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]

👴👵  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?

[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/

[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.

[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. 

[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.

[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.

[SpringIsHereSoHappy]

(4/8/24) AWESOME @LizS378813 !!!  💃💃💃

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[*** LIZ @LizS378813 wrote:

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. ***]

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