<p>I wouldn’t want to have to deal with the stress of applying, but sometimes I would like to “do” college again. I would try a school in a different geographical location, and take all those courses I didn’t have time for the first go-around! I would study something completely different from my original major, maybe even get gutsy and try a subject that interests me, but that I don’t have natural talents in, and would probably struggle to get a C average. I still would love learning something new though, so low grades wouldn’t deter me like they did the first time! Anyone else wish they could do it all again?</p>
<p>I have wonderful memories of college, but to really go back? Probably not. I know my memories are distorted by the rose-colored glasses I put on when I think about college. It’s kind of like longing for babies in the house once again. They were oh, so sweet, but it was so stressful and so much work.</p>
<p>I enjoyed college and I’m glad I did it once, (actually 1.5 since I got an M.S.) but I’ve had enough for one lifetime! Although My husband says he would like to go to St Mary’s of Maryland, go sailing, watch the sunsets, never have to cook, chill out. Funny, he doesn’t mention classes in this fantasy!</p>
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<p>Yes, despite the academic pressures and the ever-growing dark cloud of uncertainty about what would happen after graduation.</p>
<p>I loved college – the academics, the unique lifestyle, the experience, the people. In particular, college was my only opportunity for a true group friendship – an experience I treasured but never found again. I mourned the end of college for many years after graduation. I didn’t really get over it until a decade later, when I found the one thing that was better: parenthood.</p>
<p>I’d go back, to a bigger and tougher school, get mostly A’s and do a neat post-bacc. I’d also party harder. I dbl-majored in an area I loved (and still do,) but I’d major in something far more intellectually complex. See, that’s the funny thing: we’re really smarter and more able now that we’re older.</p>
<p>^^^
Even lookingforward looks back sometimes. :)</p>
<p>I’d go back. In fact, when I got my MBA “equivalent” degree I had to take about 5 undergrad courses for the core- including Marketing, Finance, Accounting. </p>
<p>I was 48. </p>
<p>It was fun. I was certainly a lot more sober.</p>
<p>While visiting schools and sitting in on some lectures with our kids, both H and I wanted to take some courses we didn´t get a chance to take. First time around, I didn´t have as much time to pay a lot of attention - between parties, work, and trying to get the best grades possible, I feel like I missed a lot. I would like to take more history, religion, philosophy courses (I was a math major). </p>
<p>H and I actually said that it would be nice to have a college for retired people, or a vacation college. Have nicer dorms, better food, we could go for few months at a time, take courses which interest us (not for a degree), and meet other people our own age. </p>
<p>Anyone out there want a new business?</p>
<p>I loved my college years. I’m happy and fortunate to have gone to a college that was a perfect match for me. The opportunity to go back would be tempting, but no, I wouldn’t. If I went back with the wisdom I had now, I’d do a lot of things differently but maybe wouldn’t have as much fun. There was something wonderful about being 18, with everything new and fresh, and endless life possibilities before us. Because I would make different choices, I’d probably wind up with a different home, family, and friends. I’m happy to realize that I wouldn’t want to give this up.</p>
<p>Wonderful question. For me, probably best left in the category of “great memories”.</p>
<p>^ fwiw, roadscholar.org. Elderhostel used to offer much deeper subjects. I’m not sure how much needing to make a profit altered things. Some colleges do offer summer or fall courses for post-degree folks- a week or two. Mine started some, but rather expensive.</p>
<p>I love visiting colleges and mis the fun times, but the thought of being back in academia, with styudying and exams sounds like one of my anxiety dreams where I find out I haven’t finished some class or paper or somethignand have to go back and do so. Agghhh!!!</p>
<p>I would do it again in a MINUTE. Would even choose the same school again (although going to college in Miami, FL, rather than Chicago would be tempting for the winter months).</p>
<p>I did just start on my masters…so I am back in academia, but I’m doing that with everything else (work, kids, etc.). Oh to be 18 again…</p>
<p>Hi oldfort! Thought about you yesterday…earthquakes.</p>
<p>Undergrad again? Yes, I want a do over. There were some opportunities I passed up and wish I hadn’t. I think I would’ve relaxed a bit more and taken the time to enjoy my classes. Still, things pretty much turned out the way I had planned.</p>
<p>lilmom - thanks. It was the biggest one we have encountered. It was at a magnitude of 7.6-7.9. The one that wiped out the city in 1985 was 8.1. I am in the process of moving back to NY before the next big one hits. We have experienced 4-5 since I´ve been here, and each one has gotten worse, so I think it is just a matter of time.</p>
<p>I went to college during the Viet Nam War, and it was a very, very stressful time - not the best time to be in college. And while I got a great education, my college wasn’t really a good fit. And it was too cold!!! </p>
<p>But I feel like I have college at home, so I don’t the institutions anymore. (I also like me a lot more now than I did then.)</p>
<p>Apologies for going off topic, but I found this nifty calculator that lets you compare the strength of earthquakes <a href=“http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/topics/calculator.php[/url]”>http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/topics/calculator.php</a> Turns out an 8.1 is almost 2 times stronger than a 7.9. Not meaning to miniize the 7.9, but to reassure you that an 8.1 is much, not just a little, stronger.</p>
<p>I would not want to go back to college. I partied way too much and took too many risks. If I went back now, I would be going back knowing what I know now … meaning, it wouldn’t be nearly as much fun, because I would behave myself. (Don’t tell my kids … or my Sunday School class :))</p>
<p>jym - I feel so much better now.:)</p>
<p>But, to be just a bit serious, I wouldn’t study what I studied. I went to an engineering school - got a degree in Industrial Administration - did it because it was what I could afford. It was a co-op school that was highly regarded. </p>
<p>What I probably would do if I were going back … and were younger! … is nursing or PA. If I were to go back as my real self (too old to do back breaking physical labor), I would get a teacher certification in math. Of course, that would mean one more calc class, and that doesn’t sound appealing …</p>
<p>Absolutely.</p>
<p>IF: I would retain my husband and the wonderful friends I made the first time around, and </p>
<p>IF: I could retain the memories of the first time around.</p>
<p>THEN I would go back and major in graphic arts. </p>
<p>Having had a few decades to find out a lot more about myself and about the myriad ways there are to live in the world I would love a do over. Once upon a time I loved art, but dropped it as I realized my own limitations as a “fine” artist. But I think I could have been successful in graphic arts. Someday, maybe…</p>
<p>I didn’t party hard(well not at school anyway) because I loved reading many different books about the subject that I liked. I would apply to a different college. But I have no regrets.</p>