Impostor syndrome. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking “I’m not smart enough for this,” or “Who am I to go back to education?”, you’re not alone. Whether it’s been a few years or a few decades since you last opened a textbook, that little voice of doubt can be incredibly loud when you're taking the leap back into learning as an adult.
At Access Courses Online, we work with students every day who’ve battled those exact thoughts and gone on to achieve things they never thought possible. So, if you're hesitating to start a course because you feel like a fraud, let’s talk about why those feelings crop up and, most importantly, how to overcome them.
What Is Impostor Syndrome?
Impostor syndrome is the feeling that you’re not as capable or intelligent as others think you are. You might feel like you’ve just been “lucky” so far, or that someone’s going to “find you out”. In adult education, this often comes with worries about age, past failures, or being “behind” compared to others.
But here’s the truth: most of our students feel this way at some point. It doesn’t mean you’re not ready; it means you care.
Why It’s Common in Adult Learners
When you’re returning to study after time away, it’s easy to compare yourself to people who never left education. You might worry about your memory, your ability to write essays, or how you’ll fit learning around work and family. That can make you feel like you’re playing catch-up or, worse that you don’t belong in education at all.
But education isn’t a race, and there's no age limit on self-improvement. Every learner is different, and your experience, maturity and drive actually give you an edge.
How to Overcome It
1. Acknowledge the Feeling
Impostor syndrome thrives in silence. Simply knowing what it is can help you challenge it. Remind yourself: doubting your ability doesn’t mean you lack it.
2. Focus on Your 'Why'
Whether it’s getting to university, changing career, or doing something for you, keep your goals in sight. That motivation will carry you through moments of doubt.
3. Celebrate Small Wins
Finished your first unit? Understood a tricky topic? Celebrate it! Progress is built on small steps, and every one is worth recognising.
4. Connect With Others
Our students support each other through our online learning community, and our tutors are here to guide, not judge. You’re not on this journey alone.
You’re More Ready Than You Think
Here’s something we wish every adult learner knew: just deciding to start is an act of strength. The courage it takes to go back to education, to challenge yourself, to dream bigger, is something to be proud of.
At Access Courses Online, we’ve helped thousands of adults like you take their first step. Whether you're dreaming of a career in nursing, midwifery, psychology, law, business, or something else entirely, our online Access to Higher Education Diplomas are designed to help you get there, with flexibility and support built in.
Ready to Prove That Voice Wrong?
Don’t let impostor syndrome hold you back from what could be the most life-changing decision you’ve ever made. You can do this and we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Explore our Access to Higher Education Diplomas and take the first step today.