Gap after class 12th - starting college this year

[Alok]

My qualifications are just class 12 passed. After 12th I aimed for NEET, took a drop year and then another, but couldn't clear NEET nor get into college because of several health issues. I stopped attempting NEET, and my mental and physical health problems led to a 5 yr gap after 12th.

Now I'm 23 and will join college this year, finishing my UG by age 26-27. Will my batchmates who are 18-19 think I'm one of them? Will professors judge me? Have I lost all chances for a good college life and a bright career?

P.S. - please don't judge me, as many have already done.

[Karan]

Chill bro, college isn't like that. I joined college in my 20s because I had a three-year gap due to NEET. Lots of people's lives get delayed because of NEET or JEE, and some were working. There are 2-3 girls and a boy who joined college five years after class 12. None of us worry about who's older when we hang out. They're not conservative either. So don't overthink it, friend. It may not be smooth all the time but eventually you'll find your crowd and start enjoying it.

Good luck with your new start, enjoy it!

Just one piece of advice: don't have pre-assumptions, don't be conservative, participate, talk and enjoy.

[Lakshmi]

Almost the same situation - I'm 23, no degree yet, and will start an UG course this year.

[Varunesh]

Itna load mat le, bhai.

[Gauri]

Hi. I'll be 22 this year. Let me tell you, no one in college cares about your age as long as you don't look too old. Haha.

But seriously, you are the main character of your life. If you wasted those years, make sure the coming years are so good you won't look back. Win so big that past failures don't matter.

I get it, it's tough - I've been there. But you are the only one who can change things.