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Original poster

To be scared of going back into education

49 replies

glittertree · 20/08/2016 07:10

Am I being unreasonable to feel terrified of going to college as a mature student ? I am 44 and have realised if I want to do something that I like I will need to study . It's been 27 yrs since I last went to school and I was never very clever then.
After getting married very young at 19 and having my 4 children I pretty much have dedicated my life to them.Ive had part time work cleaning and shop work but have hated it (I am not saying there is anything wrong with doing these jobs by the way )
Having had my last child and him now at school I decided if I really wanted to do something I should go for it now ! I applied and have been accepted.
The problem is now I am totally terrified I didn't realise I would have to go back and maths and computer skills would be included as well
I am totally stupid with numbers so much so I feel embarrassed think along the lines of I can't even do simple percentages algebra etc.
I'm actually wondering why I think I can do this I will fail miserably and look stupid and ridiculous sitting in a class full of young clever students.
I know I seem negative and I don't mean to be I am just wondering if anyone out there can reassure me or have felt the same as me and managed fine . I am already panicking because induction day is on Monday and someone said they will most likely make me sit a test to see what level I am at which won't be high !!

OP posts:
Applejack29 · 20/08/2016 07:28

I went back to college as a mature student - completely clueless regarding maths and computers and only really comfortable doing the one subject I went in for. It was difficult but I can only advise you to ask for help when you need it, either from other students or the tutor and don't be afraid or ashamed if you struggle. People want to help!

There were a couple of times when I was afraid that I'd fail miserably but last week I got an unconditional offer for my chosen university.

Not only have I made it through but I've also made some lovely friends of all ages.

Go for it! You'll have an amazing time, trust me Grin good luck!

GoblinLittleOwl · 20/08/2016 07:29

Well done you. I think you will be surprised at how much you enjoy your return to education, once you have overcome your apprehension. I returned to studying as a mature student and felt exactly the same when I started. You will be far more focused than the younger students, with all the life skills they have yet to learn, and you will realise that you can learn subjects that once seemed impossible because you have the practical experience. Your children will be able to help you with technology and IT. You won't be afraid to ask staff for help, and having brought up four children successfully, you will have brilliant organisational skills
Don't be daunted and don't give up; I am sure you will enjoy it and do well.

Original poster
glittertree · 20/08/2016 07:31

Applejack29 well done you must feel so proud . What did you study at college and did you feel that help was there if needed ?

OP posts:
TwoKettles · 20/08/2016 07:32

They've accepted you as you are so don't worry ..... You may be surprised and find yourself better than you expect. Maturity is a great leveler and you'll have lots of great life experience and wisdom that the younger ones won't. I say this as someone who studied as a teen with lots of mature students - they had a far easier time than me! Enjoy your new career!

DisgraceToTheYChromosome · 20/08/2016 07:37

You'll be fine. Your college WANTS you to succeed. If you don't know something, ask. Your maths? If you raised 4 DC on a budget, you did maths every minute of the day. Computer skills? These days, that's Word and Excel. I did my law degree with bookkeeping module in them. They give you a template, you fill it in.

As for the bright young things, most of them will treat you as big sister/spare mum.

Good luck and courage.

kelper · 20/08/2016 07:40

I'm going back to college aged 38 to do a course usually associated with teens, I'm fucking terrified and excited at the same time!
I'm debating re-doing my maths GCSE as i got an E 32 odd years ago and I wonder if i can better it.
Go for OP, you'll be fine :)

MaitlandGirl · 20/08/2016 07:46

I've just started at university (I'm 41) and I'm sinking fast!

My older two are also at uni (first years) and despite us all being full time I seem to be working twice as hard as they are :(

I'm determined not to give up but it's taking a lot of hard work and organisation. Trying to juggle household tasks with studying is ridiculous so pretty much everything in the house has fallen on DP.

I'm determined it will get easier though, it has too as I've got another 2.5 years of this!!

Thingsthatmakeugoummmm · 20/08/2016 07:50

Please don't worry. I left school with not one qualification to my name. I had two children by the age of 23. When I hit thirty I realised that I needed some qualifications. I did maths and English GCSE. I really struggled with maths and had to take it twice. The second time I studied maths I had a fab teacher who explained that If I didn't understand then he wasn't teaching properly. I then an access course which is equivalent to A levels.

I then seemed to get study bug and completed BA and Masters Degree! If I can do it anyone can. I work with young people and use my example to help.

Please don't be nervous, the system is so set up to assist adult learners.

The test will just see what support you need

Good luck

Sofabitch · 20/08/2016 07:55

Good luck I'm just about to go into my 3rd year. The maths petrified me at first but I totally got to grips with it in the end.

MaitlandGirl my tutor told me that mature students often find the first year hardest as they are having to learn a lot of new information without the solid background òf study skills from A levels. But he told me the 2nd year would be easier... and he was right. The 1st year filled all my gaps in basic knowledge of the subject (I def had to work 2x as hard as the younger students) but by the second year I'd picked up more skills and was finding it much easier in comparison to many of the younger sister ones that had coasted through 1st year with a 'you only need 40%' attitude.

albertcampionscat · 20/08/2016 07:55

First of all, huge congratulations on deciding to do this. Flowers

You write clearly. So you've got punctuation, grammar, etc... sorted. Even more importantly you can build an argument and assess evidence for it. I'd imagine most teachers would be delighted to have you in the class.

