greyjay69

You have to want to quit that's the key. It sounds that you're positive about it and that will help. I smoked 2 packs a day for 15 years. I tried quitting 3 times and failed because my heart wasn't in it. The 4th time I was determined to quit and finally kicked the habit. The first 2 or 3 days are the worst.

Seriously, you need to go talk to someone for the depression. If you were to be accepted into a lower ranked school you would still be able to reach those goals that you have set for yourself. Don't let a low GPA stop you from trying. I haven't started the application process yet, but I would think that at some point you would be able to explain your situation. My point is that this is a road block, and life is full of road blocks, you just can't let it stop you from trying anymore.

I was worried about relating to others that were much younger than me, but, you're right, we would be there because we all want to study the same focus areas so I think it would work out. I can't wait to retire and focus on grad school!

The power of networking! I don't know how many times I've seen it already on this forum to make contact with people, to put yourself out there and actually speak to people. It sounds like you've got the right "can do" attitude to make it happen!

Thanks for the post! I think that we do have the maturity to handle things that come our way. After 18 years in the Air Force I've learned to roll with the punches.

I'm really interested in the Late Antiquity/early medieval period. It took a while to "sell" my wife on the idea of this, but now she's behing me 100%. After 20 years it's time to do something that I want to do. I was worried about the age thing though because when I tell people my post retirement plans they give me a look like i'm crazy.

Check out The Rise of Western Christendom by Peter Brown.

Kirialax, I would be interested in any recommendations for Byzantium that you might have.

I'm glad I saw this post. I'm 44 and retiring from the Air Force in two years which will put me at 46 when I submit my applications. I'm glad I'm not the only older person going through this. Has anyone received any negative feedback when applying at an older age?