<p>I am returning to college after a 20 plus year hiatus and I am looking into Stanford. My question is, does Stanford offer any type admission programs geared toward "older" students?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>there is no particular admission programs for older students
they have very expensive educational development programs (basically you take classes without a degree)
i can’t say i’ve ever heard of someone being admitted as an undergrad with that background, but i don’t know much/have much experience to draw from. i do know one older student but she started as a freshman years ago then took about 15 years off and came back.</p>
<p>This forum is mostly geared towards 16-18 year olds (<em>puts on flame-proof suit</em> I’d say mostly from the south bay) transferring from high school.</p>
<p>Your high school records are from a totally different era, probably along with whatever testing you took. I’m sure if you came here, you have a pretty darn compelling reason to apply to Stanford. Why not share with us? 
What made you want to apply straight to Stanford instead of say, going to a community college and then maybe a UC?</p>
<p>The tough part is feeling one way and proving it on paper. 
I suck at that department!</p>
<p>If this is a serious question, I would say there is no chance. Not only would in be nearly impossible to be accepted, but why would you want to be an undergrad who is close to 20 years older than 100 percent of the class? A state/commuter school would be more appropriate. After your undergrad, then go to a selective grad program where the other students will be of varied ages.</p>
<p>back2ca:
“If this is a serious question, I would say there is no chance. Not only would in be nearly impossible to be accepted, but why would you want to be an undergrad who is close to 20 years older than 100 percent of the class? A state/commuter school would be more appropriate. After your undergrad, then go to a selective grad program where the other students will be of varied ages.”</p>
<p>You are saying I have “no chance” with zero knowledge of my history or experience. Do you work in the admissions department at Stanford? Also, you asked “why would I want to be an undergrad who is 20 years older than 100% of the class?” Is there an age limit at Stanford? You seem to have an issue here with someone (you do not know) asking for admission information. There are top universities(Brown University,Yale, ect) that have programs geared for older returning students, hence my question. So in closing, if you wanted a response from me then you got it and now you can move along to the high school section</p>
<p>To the other folks that posted and asked questions:</p>
<p>I do have an interesting academic, athletic and professional background. In terms of academics, I tested in the spring of 10’ at a local JC and scored well in all areas before enrolling. After completing two semesters and a summer session, I earned a 4.0 gpa and I am quite active with a number of animal rescue charities. I am looking at a few schools that have programs that are geared toward students that have been out of high school and or college for X number of years where I could enroll as a freshman. </p>
<p>My athletic career included fighting all over North America in the world of kickboxing and later Muay Thai. I obtained a moderate level of success and left the ring with most of my brain cells still intact…I hope.</p>
<p>In the business, I found success in the .COM world and that has allowed me to retire at a relatively young age and pursue my academic goals. I was drawn to Stanford (and a few other top universities) for obvious reasons and was looking for any insight that any CC members might have.</p>
<p>You might want to ask this on the parents forum to get realistic advice on this. [Parents</a> Forum - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/]Parents”>Parents Forum - College Confidential Forums)</p>
<p>Thanks GA2012MOM for the advice!</p>
<p>xthaiboxer, the Office of Undergraduate Admission would be an even better source of information than the parent’s forum! Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>It sounds like if all else, you’d be able to make a darn good point. Stanford is an educational institution, not a place for a bunch of 18 year olds to hook up and meet their significant other so age shouldn’t really matter.</p>
<h2>“If this is a serious question, I would say there is no chance. Not only would in be nearly impossible to be accepted, but why would you want to be an undergrad who is close to 20 years older than 100 percent of the class?”</h2>
<p>Wow back2ca. I’m sure Stanford would want to be recognized as a strong advocate of the life-long learning experience. Amazing that you haven’t figured that out since you have a child attending.</p>
<p>An older sister of my friend went to Stanford as a freshman in 2006. She said a freshman classmate of hers was in her 50’s. Short story: she was a life long learner, stay at home mom who frequently took classes at local jc, husband not supportive of her love of school, divorced husband, applied to Stanford…lived happily ever after</p>
<p>Go for it!</p>
<p>^ Love that story!</p>