[I'm older and okay with that.]

The only question that I have to you folk over 30 (and in some cases around 35) is: why?

 

Are you doing the PhD as a passion project? If so, hats off and my congratulations--I love your spirit. Are you doing it in hopes of a traditional academic career afterward? If so, my congratulations again--I'm not sure I could stand the odds. You're looking at 5-7 years to complete (effectively placing yourself at or near 40). Then you're looking at a year or two of postdocs, and then you begin on the tenure track (at or near age 42-43). You're looking at something like 50 by the time you're tenured. This is in a market that will be full of PhDs at or near 30 (if I finish in 6 years, I will be 32, and I already think that's on the older side). Wouldn't there be a distinct advantage to being younger, or at least, within the usual age range?

I am 37 and starting my PhD program in Literature this fall. I do hope to have a traditional academic career when I'm done, but realize that I have other options. I received an MA in History when I was 31 and worked for a number of years in that field (as a research historian for a well known firm) before returning to pursue my MA in Literature. I originally started this second MA in the hopes of teaching at a community college (following my first MA I received interviews for spots at a variety of two year colleges but never received a job offer; when I inquired the reasoning I was told that most community colleges prefer two MAs). I am doing this because this is what I love to do and if I am unable to find a tenured position I hope to teach at a better community college and if that doesn't work out I could always return to being an historian. Like many others who are pursuing an advanced degree later in life I focused on other matters when I was young. I have two high school age children, took lengthy breaks to finish my BA, and worked a number of non-professional jobs in my twenties. In some ways, I think that I have more at stake in my PhD program and a greater appreciation for the academic world.

[University of Montana]

Might be a long shot, but it's worth a try.

 

I just committed this morning; I'll be headed to Missoula in August to start working towards my MA in Anthropology. Montana was my top choice, so it's a dream come true for me!

 

Any other committed or tentative future Grizzlies -- or current Grizzlies -- out there?

Hi there!

I am actually a current University of Montana student and I've lived in Missoula most of my life. It is a beautiful place to live, especially if you enjoy the outdoors. I've studied at UM for about 10 years on and off and have found the professors accessible, warm, and encouraging.

I will actually be moving away this summer following graduation, but if you have any questions, feel free to ask!

 

Take care.

[Pullman, WA]

Thanks Pax, 

Congrats to you too.

If you accepted please let me know. LoL all my questions arouse in weekends when there are no officials.

 

Armen 

Hi Armen,

 

I did accept! I'll be moving to Pullman mid-June. I received another acceptance, but feel that Pullman is a good place for me and my family. In addition, I think my program has a great deal to offer. I'll be visiting the campus in April to get a sense of things.

 

See you in Pullman!

[Pullman, WA]

hey guys, 

I know I'm not supposed to ask this here but where I'm supposed to ask (and I have asked) the latest post is for over a year ago.

Today I accepted the admission offer in Zzusis, but hours later when I checked it again my application status was "Complete" (the green circle) rather than "admitted" (the green tick).

Is yours also like that?

Hi there,

 

I haven't officially accepted yet, so I have the check mark at this time. Congratulations on getting in!

 

Pax.

[Pullman, WA]

Hello everyone,

 

Has anyone out in Gradcafe land resided in Pullman, Washington? Did you enjoy your time there?

 

In addition, does anyone have advice regarding housing in Pullman, Washington? In particular, was the town pet friendly?

 

Thank you so much!

 

 

 

Edit: merged this post with an existing thread.  -fuzzy

[Plan B's]

Happy to see that the common reply is not some variation of "roll-over-and-die." 

 

I do have a question, however: how CAN we improve our chances next time around? (I know I can raise my GRE--162 V/158Q/5AW--and I can retake the Subject exam, but I can't really adjust my BA--4.0 out of Rutgers.) I thought about taking some more courses at a small, private college to bolster my WS and make some contacts.

If you don't get in, you should probably consider submitting articles and book reviews. This will definitely improve your chances. Building your CV is probably the best thing you can do!

[0% Confidence of Acceptance]

Click on your name in the upper-right corner and you'll go to your profile page.  Click on "Edit My Profile," then "Signature" and change it to whatever you fancy.

Thank you! I appreciate your help.

[0% Confidence of Acceptance]

And by the way, if you really feel that you must get into a PhD program, you could always apply to a school that isn't ranked highly, but may still offer a great education. I've sort of hedged my bets and applied to some schools that my professors didn't recommend. I figure if I don't get into a good or middle of the road program I may still have a shot at a school that isn't my top pick, but may provide me with further learning, new life experiences, and an adventure.

[0% Confidence of Acceptance]

This is probably way off topic, but how do you make the programs you've applied to show up under your post?

 

Thank you!

[Fall 2013 English Lit Applicants]

I just wanted to say hello to everyone. Like the rest of you, I am waiting to hear about my application status from PhD programs. An acceptance will mean a big change for me and for my family. I'm an older student (37) with a husband and two daughters. I graduated with an MA in History in 2006 and am currently completing my MA in Literature. I've lived in the same town in Montana for my entire life. I look forward to chatting with others on this site and patiently waiting the letters of acceptance or rejection. I mostly dream about moving and packing these days.