Anyone go to grad school "later" in life?

[blondeatlast]

I'm 44, and seriously thinking about getting a MLS (Master's in Library Science).

If I didn't have to take the GRE, I'd be there already . . . Thank God they took the logic problems out!

All but 6 credits can be taken remotely.

Seeking your wisdom!

[LittleApple81]

1. I did it. Not easy but possible. Remote access will help. I had

to do it the "regular" way.

[caledesi]

2. My sister-in-law got her MLS at 45 and has a fantastic job!

Go for it!

[MountainLaurel]

3. Do it.

Don't let your age keep you away.

I'm currently in a master of information sciences (basically, a MLS) program via distance learning. About half of us are over the age of 30, and the group I started with includes students up into their early 60s. You'll find a different attitude about education with non-trad students; personally, I think we tend to be more focused because we're moving from one career to another, or starting a career after raising children, or getting out of the military, etc.

Which program are you considering?

:hi:

[blondeatlast]

6. University of Arizona.

I had decided against it when they lost their ALA accreditation, but they have gotten it back, and I can pay in-state tuition.

Where are you going? I guess UA calls it an MIS too.

I've worked for Phoenix Public Library for 5 years as an LA (we do reference work, but only have Bachelor's). I'm making pretty good money, but . . .

Still, my son is only 6, so I don't know about the timing.

[MountainLaurel]

9. UTK

I chose it because I can get instate rates there (I'm in VA, and TN also participated in a university consortium where if your state does not have a particular program, you can receive in state rates elsewhere.) I'm really pleased with the program; I'm about halfway finished.

If it's any help, I know that many of my coworkers have children around that age. Perhaps the school can provide some contacts who can tell yuo what it's like to do the program with a family on site.

[Catshrink]

24. Go for it!

I always wanted to teach and finally, 25 years after getting my BA in Chemistry, completed a teacher prep program. I was able to do most of it remotely, except the classroom observation part. It was through Rio Salado, which won't work for you.

I cannot tell you how excited I am and how cool it is to be doing what I've always wanted to do. It has it's ups and downs, but I don't regret it for a second. I just wish I'd done it several years ago. But then, remote classes weren't available and I've always had to work. It took me 18 months start to finish, including student teaching.

Do it!!!! You'll never regret it.

[JanMichael]

4. I'm thinking about it.

I'm 35 now and wouldn't likely get to start until Fall of 2004. That in itself might just be butt-assed bad timing due to the emergence of American Fascism/Iron Heel...

Anyway I'm considering an advanced Macro Economics degree.

MLS is a very cool degree, good luck!

[democrat in Tallahassee]

5. I'm 50 and I'm writing my dissertation. don't worry about the age

just do it--you won't get any younger by waiting, you know :)

[blondeatlast]

7. Amen! PPL had a women who had just gotten her MLS at 56 after

working for the library for 40 years (she started as a page!). We were all very proud of her. She died unexpectedly last year.

Truly an inspiration--both of you!

[Rabrrrrrr]

8. When I was in seminary, had a lot of fellow students

on their second or third careers - lots of people in their 40s, 50s, even their 60s, pursuing master degrees and Ph.D.'s.

never too late to go back to school - and I think the older one is, in many ways, the easier it is (unless you still have to work and support a family, then you have some difficulty, but the maturity and ability to not be distracted by partying and dating like in college...)

[Gman]

10. I finished my MBA at 42

Unfortunately, getting an MBA and being a somewhat liberal Democrat are not compatible. Having an MBA is absolutely the worst thing I could have done for my attitude. You folks that complain about the evils of corporations don't know the half of it.

I'm thinking about starting on my Ph.D. I'm also thinking of a Masters in Political Science. My B.A is also Political Science.

It's never too late. If anything, it's the personal enrichment that matters.

[Droopy]

11. I'm working on my undergraduate degree and I'm 30

Decided to go back after seven years as a truck driver. I have two years of college from when I was younger. I'd forgotten how hard this can be! The homework can be overwhelming.

[Mikimouse]

12. 20 year gap between my undergraduate degree and my Master's

I encourage you to ignore the age thing and go on. I am 50 now, writing my dissertation. I see from the responses to your iriginal post that there is someone else in the same situation. I shoudl be finished with my Ph.D. in August 2004. You will not regret the experience. I got my Master's at age 45.

