<p>
[quote]
I got way more dumb young student stories.
[/quote]
one word: MTV
actually that's an acronym, but same thing.
HOARDS of dumb young kids.</p>
<p>Mills is in Oakland, California. It values older students (they are called "resumers" and are respected, even somewhat privileged). Mills has an excellent Math department. That department offers the option of a Master's Degree in Mathematics for excellent students, and the Master's requires only an additional year of study. Besides that, Mills has a respected School of Education, so you could remain on the same campus and earn your teaching credential.</p>
<p>Given your SATs, you could expect merit aid.</p>
<p>The only problem is that Mills is not an option for undergraduates unless they are women, so if you are male ...</p>
<p>I would assume that you want to stay close to your family. the Cal State system is a nice option for commuter students and isn't too hard on the pocketbook.</p>
<p>I know that there is an "older" student (around your age) in the College of the University of Chicago at the moment. I believe he is a sophomore now.</p>
<p>If I recollect correctly, he received some degrees from other universities and then decided that he wanted to do it right by going to Chicago. The other college students seem to be enjoying his company, despite the age difference, and he is struggling with physics just like anyone else.</p>
<p>I suggest that you check out Chicago.</p>
<p>Is there a certain term (i am hesitant to say "label") that we can associate with returning, non-traditional students? The reason I ask is because when I am searching a school's web site, I have trouble finding where (or if) a special program or application exists for these students. I am not implying that they need special consideration, but if it makes things easier, then I am all for it!</p>
<p>For example, Columbia University has an entire department and application for non-traditional, returning students: <a href="http://www.gs.columbia.edu/%5B/url%5D">http://www.gs.columbia.edu/</a></p>
<p>I've tried to search "non-traditional" on a few other sites, and the results are mixed. It may just be a trial/error searching attempt... but at least there is prospect for all "non-traditional" students... even at Columbia.</p>
<p>BTW, I forgot to mention that I am not referring to some special curriculum or different education... more like a non-traditional application for the "non-traditional" student.</p>
<p>Again, like Columbia, once you are in - you get the same Columbia University education/degree/whatever as any other Columbia student.</p>
<p>I just wanted to clarify.</p>
<p>I'd make sure to apply to the top UCs. I honestly think a large campus environment will be best because these communities have many students of all ages and also are less socially constricting. Small schools are wonderful if you are in "the bubble", but can be tough even for grad students to fit in. Larger schools tend to be much more open to anyone. UCLA's Westwood campus is probably perfect.</p>