In the Caribbean an ever-increasing number of interested individuals whose ages extend over a wide range have been seeking entry to regional tertiary institutions in their pursuit of higher education. This growth stems from a host of reasons, which include an increasing population, a greater and more varied list of opportunities for general and specialized studies, the rise in technology, the availability of study loans, the creation of programmes to cater for students even in their early fifties, and the expanding awareness of the relative advantages of studying in one's own cultural setting. Older students beginning an undergraduate programme may find themselves at a disadvantage compared with younger entrants. On the other hand their greater experience provides them with understanding and skills which enhance their performance at the tertiary level.