Advice for a (somewhat) late college starter

I asked a question a little similar to this a couple months ago, though about a different subject (dating). Hence the title, ahem. Anyway, this one is a little milder.

Simply put, I go to this really weird-a$$ high school. I'm 19, but what the school calls a 'super senior', meaning someone who takes an extra year to finish everything up. It actually isn't discouraged (probably encouraged actually), and it's a decision a lot of other students make as well, because there are a lot of requirements for graduation that go beyond what you would normally expect in high school, so it often takes more time.

However, it's making me feel a bit weird, as I'm (hopefully/I'm assuming) college bound, and am obviously going to be a little older than most college freshman once I start. I'll actually be turning 20 in the summer between my HS graduation and the beginning of my freshman year. I have generally good credentials from my school, good ACT scores, good reccomendations from teachers, etc....but the simple fact is that I am going to be old compared to most college freshman. I may have to look for a dorm that isn't for freshman only, just so I can be with people closer to my own age.

So basically, anyone else have an experience similar to this? Taking an extra year in HS, or starting college a little late for whatever reason? For anyone who took an extra year (for whatever reason) or were older, was it a problem for you at all in getting into colleges? Thankfully the main university I'm looking at knows about my school, so they should be understanding, but I'm just a little concerned. Also, for anyone who started a little late (being somewhere in your early 20s by your freshman year, basically), was it weird for you socially, or did people not really care? Thanks.

I know how you feel. I'm a late bloomer. I had to take an extra year in high school... dropped out, then took the courses again to make up on it. I dropped out because I could not deal with the peer issues in school.

However, when I finally went to college, I was serious about things, and finished 2'and in my class, then interviewed for a job and was quickly chosen from over 60 applicants. I left there and started my own business, and started this site with my friend.

Late blooming has its benefits. When you 'wake up', you really wake up and get really serious. Just get serious in time and don't be afraid to tell your story to others. Later in life it will also become a badge of honor retelling that story to a room full of college graduates who work for you.

Yea I will be starting late. I already did a year of college but had to drop out due to finances. SO I will probably be just 'starting' all over again. My fiance started when he was 22 because he was in the military. His professors love him because he isn't there to party. I think the older you are, the more you realize that what you learn there is what is going to help you get a good stable job in your future.

I was the opposite, I graduated from high school and started college a year early, so I was a year younger than the other freshmen. Try not to worry, I found that it really isn't that big of a deal. At that age there isn't much difference in a year. I'm sure you will get along with everyone, and fit in fine, even if you are a year older. I did great being a year younger than every one else and I'm sure you'll do great also. You shouldn't be worried you should be excited, this is a new chapter in your life. Good luck.
Lacey

Thanks for the comments, everyone. Just wanted to add that I contacted the admissions at the main place I'm looking at, just to make sure they're aware of the 'fifth year rule' at my school. Turns out they are and it isn't an issue for them. I've also taken some early courses there before and done really well in them (and I'm taking another one right now, which I'm aceing) so it looks like I'm in good shape. I wasn't sure if it was going to be an issue with that particular university which was one of the reasons I was concerned. I still don't know how other places will react exactly but at least my #1 choice seems to not be a problem.

As for socially, that wasn't my main concern anyway, just something I've been thinking about. It's probably true that there isn't a big difference, and most people probably wouldn't even know the difference anyway, especcially since I look a little young to begin with (19 and I look about 16, from what people have told me. One student at my school didn't think I looked like a senior at all!). But good to hear it wasn't a major issue for other people.