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?

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

👵👴 Curious Minds Go Back to School (AARP Article)

Harmon, 75, had gone to work for aerospace and defense contractor Lockheed (now Lockheed Martin) at the dawn of the semiconductor era, in 1965.

When his engineering career ended, Harmon began to pursue what had always interested him: “I decided I would go back to my first love, anthropology.”

Harmon takes advantage of a state program called the Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver. Residents of Virginia for at least a year who are 60 or older can enroll or audit (without academic credit) classes at state schools. Harmon doesn’t qualify to have the tuition waived—that’s available only to those with taxable income of up to $23,850 a year.

But he doesn’t have to pay tuition for classes he audits and gets other perks, like free parking and no lab fees. And he enjoys the benefits of campus life at George Mason University in Fairfax County, such as the rec centers, evening events and libraries.

https://states.aarp.org/virginia/curious-minds-go-back-to-school

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

👴👵  States Offer FREE or Low-Cost Classes for OLDER Adults (AARP Article)

*** USE LINK AT BOTTOM OF THIS POST TO READ THIS ARTICLE *** [1] Then enter Email Address you used to sign in to use This Site.   [2] Then enter the password you use.   [3] Lastly, there are 3 LETTERS that will "pop up" as their SECURITY CHECK. Enter those.   [4] Then click log in.

https://www.aarp.org/work/careers/free-college-classes/

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌👴‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌👵‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌  Anyone AGE 50 and older in School?

[SuzanneG427647]

I am in Grad school at age 83. Many states allow you y to enter cost free in any program at no cost. You have to apply and be accepted just like anyone. I began in class and with Covid changed to on-line. Both were great. I was accepted and actually the professors appreciated my contributions. After all I was a primary source in a Masters Gerontology program! I loved every minute of class and interaction s!

[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!

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

(4/15/24) @ka16325833 so good to get an update and CONGRATS!!!  👵

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[*** @ka16325833 wrote:

 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! ***]

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[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

(4/12/24) CONGRATS @SuzanneG427647 !!!  👵

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[*** SUZANNE @SuzanneG427647 wrote:

I am in Grad school at age 83. Many states allow you y to enter cost free in any program at no cost. You have to apply and be accepted just like anyone. I began in class and with Covid changed to on-line. Both were great. I was accepted and actually the professors appreciated my contributions. After all I was a primary source in a Masters Gerontology program! I loved every minute of class and interaction s! ***]

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[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

(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!!!  👵

[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

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

(4/10/24) @LizS378813 , that sounds like FUN!!!  👵

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

“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 🎉 

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

(4/10/24) CONGRATS @er3626 !!!  👵

[er3626]

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

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

(4/10/24) @er3626 , I am sure you will!!!  👵

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

It is never too late to return to school!!!  👵

[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. 

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

(3/22/24) @bg96111913  , are you all finished or still in school?  🤔  Your post is an INSPIRATION!!!  👵

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[*** @bg96111913 wrote:

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

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[m214601g]

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?

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

(3/22/24) CONGRATS @m214601g  💃💃💃

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[*** @m214601g wrote:

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. ***]

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[WendyM493688]

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

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

(3/22/24) CONGRATS @WendyM493688  💃💃💃

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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!!

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

(3/23/24) @WendyM493688 , you are WELCOME  👵

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[*** WENDY @WendyM493688 wrote:

Thank you!! ***]

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[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. 

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

(3/22/24) @er3626  , are you all finished or still in school?  🤔  Your post is an INSPIRATION!!!  👵

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[*** @er3626 wrote:

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. ***]

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[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.