind will use every means to justify and twist everything so it can escape from working. Do the work as early as possible. I don't mean you have to go 16 hours a day until it's finished, but don't cram it all on the last day either.

You have a point.

But I think it will be easier for me to do it online that force myself to drive across town everyday. I guess I'll see.

 

[Bandini]

"Don't fuck it up." - RuPaul

 

[Angelus Errare]

You're not going to be an outcast, chances are high you'll still be one of the younger guys in your classes. There are going to be plenty of folks in their 30s, 40s, 50s, in your classes

As for advice on the online part, if you're good at self studying you'll do fine, if you're not...it might be a struggle. Make sure you set aside a block of time EVERY night to do your work. It can build up very fast if you don't.

 

[Fluffernutter Pancake]

Everything you need to know to prepare can be found in Billy Madison.

 

[Kill Your Masters]

You're not going to be an outcast, chances are high you'll still be one of the younger guys in your classes. There are going to be plenty of folks in their 30s, 40s, 50s, in your classes

As for advice on the online part, if you're good at self studying you'll do fine, if you're not...it might be a struggle. Make sure you set aside a block of time EVERY night to do your work. It can build up very fast if you don't.

Also this.

Especially in CS, group work is so important. I would have never made some classes without group studies.

- some topics you may have a hard time figuring out alone and it's good to learn in groups where people can explain it to you

- this is also true for the opposite, some topics you may find easier and can explain to others. Explaining it to others will also help you tremendously to have an even better understanding of the given problem/task/class.

- good teamwork is essential in most CS related professions

 

[Machine]

I went back to school for a JD when I was 39 and it was fine. I had outgrown my partying days and took things seriously. My GPA ended up being a lot higher than my undergrad GPA. Online classes might be a little tougher so make sure to stay focused and avoid distractions. The toughest thing for me was that when I was an underground, laptops weren't a thing yet so we all took lecture notes on paper. Sitting in a lecture hall with your laptop and open wifi makes it tempting to screw around during class and it takes some discipline to stay on task.

 

[8bit]

 

[Shao Kahn on the Lawn]

Watch your course schedule like a hawk. I've had online classes that were "subject to change" and ran face-first into tests that were shifted up a week without any notification other than a change to the calendar.

Seriously, check the course calendar every day.

 

[shira]

Classes are online BTW. I think it will be easier for me to me that way.

Don't be the person that downloads all their classes the night before the exam.

 

[Chaos2Frozen]

"How do you do, fellow kids!"

(^about the same situation, I'm 29)

 

[JettDash]

Does anyone know how tests for online classes work?

I mean the online part suggest they will be online, but at the same time that seems like it would make it super easy to cheat. So I dunno. I guess I should have asked the adviser but I didn't.

 

[capitalCORN]

Does anyone know how tests for online classes work?

I mean the online part suggest they will be online, but at the same time that seems like it would make it super easy to cheat. So I dunno. I guess I should have asked the adviser but I didn't.

My sister's master involved some online testing. It involved camcorders.

Edit: Sorry, grew up in the 90s. meant webcam.

 

[Mephala]

Expect your collegues to be on different level than you. Some will be better, some will be worse. Some will be more committed and some simply don't care.

I found doing some daily basic maths exercises helped settle me into the problem solving/algorithms routine not sure how relevant this is to you. I hadn't really kept up on my maths out of high school outside of calculating some change at the shops so when handed some more complex logic stuff it took me a while to shift into the right gear. It wasn't that I couldn't follow in class but it was that I had to pay extra attention or I'd slip and then I'll be back peddling to try and work shit out myself.

Some more general advice would probably still apply such as to study and understand the course requirements.

 

[compo]

If you're doing computer science, then brush up on your math. You don't really need too much math for programming after graduation, but most computer science degrees require a few math classes. I had to take calc 1, calc 2, discrete math, linear algebra, and probability.

Also, if you're not good at math, then don't drop out of computer science because of the math. Get as much tutoring as you can and just get a D just get a C in those classes, because again, you don't really need too much math on the job, and it would be a shame to drop out of the major because of math.

 

[Mesousa]

If you're doing computer science, then brush up on your math. You don't really need too much math for programming after graduation, but most computer science degrees require a few math classes. I had to take calc 1, calc 2, discrete math, linear algebra, and probability.

Also, if you're not good at math, then don't drop out of computer science because of the math. Get as much tutoring as you can and just get a D in those classes, because again, you don't really need too much math on the job, and it would be a shame to drop out of the major because of math.

If its a required prerequisite for another math/CS class then the grade will have to be C or higher in America/Canada.

 

[compo]

If its a required prerequisite for another math/CS class then the grade will have to be C or higher in America/Canada.

Ah yeah, that's true. I forgot about that. Getting a C is still doable with enough help if you're not good at math, though.

 

[Carnby]

I'm taking community college classes to get an associates in computer science. They start next week. My plan is to transfer that to a university to get a bachelor's in computer science.

Last time I've been to college, I was 18-20, never finished because I liked to party way too much.

Classes are online BTW. I think it will be easier for me to me that way.

Anyone have a similar experience and have advice?

Thanks.

I was in the same exact position about 5 years ago. Same major even.