It's possible, I suppose, that despite that you won't be able to make any progress in maths, but it's hugely unlikely. What's far more likely is that once you've got your confidence back you'll do pretty damn well.

Emochild · 20/08/2016 07:55

I went back to studying at 36

I was petrified, worried I wouldn't be able to keep up, that I wouldn't remember how to string a sentence together, worried about what the other students would think of me

Turns out I had nothing to worry about

I do work harder than the younger ones -but I also don't have that last minute panic before assignments are due
I work hard because I want to. This is a total career change for me so I think it means more
I also have to juggle life with studying so my time management is better

Good luck and if you do struggle remember -things are rarely as bad as you think they are, there is plenty of help available from people who want you to succeed -you just need to ask

Noodledoodledoo · 20/08/2016 07:59

Ask for help. If you need to get a tutor to help with your maths - I have tutored lots of adults in your situation. I have a lot of respect for them. I find the biggest problem in adults isn't ability but the fact they left school believing they couldn't do it when they can! Please pm me if you need any help with the maths.

Applejack29 · 20/08/2016 08:04

Glitter thank you! I did an access course on the humanities pathway and will be studying English lit at uni. There is more help than you will ever need at college, the tutors seem to have huge amounts of respect and time for everyone, especially the mature students as they understand how much it takes for you to go in there and do it.

junebirthdaygirl · 20/08/2016 08:10

I think the reason mature students work harder is they have worked harder to get there and they are very conscious not to get left behind. The young ones are often too busy socialising and couldn't care less if they are missing loads.
It's a big step but you will do it. Don't underestimate what maturity brings to the table. I thought you were going to say you couldn't add but algebra and stuff is difficult so regular enough for people to struggle with it. Your dc will help you and you're a great role model for them. Go for it!

RubbleBubble00 · 20/08/2016 08:17

Do it, my mil was exactly the same position. She started off small and got her confidence with English and maths courses then took loads of admin courses. She got an office job and has worked her way to office manager by time she was turning 50.

JeepersMcoy · 20/08/2016 08:18

I've got an MA and struggle with percentages and algebra. Blush

You will be fine. In my experience tutors love mature students because they turn up on time, work really hard and generally do better than the younger students.

RubbleBubble00 · 20/08/2016 08:20

I did Clait course college that really helped me with my computer knowledge

BobbinThreadbare123 · 20/08/2016 08:39

My mum did the same, in her mid forties. She got a CLAIT in the library, then sat a GCSE maths equivalence, then she got a counselling course under her belt and applied to uni. She has a first class degree. I couldn't be more proud. She worked very hard and has caught the studying bug!

Just5minswithDacre · 20/08/2016 08:46

I applied and have been accepted.
The problem is now I am totally terrified I didn't realise I would have to go back and maths and computer skills would be included as well
I am totally stupid with numbers so much so I feel embarrassed think along the lines of I can't even do simple percentages algebra etc.
I'm actually wondering why I think I can do this I will fail miserably and look stupid and ridiculous sitting in a class full of young clever students.
I know I seem negative and I don't mean to be I am just wondering if anyone out there can reassure me or have felt the same as me and managed fine

These universities who insist on giving precious places to thickos, eh? Grin

Clue: they don't Wink

Can you tell us the subject and we can probably give more specific reassurance about maths content etc.

Congratulations BTW! Smile

NapoleonsNose · 20/08/2016 08:48

You will be fine OP. I did an Access course in my late 30s and initially it was a very steep upward learning curve. But four years later I graduated with a first in a subject I'd loved at school but had got an E at A-level for. Best thing I ever did for myself and I really miss studying now. Thinking about an MA in the next couple of years to fill the gap.

Good luck - you'll love it!

Original poster
glittertree · 20/08/2016 08:53

Hi Just5minswithDacre, I am not clever enough for University it's college I am off to.
I'm doing Child, health and social care I am so nervous that I have been awake since 5am stressing and worrying hence the post on mums net . I know I sound silly I just can't help it.

OP posts:
Just5minswithDacre · 20/08/2016 09:02

Stop saying you're not clever!

A tutor obviously thinks you're up to it.

Is it a BTEC?

My UG degree was social science (so similar ground to health and social care in lots of ways). There'll probably be a bit a statistics and some quantitative techniques (so not complex maths) and they will be expecting students to vary in their maths confidence and background.

MonkeyAndHisHerdwick · 20/08/2016 09:03

I went back into education at 43. I did an Access course first because I wanted to go to university.
Before I started it I was dreading the maths and IT. It was tough at first but the teaching standard was excellent, everyone on the course was highly motivated and there was lots of support offered by the college. It turned out to be the best year of my life.
I was offered a place at a good uni but in the end realised it wasn't right for me at that time.
I have absolutely no regrets about going back into education, it was great.
You'll be fine OP, enjoy it!

Original poster
glittertree · 20/08/2016 09:19

It's a course that is set at intermediate 5 , I know it's not like I am sitting a degree and honestly I am not being a drama queen I just know I am not intelligent like other people and things take a long time to sink in. Also all those years away from education have totally stripped my confidence not that I ever was.

OP posts:
Just5minswithDacre · 20/08/2016 09:40

You won't be the only one there who's been a SAHM.

Intelligence isn't just one solid 'skill' anyway - it's made up of lots of sub-skills and vocational courses aren't taught like you were taught at school. The theory of how to teach has moved on a lot from pointing at blackboards and talking a lot. Honestly, it will be much better than you think.

What are you hoping to do with it afterwards?

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