NavyMom

Haha.... Yeah, me too honestly. Not sure how I am going to do this. It's a little bit intimidating.

I technically start the day after labor day. That being said... I have to start my summer assignment (now), by reading 5 books, 10 publications, and 5 theses.... then write a 10 page paper and turn it in a week before class meets for the first time. THEN... I have class on Sept 2nd. Then that Friday from 5-8pm, then Sat & Sun from 8-5pm, Mon from 6-9pm, and finally Tues from 6-8pm. My normal classes are just Monday and Tuesday. I am going part time since I work full time. Taking Intro to Public Policy and Administration and Applied Economic Analysis I.

How interesting! I am going to Sac State for the MPPA degree starting this fall. I just turned 39 and I also just graduated with my undergrad. Did you check out CSU Northridge? They have a fairly competetive online degree program as well. Not sure about public health, but I do know they have an online MPA program so it's possible. Where abouts do you live?

I applaud your efforts as a mom, and your dedication to do something for yourself! I was in a similar situation, with my own son (although he was not home schooled). I did work full time, and go to school full time, so I know how hard that can be on a family. I just (literally) graduated with my bachelor's degree after 15 years of work... and through the process also have obtained two associate degrees. My son is now grown and in the Navy, and I start this fall on my master's program. I am a nervous wreck too. Some people are acting like it's going to be a piece of cake, but these same people have not gone to grad school and they have no idea. The vibe I am getting is making me nervous... late, sleepless nights, writing, writing, and more writing...more sleepless nights... So, if you want a friend to help push you from this end, I'll be that friend. All the best. Hope to talk soon.

You can leave to visit your family over a weekend. They are talking about if, say during the summer months you return home because there is no schedule you will only be classified as non-resident. If you live here for a year, attend school for the entire year, work, etc... you can classify yourself as a resident. Some students only stay at the school during the academic year (Fall and Spring), and return home for the rest of the periods... those students are not instate students.

I have to say thank you to all the students who commented here, and the original OP for asking the question. I am starting my first year of grad school myself. I am an older woman, married, and my son is grown and on his own now, but I have to say I am blessed with the amount of support I have from my family going into this. I have already read the living syllabi for my classes, and I am mentally prepparing myself over the summer for the work I am about to engage in.

I have the Yoga 13 and I love it. Although I am a fairly small person. I hook it up to my 24 inch monitor when I am home so I have a better viewing area, but on the go, the 13 inch screen works okay for me. It's lighter and easier to cart around, too.

Well I have to, because I have required reading over the summer, and an assignment that is due before school even starts...

I just checked, and I am an officially classified student as they finally received my transcripts with my BA posted on them. Now I just register for class in June. So crazy it's here.

So bumping this one up.... Has anyone else received acceptance into Sac State?

I just checked my status, and they finally received my transcripts with my bachelor degree posted, so I am officially a classified student. So weird.... They have the fall schedule up, but I am not registering until June... At least I know what days my classes will be. I am a little nervous... I'm nearly 40 years old, and I have been in school for a long time. But I am worried that this will break me with the workload. Hopefully it will not because I really want this. Luckily, it's just myself and my husband. My son is grown and focused in his own career. I am currently unemployed but I am working on that part. I have been interning and I love it. Is anyone here in Northern California?

Haha..... you all make me giggle. I have been getting my books in too, and well..... not looking forward to having to read them. A little scared. I am trying to find a way to post a pic of my books.... I have 13 right now. Only for two classes. I am awaiting 3 more, that are on the way.

I have already been admitted into my master's program of choice (public policy and administration) to start fall 2014. However, I am finishing a required pre-requisite, which is Microeconomics. I am halfway through the class, and have a fairly sold B, but I feel I still need occasional help with this topic to understand it more on a deeper level. Is anyone out there willing to help me from time to time? I don't ask too many questions, but there are times when I need either reassurance on something to make sure I understand it correctly, or guidance towards the real meaning to what I have a question for. Right now, I am unemployed and barely making ends meet taking care of my family, so I cannot afford one of those elaborate tutoring websites... so if anyone doesn't mind an occasional email from me asking questions, I would be forever grateful to you. Thank you in advance. Tami

Okay, so now I am back. It's been kind of crazy around here. Finally finished my BA in the last couple of weeks, so I am starting to move forward in prepping for grad school. So many things to learn before hand. Is there a "dress code" that is expected? Is it considered a professional atmosphere in comparison to undergrad? What should I expect for the reading? I live in the area where my school is already, so I don't need to visit the school, or explore. I can use all that time to mentally prepare myself for what's coming, and getting myself in the mindset of being a grad student. Also, this will be very different for me, because I haven't experienced the "college experience" on a campus before. All of my undergrad classes have been online, as a distance learning student. My associate degree classes, well, I don't really count them as part of the "college experience", because all I did was just go to night classes, and the life was kind of boring. For grad school, I will be attending classes on campus, and most likely will be spending a lot of time on the campus studying, doing research, etc. My husband has been a terrific supporter in this, but I want to prepare him for this too. Tami

So since my last post, I have received my official admittance letter, and I have also completed my bachelor's degree!! Started buying books for the first two classes I am taking this fall (16 of them), and wow, am I nervous!!!!!!

I just finished my last quarter. My degree is being reviewed now and I was told it will post sometime this week... I live in Sacramento, CA, so I am headed to Sac State for their MPPA program. How about you?

So, I have been accepted and admitted. I am in the process of pre-buying the books required for class. A little nervous at the amount of reading and considering buying a supply of coffee to span 3 years. Anyone else prepping? Tami

I got my official admittance and I accepted, so I start after labor day. I have already pulled the syllabi for both classes of my first semester (they are living so the only thing that has changed is the dates of class meetings - The books have remained the same). I have started to purchase said books, because for two classes, there are 16 of them. What has your experience been dealing with so much reading material. I have somewhat been given a taste in my senior year of my undergrad, but it doesn't come close to these graduate level classes. I do have to read at least one book over the summer in order to complete an assignment before class starts. Can anyone provide advice on how to keep up with the reading when you still have somewhat of a life *chuckle*? My life consists of working and dealing with family... I have already cut off my outside social life.

I agree with you. I have no real balance in mine neither, my life currently is work, school, study, sleep. If I want to do anything I have to find time to pencil time in to my calendar.

I'm looking forward to seeing what the mix will be like in my cohort. Old and young, various experiences and backgrounds. Everyone has so much to offer at the table to help teach others. I hope my group gets close too. We'll be together for 3 years. I am looking forward to starting.

Oh wow!! That's awful! I am hoping there will be other "older" students in my class. Should be because of the nature of it, but you never know. I will be 39 this year. (It's also the day I participate in the commencement ceremonies for my Bachelor's degree). I am married too, and I have a grown son in the Navy.

You're lucky... When I took a tour of my prospective school, they didn't even address grad students. They only offer tours to transfers and freshmen. When I asked if they had materials about grad school, the kid looked at me with a blank face.

Wow!! I didn't think this thread would take off when I created it. Pretty awesome stuff. It's nice to see you all here, and know I am not alone in my venture for higher education. I am home sick today. Woke up Tues morning feeling a little "ick", thinking it was probably allergies and dealt with it all day. Woke up this morning with a full blown cold. I haven't been sick in a few years. We should set up a place where we can chat from time to time, maybe create our own Skype group or something? What do you all think?