figuringitout80

That's about the age I'll be.

I didn't realize that I had touched on a topic which seems to elicit so much discussion. I really enjoy this additional thread. I really like this attitude as well.

This thought was in my mind as well -- on top of that I am woman which I think can be more challenging since I do want to have a family life. I kind of want to do it all, and I do know a woman whow is in her early 40s on tenure track at harvard with two small kids. She finished her phd at age 33. So it can be done I think.

Does anyone have concerns about trying to raise a family? Granted I'm single at this point but I fear the potential balance of school and family life. Any thoughts from those who are/have been there?

Riz, that's very interesting. So you didn't just apply for the January deadline?

I have a question regarding grad school applications -- I have a lot of experience in foreign affairs, but I would like to switch my focus to more domestic and economically oriented studies for grad school and beyond. Either way I will have to leverage my experience when applying to programs, but I wanted to know if I should be direct and state that now that I've done "X" I would like to pursue "Y." Or would many schools frown upon such a track?

Does anyone else have additional info about this program? Its website is so out of date and no one has returned my phone call.

Hello! Thanks for offering the advice! MY question is then you have already applied? How did the admission process work for you?

Thanks! I wish more universities offered spring admissions.

Does anyone know of graduate programs accepting students for spring 2010 enrollment? I know Columbia is one, but I am not sure about any of the others. Anyone have some insights?

Is Columbia the only university with a January admissions? Or are there other major universities?

I apologize if this question is too elementary, but I am interested in pursuing a joint -program through GPPI. I am qualified for one program (public policy) but I lack background in the potential other field (econ or psych). Does it make sense to try and apply for one and then take classes in the other and try to work into the other program that way? Or are the departments there generally aware of this strategy and thus actively frown upon it? Any thoughts are much appreciated!

Hello -- I hope you are still answering questions about Harris, which really pertain to my unique circumstance. I started out as a history major with illusions of becoming an historian (or lawyer) but ended up at a think-tank instead. Long story short, I am interested in pursuing a PhD at Harris (among other possible schools), but lack the quantitative background of many other students. Will Chicago even consider me for admittance in this case? Do I have to go through the MPA route first? I'm getting close to 30 and don't want to be in school forever. BTW, I have decent GREs - 660V 790Q, good professional experience, and a less stellar GPA (3.3-3.4).

Thanks to everyone for their comments -- it is helping me garner a wider perspective on this issue.

I apologize if this question is too elementary, but I am interested in pursuing a joint -program. I am qualified for one program (public policy) but I lack background in the potential other field (econ or psych). Does it make sense to try and apply for one and then take classes in the other and try to work into the other program that way? Or are departments generally aware of this strategy and thus actively frown upon it? Any thoughts are much appreciated!