A “mature student” is usually applicants who are over 19 years old and do not have a high school diploma or GED. Adults can apply to attend colleges or universities as mature students.
What does it mean if you are a mature student?
Typically, this will mean students who are over 21 years of age at the beginning of their undergraduate studies, or over 25 years of age at the beginning of their postgraduate studies. Over half of mature students are aged between 21 and 24, and around 40% are over 30.
What are the benefits of being a mature student?
The advantages of being a mature student
- You have a career plan.
- You make decisions for yourself.
- There are more flexible entry requirements.
- Studying is an exciting new adventure.
- You can use your life experience in the classroom.
- Employers like mature students.
- You’re not alone.
What are the disadvantages of being a mature student?
Key disadvantages of being a mature student included a perceived lack of academic preparedness due to gaps in study or non-traditional routes (e.g. Access courses), as well as a lack of social integration as a consequence of feeling different from their peers.
Is it easier to get into uni as a mature student?
Many universities have more flexible entry requirements when it comes to mature applicants, especially ones who didn’t study formal modern qualifications such as A-Levels or BTECs. They’ll consider older qualifications like O-Levels or alternative qualifications like Open University credits or NVQ qualifications.
Do mature students get better grades?
full-time mature students are also significantly less likely to achieve a first or 2.1 – 75.6 per cent mature students achieve these grades compared to 85.2 per cent of young students.
Do universities like mature students?
Universities really welcome mature students because they want a range of people and experiences available to draw on during the postgraduate course. This means that you will be welcome to apply for most postgraduate courses no matter what your age or plans after the course.
Do mature students have to pay fees?
Fees for mature students
However, you will have to pay the student contribution unless you also qualify for the student grant. If you are getting a social welfare payment, you should find out if you qualify for the Back to Education Allowance.
How do mature students survive?
Mature Students’ Survival Tips
- You deserve your place. A crisis of confidence is quite normal for students of any age.
- Get organised.
- Find others like you.
- Meet your tutor.
- Prepare with an Access course.
How old is a mature student?
21 or over
What is a mature student? Students are considered mature if they are aged 21 or over on entry to their course. This language can often be confusing as it makes mature students sound like something unusual – believe us, they’re not.
What challenges do mature students face?
What are the main challenges faced by adult learners?
- A lack of time. Balancing work and family commitments whilst maintaining some sort of social life is tricky enough as it is.
- Financial barriers. Money is a huge factor when it comes to adult learning.
- Mindset.
- Flexibility.
- Value for money.
- Supportive community.
Who counts as mature student?
aged 21 or over
Mature students are defined as any student aged 21 or over at the start of their studies. Just over a half are aged between 21 and 24, 38 per cent between 25 and 39, and 10 per cent are over 40 when they commence their courses.
How do you deal with mature students?
Mature students need to accept that they will have to re-learn how to study; and that it may take some time and a lot of effort. Be patient with yourself and remember that your increased life experience and maturity give you advantages over new school leavers in other aspects of your studies.
What is the perfect age for university?
College at 18 works well as an introduction to higher learning and adult life, whereas college in the 20’s and 30’s generally helps students with building career focus.
What age do most people finish university?
21
Typically you leave school or college at 18 and start and finish university at 21. There are exceptions to this, such as if you were to take a gap year or work in industry for a year. Also, your course will determine how long you are at university.
Do mature students need points?
The admission requirement is somewhat relaxed for the mature student. Once you meet the minimum requirement, you don’t have to necessarily meet a cut-off point. An entrance exam is often considered in place of other subject-specific requirements.
What year grades matter the most?
While all the years of high school are important, junior year is definitely one that stands out for many reasons, and for college-bound teens, it may be the most important year of their high school career.
Is it better to be youngest or oldest in class?
A study finds that being the youngest student in class can lead to educational and emotional problems for children. Experts note that young students can also suffer socially. Examining many factors can help parents determine if a child is truly ready to begin formal instruction.
Why do mature students drop out of university?
Mature students who drop out of their studies report financial hardship as one of the main reasons for not completing their courses. With this in mind, it is worth spending some time planning your finances for the duration of your study, so you know what to expect when you start.
Is 25 too old for university?
Starting college at 25 or beyond may feel daunting, but it’s worth your while when the result is accomplishing your goals and pursuing a more fulfilling career. Adult learners can have challenges to overcome, but don’t let that hold you back from pursuing an education!
Does Harvard accept mature students?
Yes. I was there with people in their 30s and 40s. They just lived off campus. My class, the Class of 1980, had – and I think still has – the distinction of having the oldest freshman ever to matriculate at Harvard.