peachtart

Are you still considering whether you should go to grad school or stay at a boring job? This was exactly what I was pondering a couple years ago. Now I want to tell you that grad school experience might be the best you would ever have. Here's my story. I graduated from university in 2010 with a B.A. degree. In the second last semester, a Politics course just changed my life forever. I wasn't the best student in my class in any way, in fact I was probably the furthest from top student quality. I didn't study hard, nor did I receive satisfying grades. To the contrary, I was one of those absent-minded ones who struggled to stay above a 2.0 CGPA for elective courses. Sure I did okay for mandatory courses of my major but no one in my social circle including myself thought saw me as particularly intellectual. It wasn't until that I took that one course called Political Economy of media which sort of shook me to the core. I was totally hooked. Thereafter, I wanted to go back to school badly. Had several jobs here and there but none of them was particularly successful. This is not because I wasn't good at my job but it is just that I didn't feel fulfilled. In other words, I was hungry for that intellectual stimulation. At the age of 31, I applied to grad school in London, England studying Politics. During the year I was there, I felt like a different person. I was truly happy. I got to hang out with people who are also interested in things I love, which is very rare to find in my city. I also got to know a few of brilliant professors who I admired. Now I am a part-time teacher and also a freelance writer. now looking back, I wouldn't change a thing. My life as a graduate student in London was the best experience in my life.

Hello everyone, As this particular session of the forum seems a little outdated, I wanted to find out if anyone has applied to MA in Communications/media studies in the UK starting fall 2016. I have applied to less than 10 schools in UK earlier this year and 2 out of those (City University of London & Goldsmiths, University of London) offered me a place in digital journalism and political communications, respectively. I have decided to make my way to Goldsmiths this fall and am quite excited as many people raved about the artistic atmosphere at golds. Besides my passion in IPEC/International Relations, I also like anything related to arts - photography, graphic design, film, & fashion and Goldsmiths seems like the perfect place for me personally. If you have applied to similar programmes in the UK, please share with me of your progress and decisions. Best Luck!

Hi guys, Just wanted to know what everyone's opinion is on journalism schools in London, England. I got offers from two different communication/journalism programmes (master's) - City University of London and Goldsmiths - both are good schools in terms of reputation, living environment, location, etc. City's known for high employment rate at major media outlets - bbc, guardian, independent, etc. However I'm from Canada and am not sure how likely I can get a job or even internship with any of the above. Their programme is very practical and skill oriented. On the other hand, Goldsmiths' programme is more theory-based but it is utterly interesting - it's something I always wanted to study for. However I am really not sure what I can do with a degree from their programme. Any advice on this tough decision? I know it is myself that have the final say on this but I still like to hear about different take on this. Thanks!

Hello @fuzzylogician, Thank you for your wise advice! It is very true that I shouldn't feel uncomfortable at all. The best way is to take action towards a positive outcome. I'm going to write them a letter asking for a waiver on the language test, and yes I will be polite. : P

Hello guys, I was recently accepted by a journalism school in England which I am very excited about. It is a very good school in my field and there is little reason for me to pass by, but I was given a Conditional Offer - I need to reach 7.0 in IELTS test with 7.0 in writing since English isn't my first language. I have no problem taking the test but I feel a little "being put down" because my undergrad studies were done in Canada and I also majored in Communications. For those who are not familiar with the area of studies, we did nothing but writing essays on various cultural subjects which means I had to be above competent to be able to graduate. I did take an IELTS test before i started undergrad. Why should I take it again now... What is your thought on this? Should I accept the conditional offer and take the test, or should I negotiate? Thank you!!!

That's good to know!! @shadowclaw, @avflinsch.

Previous I had a sting from my first job which I actually liked because it's related to what I love. After that I was feeling a little down for a while and felt lost in life. But now I realized it was just a terrible place to work at and there's no reason for me to feel bad about leaving. Now I need to change my reality and start a new job where I am appreciated and needed. So I made steps to invest in my education and start taking things seriously. I wasn't a responsible and serious person in my 20's, and I didn't try hard enough for anything in my life. Maybe that's why I was set up for failure and bad luck. It's time to change my luck and work hard for what I want in life. I want to be happy again. I'm turning 31 this year and I just received an offer for a M.A. program starting in September in the UK.

Is age 30 too old for grad school?