Tell me about it. I had my application 1/2 done, was working on my CFA and had just asked my boss if he'd write a letter of recommendation for me. I sent an email to the ALO to find out what the minimum passing run time is for a 50 year old! I was hoping anything under 30 minutes was a acceptable.... Oh well I guess I don't have to worry now about how I'm going to find my ACT scores from 1982....
On a more serious note I concur with you Haley regarding learning on your own. I know when I was in my teens/early twenties I found I had to find things out myself (Usually the hard way). I can look back today and say I was given much great advice from my elders but the truth is I rarely listened. There is nothing like the school of hard knocks to deeply engrain some much needed learning into us. But I still TRY to pass wisdom down to my kids even though I know they will make their own decisions both good and bad. That is life. I'm pretty sure the OP has long ago left the building and will do what he feels is best for him. I wish him and his girlfriend well...