going to grad school after age 50

[ka16325833]

Anyone else out there thinking this is the beginning, not the end? I'm researching grad school and dreaming about a new and fulfilling encore career. I'd like to hear your experiences. Did you do an in-person or an online program? Were you accepted by the other students even though you were older? What were the rewards and the challenges?

[ka16325833]

 I decided to go for a master's of public affairs, with an emphasis in nonprofit organization management and policy. When Covid hit, we just switched to Zoom-based classes. Because of my state's program to let seniors earn university credits for very little money, I did not have to take out any loans and I graduated in May 2021. Similar to your experience @SuzanneG427647 , I also found that I was sometimes a resource (e.g., I was alive during the Civil Rights Era in the 1960s, etc.) and was accepted by the other students. The readings, and the discussions with other students--many in their 20s--were very helpful in understanding what is happening now, and the intellectual stimulation was energizing. Now, I'm contemplating applying for a doctoral program, or perhaps law school!

[SummerOnTheWay1]

APRIL 2024.

2 comments (4/10/24) @LizS378813 , do you plan to do MORE school when you finish in a few weeks? And thank you SO MUCH for your recent update!!!

Nicole 👵

[LizS378813]

 I took my Contracts Law II exam this morning. I have one more final exam and for my Property class next Monday morning at  9 am. My summer break begins. I will be finished with my first year of law school. I will start my second year in the middle of August. I am glad for the summer vacation. I want enjoy my summer vacation and do lots of fun things like GalaxyCon, which is largest comic book convention in Oklahoma and start on May 24th-26th. I worked hard this semester and want enjoy my time off.

[LizS378813]

  I plan on going this comic book convention that is coming 2 weeks after final exams. Then, I want see the Capital Building and visit down Oklahoma city. I want to visit the Native American Museum. There is the classical Music concern series in June and visit Fried Pie Factory in Ardmore

[SummerOnTheWay1]

“For the best return on your money, pour your purse into your head.” -- Benjamin Franklin.

[er3626]

59 here. Will be earning my Masters in Dec.

[bg96111913]

Congratulations 🎉 

[SummerOnTheWay1]

APRIL 2024.

1 comment (4/10/24)

CONGRATS @er3626 !!!  💃💃💃

Nicole  👵

[er3626]

Thanks. Just hope I could find a job in the field I'm studying.🙏

[bg96111913]

I am. Looking forward to a second grad school go round starting this month. Would love to hear from others also on this journey. 

[MisterGee67]

I I am 56 and start Grad school in 2 weeks to become a school counselor. I've been a substitute teacher for a few years now and feel committed to helping kids. I am both excited and at the same time nervous about my new journey. 

[bg96111913]

How is your program going?

[WendyM493688]

I’m 55 and starting a Masters in Mental Health Counseling this fall. Go, us!!

[SummerOnTheWay1]

MARCH 2024.

1 comment (3/22/24) CONGRATS @WendyM493688  💃💃💃

Nicole  👵

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[*** WENDY @WendyM493688 wrote:

I’m 55 and starting a Masters in Mental Health Counseling this fall. Go, us!! ***]

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[WendyM493688]

Thank you!!

[er3626]

I am 58 and on my 2nd semester of Grad School. In 2021 I received my online certification in ACE Data Science and Advanced Data Science. I did so well I decided to go for my Masters in Data Science. I was advised to go part time since I already work full time. The classes are completely online. It is very challenging and sometimes difficult. At times I felt like giving up but my fellow students always reminded me why I was there and told me never to give up. Yes at my age I felt awkward but few students are over 30 and our age. We are encouraged to collaborate and help each other when we have questions. This is how I made friends with the other fellow students. We communicate by zoom, whatsapp, slack,  and sometimes a quick call or text. The challenges I have found is that most students are already doing some type of work in the field that I chose and have I no type of work experience in the field but what I've learned in school. At this age we do need to work a little more harder then when we were young but earning that "A" in the class and have students come to you for help, does pay off in the long run. I say is never too late to go back to school. 

[LizS378813]

I am 51 and took the November LSAT 2022. I got good score on the test and saw my test result on Wednesday. I just got done applying 8 law schools in Texas. I feel tired after filling out the school applications. I had wanting to go for 15 years and was held back due family and financial problems. It feels good to apply and give it a try. I did computer work for 26 years and decided it was time to change careers.

[LizS378813]

Here is my latest update. I am 3 weeks away from finishing my first year in law school. It is hard, but fun at times. I would not look back. It is a part of my journey. I have final exams coming up starting next week in Legal Analysis II class.

[LizS378813]

I got an accepted to law school on Christmas day.. I receive my acceptance letter on Christmas Day and was shocked.  This is my update.

[SummerOnTheWay1]

MARCH 2024.

1 comment (3/22/24) @LizS378813  , are you all finished or still in school?  🤔  Your post is an INSPIRATION!!!

Nicole  👵

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[*** LIZ @LizS378813 wrote:

I got an accepted to law school on Christmas day.. I receive my acceptance letter on Christmas Day and was shocked.  This is my update. ***]

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[LizS378813]

 I will be finished with my first year of law school in four weeks. I am getting my outlines together and preparing class every day. Law school is very hard. My first year was hard, but I managed to get the hard part of it.It is hard, but it is worth. I just got my first A a week ago.  I put together for Legal Writing and Research II class my first appellate brief. It was hard to put together. I am going to be second year law student next semester if all goes well. I am going to ready study for the finals to  make that happen.

[bg96111913]

Congratulations 🎉 

[er3626]

I am 57. When my youngest son graduated with his BS Degree I decided it was my turn to go for my Master and change career. At 56 I wanted to start slowly and to see if I could do it. I took an online ACE certification training in Data Science and continued for my Advance certification. Now in the fall I will begin my MS Degree in Data Science. Never too late. 

[PatriciaP908310]

This is very inspirational.

[SusanS836488]

Hello - I hope this thread is still active. I just turned 58 and have been a caseworker at an aging agency for 7 years. I have been wanting to continue to my MA but nervous about debt. I want to continue working in aging/elder field. I really want to focus on improving or revolutionizing nursing homes and helping generations work together. I really have no idea where to start to find a program that focuses on that. Any insight? Thank you!

[JoyceS920349]

You post is 3 years old so I'm not sure if you are still interested, but state universities offer huge discounts/tuition waivers for older adults. I'm starting my M.A. degree studies for $75.00 for up to 12 credits per semester. I'm 67.

[wardchambre]

I am 53 and am just finishing my doctorate degree in psychology. I have worked in the field for 35 years. I did my degree online. I found it so fascinating and gratifying. The Science had changed so much in 35 years. I think it was a wonderful experience. Karen Chambre

[AARPLynne]

@wardchambre, congratulations on earning your doctorate degree!

[bsavoca]

I was in my mid-50's when I returend to college to get my master's degree, 27 yrs after receiving my bachelor's. Now, in my 60's, I have also obtained an associate's degree in equine science, & am currently enrolled in an associate's degree paralegal program.

[SherylSteele]

I was not 50, but I went back to grad school 20 years after my college graduation when I had finally figured out "what I wanted to be when I grew up."  I went to an expensive school, but my employer paid for most of my tuition.  I never got a grade below an A, because I was very into school and not distracted by parties, dates, etc.  I loved the experience and recommend it for anyone looking for professional growth as I was.  This decision was critical to my progressing to become a corporate human resources director with 23 facilities reporting to me.  I loved my company and my job.  When I retired I felt I had done a very good job, because of this accomplishment.  And I could not have done it without grad school.