Are There Older Students @ Ringling?

[JessicaNoel]

Hey folks,

I got accepted to RSAD and won't be going till I'm 24. That means I won't graduate 'till I'm around 27 w/ a BA in Illustration. Any others like me there?

Thanks!
HAVE A GOOD ONE!

[Elwell]

I can't speak for Ringling in particular, but older students are quite common in art schools.

[sula_nebouxi]

You're not alone. There are plenty of people here at Ringling that are well into their 30's and some in their 40's. Some even have a wife, a mortgage, car payments and 1.5 kids :P. Many people here also have degrees in other fields. It's a wide range of age groups so don't feel like the old fogie on campus. If anything, everyone loves you cause you can buy everyone beer :P.

[Hett15]

Fear not for I am older then you. Well actually I started at Ringling when I was 24 too. There are a good number of people that are in their early 20's and a handful that are older. You'll blend right in though. It's good to be a little older sometimes. It's never too late to get started.

[Storyboard Dave]

The average age at the school where I teach is 23 for the undergrads and the overall age of our student body (which also has Continuing Education students) is 29. A few semesters I had a student who was older than I was so it really doesn't matter how old you are. In so many ways you might be better off going in at a later stage of your life because you've literally lived more life than most folks and can bring those life experiences to your work.

Better late than never couldn't be more true at art schools.

[Thaelys]

I'm 34, married, I have a one year old child, a mortgage, and a career that has been eight years in the making. As a result of advancing e-Learning technology, I'm now able to aquire the art education I've always desired.

If I simply consinged myself to my current career direction, I know I will eventually wake up one morning and regret where the path of least resistance has taken me in life. You're never too old to learn what you wish. I'd love to be 24, attending the school I've just enrolled at. Consider yourself fortunate at the very least Jessica :-)

[jennibell]

I was 25 when I started at RSAD and I had no issues "fitting in" or anything like that. After all, you'll only be a few years older than your classmates, and you'd be surprised how mature they'll be. No worries!

Congrats on being accepted! :) I'm an illustration major (3rd yr) as well, so hopefully I'll see you around!

-Jennifer

[Bubstar]

I will be 27 when I start in Janurary and am just glad to be finally able to go there, been trying for about 5-6 years to find a way to go.

[SergioAntonio]

Quite a few. Most are freshmen fresh out of high school. RSAD is known mostly for their Computer Animation program, which means most students interested in attending are very young, and addicted to gaming. I'm 28 and I was already feeling out of place. Most of the older students are in majors other than CA.

[Storyboard Dave]

I will be 27 when I start in Janurary and am just glad to be finally able to go there, been trying for about 5-6 years to find a way to go.

Now that you've found a path, I can almost guarantee that you'll never look back and say "I wish I would've...". You've taken that leap of faith and pursuing your passion.

Isn't that what life is supposed to be about??

[Bubstar]

Thanks for the encouragement Storyboard Dave, you definitely cannot really live unless you take chances.

[Storyboard Dave]

Thanks for the encouragement Storyboard Dave, you definitely cannot really live unless you take chances.

I've seen more students much older than you fianlly have the courage, the opportunity and the passion to finally pursue what they love. Again, if it's what you truly want to do 24/7 it won't even seem like work after it's all said & done.

"What's life but a bunch of good memories?" a wise friend once taught me and I hold true to that credo today. So go out there and make the best memories possible.

[reaxion]

Now that you've found a path, I can almost guarantee that you'll never look back and say "I wish I would've...". You've taken that leap of faith and pursuing your passion.

Isn't that what life is supposed to be about??

*key cinematic music
well said man.. your posts have helped me out and i havent even asked any questions! thanks

[Storyboard Dave]

*key cinematic music
well said man.. your posts have helped me out and i havent even asked any questions! thanks

Where's John Williams when you need the guy?