<p>In an attempt to ridiculously complicate my life, I have decided to apply to a fairly competitive grad school program this fall, very late. So, I have spent the last few weeks feverishly putting together the required written materials, scouting recs (tough when you’ve been out of formal academia for 27+ years), getting transcripts sent from 3 institutions, writing a personal statement, updating a resume, and, shudder, studying for the GRE, which I hadn’t been required to take the last time I went to grad school (and would have long expired, anyway.)</p>
<p>Who knew how much math one could forget in three or so decades? And I used to be good at it!</p>
<p>And I thought I loved analogies, but these GRE ones are killers.</p>
<p>Please, some one talk some sense into me. If not, cross your fingers. The test isn’t really the make it or break it point for this program, but still, I do want to do well.</p>
<p>Arrggh. This seemed like a good idea in November…</p>
<p>I’m basically doing the same thing and am in the same boat (being out for almost 20+ years) except I don’t think my school is as competitive as yours likely is.</p>
<p>Doing a massive scramble to get it all together.</p>
<p>Yikes, I am usually not this impulsive but I basically just decided in early November to do this. Trying to find a reaon to talk myself out of it. Scared of the math, too.</p>
<p>Good luck to both of you!! How exciting! It’s not just our children who can tackle difficult things.</p>
<p>Remember waaaaaaaaay back when we were children aqnd our parents seemed “fixed”? There’s no way either of my parents would ever have done something like this!</p>
<p>Bravo to you, garland! I saw you mention this on the snowstorm thread and I meant to go back to comment to you, so I’m glad you posted it here. Best of luck to you!</p>
<p>VH–I was meandering about this about two months ago, and broached it to my D as a “possibility.” Then kinda forgot about it, till she reacted with disbelief that I might not carry it through. She basically guilted me into this.:)</p>
<p>BTW–am taking the test tomorrow–I’m on line now cuz if I try to study anymore my brain will start dripping out my ears. (Christmas cards? Wrapping? Cookies? fuggedaboudit!)</p>
<p>No kidding, mollie - I’ve got the xiggi’s method bookmarked. I’m going to take a test that pricey schools use for admission purposes next year. That way, if I decide to apply and get in, I will not have to pay double tuition.</p>
<p>Gooooo garland and MamaDrama!!! Show them young punks :D</p>
<p>Good luck tomorrow, garland!
I think it’s great. It is absolutely never too late to start something brand new. I went to grad school in my mid 30’s (while I was still a spring chicken) and had the time of my life. I could literally feel the gears of my brain start moving again, after 10 years of motherhood. Not that mothering isn’t challenging, but you know what I mean.</p>
<p>Mollie–I’ll confess here that I really don’t know what Xiggi’s method is–my kids were past SATs by the time I got on here. I’ve just taken bunches of practice tests and gone over areas that looked like trouble–I think it’s more the “generic lazy person method”…we’ll see how it works! :)</p>
<p>I think its great that both of you are going for it!! I know you will be an inspiration for the young pups in the grad programs. See, Garland, I’m already confident you’ll get in. From your posts, I know how articulate you are. </p>
<p>Mamadrama–good luck!! relax!</p>
<p>I had to take a state exam a few years ago when I stupidly decided to relocate. First exam in 20 years. It felt so strange to get in gear</p>
<p>When I taught college, the nontraditional grad and undergrad students were the stars of the program, and were beloved by faculty and students. They worked hard and brought a lot of life experience to the environment.</p>
<p>Best of luck to everyone who’s going back to school at a mature age! I hope you’ll post here about your adventures.</p>