Post-secondary institutions in Ontario have different definitions of “mature students.” To Ontario colleges, mature students are over 19 and have not earned a high school diploma. Universities, on the other hand, typically require one to have never attended university and have left high school at least one or two years ago to be admitted as a mature student (check with your future university for their rules).
In either case, many mature students start their new educational journey with doubt and worry that they’ve made a big mistake. Many never even attempt it – balking at ever setting foot in a classroom again – out of fear. Those who do take that step may feel awkward and out of place, as if they’re starting back at square one, but unlike students just coming out of high school, mature students’ previous work and life experiences give them a head start in many ways. If you’re wondering about entering post-secondary as a mature student, consider these benefits:
Experience
Your life experience will give you a greater perspective on the topics you’ll learn about and discuss. There may be times when you feel lost during lectures or lacking in some skills that your younger classmates have already mastered, but there will be many more times when you have valuable insights that come from a much deeper understanding of ideas and information than younger students do. Your work and life skills may transfer to your new learning in surprising ways.
Communication
You’re more likely to develop rapport with your professors and build relationships within the institution, as you begin to see them more as peers than authority figures. As a mature student, you likely have better communication skills than younger students, and will find this extremely helpful in improving your understanding and getting what you need. Your self-confidence may be low when you first arrive in your new surroundings, but you will soon feel much more comfortable and capable of contributing to discussions, asking questions, working through problems and getting help when needed.
Motivation
You’re probably more organized with your time and better able to prioritize and focus your efforts than the young students who are on their own for the first time. Mature students are more likely to be motivated to do well and determined to succeed, because you have a better idea of what you want from life – the improvements you want to make and how to get there. And when you’re facing difficulties, you know that there are plenty of very helpful academic and personal services available to you through your educational institution.
Potential for advanced standing
Your prior training and experience may enable you to earn academic credits toward advanced standing in your new post-secondary program. Mature students’ previous learning on-the-job or in other educational institutions can be assessed by their new school to determine whether it qualifies to shorten your studies. Ask your school about Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR) to find out if your existing knowledge or skills might be recognized in this way.
Heading into a post-secondary program as a mature student is a significant step for many, particularly those who have families, jobs, and other responsibilities to consider. Those with previous work and life experiences, however, tend to find significant advantages in their post-secondary education… once they get past those “first day of school” jitters.