[MaryBear]

13. Don't let age stop you.

If you really want it, go for it. No one can take that experience and knowledge from you.

But... are there many job openings for Librarians?

:shrug:

[Lindsey]

14. I got my Bachelor's degree at 41

and it is by far my proudest accomplishment - I'd take it over an academy award anytime. Being a mature woman, my love of knowledge propelled me to graduate summa cum laude from Cal State! I never would have been able to do so had I been in my 20's or early 30's. GO FOR IT!! (I'm also thinking about going back for my Master's and I'm now 46). Some colleges don't require the GRE (which scares me to death too). Good Luck!

[blondeatlast]

15. There are a great many approaching retirement age, including about

40% of my employer's staff in the next 5 years. There are also many openings in business and the media. It looks pretty good from where I stand, and Phoenix would probably hire me upon graduation; I've got 6 years experince with them already.

[ProfessorGAC]

16. I Got My 3rd Masters at 40.

The other two i got young (21 and 25). But, i went back to get an MBA with a focus on economics in my mid-30's and took my sweet old time about it. I was 40 when i finished.
The Professor

[dofus]

17. I've been going to college

on and off for nearly 40 years now, ever since I graduated high school in 1965. No degree, but many, many credit hours piled up. At various times I've been intending to get a degree, but either moved and couldn't complete at a degree at a particular school, or changed my mind about the degree I was going to get.

Being an older student is wonderful. You're motivated and not as distracted from your intent to learn as are the younger students. Instructors often see you as an equal. I especially like that for the last decade I've been older than all my instructors. What this means is you don't have to put up with a lot of crap that gets dumped on younger students.

You're going to get older day by day and year by year anyway. May as well spend the time doing what you want.

[supernova]

18. I will be in the older student category

too. I just never had the resources (mental or financial) to do it when I was younger.

I think the truly harmful thing is falling for the the idea that we are supposed to have accomplished certain things in our lives by certain ages, call it the "I'm too old for that" syndrome. Nonsense. It's a myth that is best ignored if you want the most out of your life.

edit: It's my Master's I'll be going after. Probably in the next couple of years, which would make me 43-44 when I start.

[Snow]

19. That's later than I did, but my sister's 45 and doing the very same degree

I started an MS Public Health at age 31, and it was so much fun I went to the Ph.D.....so watch yourself, who knows where this could lead? My sister is in town (LA) & came over for supper - mentioned that while the movie she was working (a remake of "Taxi"; she's 2nd AD) is really crappy and underfunded, still, it's a good job and she makes enough bucks that she can take time to work on her MLS. Seems being an AD is a very physically demanding job, and while she's been at it a few years now & is apparently pretty darn good at it, it wears her down.

Re the GRE - it's put out by the same Evil COmpany that puts out the SAT & damn near every standardized test in the universe. Get a copy of the Princeton Review guide to how to take it. Do not get the Barrons, or Fodors, or any other test guide meant to drill you on the knowledge. It's not about knowledge. These tests do not test anything other than your skill at taking that test, so learn how to do it.

[Iverson]

20. grad school in my 30s

I say go ahead. You're going to get older anyway, and if you love learning, you should be there.

Enjoy!

[blondeatlast]

21. I'm gonna do it! I'm gonna spend 1-2 hours a day preparing for the GRE;

verbal skills are strong, math I'll really grind for.

Thanks!

[mitchum]

22. You may not even have to worry about the math...

when I took the GRE for admission to graduate school (American Literature), I knew that the admissions office was unconcerned about my math ability. I randomly filled in dots and literally finished each math section in two minutes. At the first break, I did have to explain to the girl sitting across from me just what I was doing (she looked really distressed when she saw how quickly I was "solving" the problems) It is possible to score a 575 on the math section just through blind idiot luck. However, I think I will have to come up with a different anecdote before launching my career as a motivational speaker

[fortyfeetunder]

23. Another geezer grad student

Started almost 3 years ago in distance learning for a master's degree, and have 3 more courses to go. When I finish I will be a few months past 48.

Don't sweat the GRE. It was not that bad. The math part was insanely easy. Just practice the problems using the software. Admit I made an "Irish Cream" latte before the test and felt absolutely no pain. And I got more than the numbers I needed to get accepted.