I went back to school to change careers. So I didn't wait until I graduated to get a job in my new field. By my second semester, I found a paid internship. By my third semester, I was contracted to work a help desk position at an enterprise. By my fourth semester, I was hired by that company. And before graduating, I earned my first certification, a CCNA.

My advice is to not wait until you graduate to break into your new field. I already had set myself apart from my peers by obtaining 1 year of professional experience, before graduating with my associates. As a result, my career accelerated.

Also, depending what you are specializing in, I don't think a bachelors is necessary. Many of the IT specializations are more of a trade, and four year degrees are not necessary.

Good luck!

 

[JettDash]

If you're doing computer science, then brush up on your math. You don't really need too much math for programming after graduation, but most computer science degrees require a few math classes. I had to take calc 1, calc 2, discrete math, linear algebra, and probability.

Also, if you're not good at math, then don't drop out of computer science because of the math. Get as much tutoring as you can and just get a D in those classes, because again, you don't really need too much math on the job, and it would be a shame to drop out of the major because of math.

I had to take a math placement exam. I didn't even realize how much I had forgot. Anyway, I didn't score low enough that I will have to take a remedial class or whatever, but I will have to take College Math (142) which doesn't count to the degree except for as an elective.

I was in the same exact position about 5 years ago. Same major even.

I went back to school to change careers. So I didn't wait until I graduated to get a job in my new field. By my second semester, I found a paid internship. By my third semester, I was contracted to work a help desk position at an enterprise. By my fourth semester, I was hired by that company. And before graduating, I earned my first certification, a CCNA.

My advice is to not wait until you graduate to break into your new field. I already had set myself apart from my peers by obtaining 1 year of professional experience, before graduating with my associates. As a result, my career accelerated.

Also, depending what you are specializing in, I don't think a bachelors is necessary. Many of the IT specializations are more of a trade, and four year degrees are not necessary.

Good luck!

Thanks, bro.

 

[Finale Fireworker]

This is some advice from a bit of a sideways perspective, but maybe it will be helpful to you.

Since most community college degrees are two-year programs, almost everybody is new all the time. They're either fresh in the door or just finally getting the hang of it before they transfer. So everybody there is always a little nervous because most of them are going to a new school and feel out of place and aren't sure what everybody thinks of them.

So, in this respect, it doesn't matter whether you're 18 or 31 or 65, everybody is equally trying out a new place without any of their old friends to make them feel normal.

This kind of environment is extremely hospitable to asking questions, learning by doing, and connecting with people. Nobody is a hot-shot. There is no student hierarchy. Professors are always on the lookout for people who need help and you shouldn't ever be afraid to ask for it.


When I was in school, older students were really self-conscious about being older students. They were used to already knowing things, already having answers, and didn't want to look dumb in front of everyone else for asking questions. When they ran late for class, they wouldn't want to show up. When they didn't understand the material, they just kept their head down. New-student jitters are multiplied when you're also afraid everybody thinks you're a loser for being twice their age.

But they don't. So if you start feeling that way, you shouldn't. There is no "normal" college student and fresh-faced eighteen year olds are just as insecure as people returning to school for a second career.

Lots of older students would stop coming to class, or switch classes arbitrarily, or never talk the whole time because they put up walls to maintain an "adult" image when they felt uncomfortable. I don't know if this will happen to you, and if it doesn't, none of this is helpful to you. But I know there were lots of people at my community college who could have used somebody telling them all students are the same and they're no different from anybody else. So that's my tip.



But now that I think about it, if your classes are all online, nobody is going to know anything about you. So... I guess this isn't helpful advice right now.

 

[karmaforgotme]

I went into the Marines out of high school, so I didn't go to college at all until I was 28. My advice? First go to a community college for the first year (I guess like you are), and ensure all your credits will transfer to the 4 year school of your choice. I did 3 semesters (counting summer) before transferring. It helped a lot. I would advise to get some classes at the school if possible. It helps to get back in a classroom environment, and get use to it before going to the 4 year school (is that going to be online too?). If you don't like a teacher drop the class before the drop date. Don't rush, and take too many credits in a semester. Since I had GI $ I was able to work part time, and go to school full time. I made the mistake of taking like 19 credits in one semester. I ended up dropping a class. If you try full time stay around 12 to 15/16 credits at the most. Do you have young kids? If so see if your college has a daycare ran by students. The school I went to had a daycare super cheap (like $2 an hour or something). Also it was nice seeing my kids in between classes. Make friends with people who have the same major as you. Finally treat school as a job, and do it well. I was pretty much a C student in high schoo, because I didn't apply myself. In college I ended up right under a 3.5. I had a part time job, a wife, 3 kids, and ended up with 140 hours (I changed majors). All I did was apply myself. To be honest I didn't even apply myself that hard (I could of done better). I just treated it as a job, and didn't fuck around like I did in high school.

Edit: Take all the core classes you can at the start. You may end up changing majors. It is nice if you are not using C++ for an elective class (I ended doing that). That said I know that can't be avoided because of prerequisites.

Edit2: Most of what I talked about doesn't apply to online. I started at my community college in August 2000, transferred to 4 year school in August 2001, and graduated in May 2004. So online wasn't a big thing then. I did take some video classes, and they ended up being a joke.