Threeboysmom
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Posts posted by Threeboysmom
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18 hours ago, radhikapc said:
Hi All,
I am 35 and a mother. I have applied to the MS program in HCI at CMU and am awaiting for the result. Do you think age is a negative factor in getting an admit ? I have around 12 years experience in Technical Writing. I scored a 317 in GRE.
What is the possibility of getting an admit at CMU ?
Thank you
I'm not sure of your chances getting into your particular program only because I'm not that familiar. However don't be discouraged if you get a rejection keep going. Due to my circumstances I could only apply to three schools in my area and one of them I got a rejection from I was so upset but the rejection showed me that I really wanted it and I had to keep going. I'm 36 with three kids. I started my program almost two years ago after a 14 year hiatus. School for me now is very different than my undergrad days. I am loving it and have recently decided to pursue my PhD after I complete my Masters. You will find this community to be very helpful. Best of luck to you.
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17 hours ago, Cheshire_Cat said:
A boy. Haha. So really, my dad is a Ph.D and I always thought I would get one. But then I moved off to get experience in industry, and life was comfortable. Work was not terrible, I didn't like having to be there from 9-5 each day, but it was manageable. (It went downhill later, but that’s a different story.) Then I met a guy who was in a Ph.D program and started dating him. And although he is in a field I would advise against getting a Ph.D in, it did remind me that I wanted to go back. And he was there to answer the 3 billion questions I had, and make going to school seem more in reach. So I applied a few places, and got in. Boy and I have since broken up, but at least he pointed me in the right direction, and gave me a random appreciation of Baylor football. Go figure. The point is, it was always in the back of my mind, and I knew I wouldn't be happy unless I was in academia. I have some good credentials in industry, but when it came down to it, I needed something different than where a career in industry would take me.
Happy, the boy was a supportive person that helped you on your Ph.D journey.
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Yes your situation is a bit different. It's a completely different ball game since you are the sole financial supporter of your family. I am not employed outside of the home so my plan post my masters was to find part time work within my field. I'm just not sure that I want to finish one program and then spend another five to six years in another program, though that would be the ideal time to do it. Sigh.... decisions...
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On 1/18/2016 at 3:36 PM, TurquoiseTurtle said:
Hello, everyone! I am very grateful to have found this forum. It looks like a wealth of information!
I am hoping that somebody (or several somebodies!) might have a pearl of wisdom to toss my way regarding my situation. I was a very happy and successful undergraduate English major (I graduated Magna cum Laude with a 3.8 GPA), and was fortunate enough to have a productive Research Assistantship with a professor who taught me a great deal about my specific area of interest: Postcolonial literary theory. I graduated in 2000, after which I moved to Dallas, got married, and had two wonderful children. My intention to apply to graduate school went on the back burner so that I could raise my kids. Now that they are older, I definitely want to go back to school; however, I just don't know where to begin. My undergrad degree is sixteen years old and I am no longer in touch with any of my previous professors, who would have served as academic references. I still want to eventually earn my PhD in English so that I can cultivate a career in Postsecondary Education; I just need to figure out how to get there.
I am considering going back to school for a second Bachelor's in order to develop the references and more recent coursework that I feel I need in order to competitively apply to an MA program; would this be a good idea? Another consideration is that since my family is well-established where we currently live, I do not have the option of applying to multiple programs or attending different schools for different degree programs. Is it reasonable to expect to attain a B.A. M.A., and PhD from the same university, or should I look at the possibility of getting one or more of these degrees from different institutions, even if it means having to get the degree entirely online?
Goodness, I know that I asked SO many questions...I am very grateful for any input that I might receive! Thank you in advance and thanks for reading this!
Wow, this was me a few years ago. I had a 13 year hiatus before going back for my Masters. My husband is the sole provider for our family and he is established there so my only options were universities that were local. I used a one work reference and the rest were references from my volunteer work. I did not have any other options. My work reference was old but it was was okay. If it is meant to be it will be, you know what I mean. I studied for the GRE and everything. Yikes talk about freaking out! I started my program as part time because I wasn't sure I would be able to handle three kids, a husband, my house etc. I'm now attending full time and it has worked out. Since my return to school, I too am considering my Ph.D and the time it would take to complete it and what that would mean for my family. I would like to attend a different university however if I am not able too I wouldn't feel bad completing my Ph.D from the same university where I pursued my Masters. I would NOT go for a second bachelors degree. I would probably take one or two post bac classes to get my feet wet as a non degree seeking student then I would use those professors as references and apply for my Masters. Best of luck to you.
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Okay,
I'm a non-traditional student that decided to complete my masters after a 13 year hiatus. Now that I'm in the program, I'm loving it. I love learning and the content keeps me coming back for more. After this semester I have three semesters left and then my masters is done. I'm seriously considering my Ph.D but I'm would like to hear from others to hear how they knew they weren't done at the Masters level. There's a lot to consider when you have a family and other obligations so taking on a Ph.D at this time would be a huge sacrifice for my family but I think I would be happy in the end.
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On 12/17/2015 at 9:51 AM, gingin6789 said:
Also had surgery towards the end of the semester! I thought "Wow, I'll have a few days to do nothing" but I had forgotten that recovering from surgery isn't like having time off, really ... much more pain involved than I remember (this is my fifth surgery of this type; I guess we tend to block out the bad memories)! There were a couple days off where I felt better than worse, and I am happy to report that I'm pretty much all better.
Submitted the last of my grades yesterday, and I just sent the last of my GRE scores to PhD programs I'm applying to! Feeling relieved, yet not looking forward to the waiting game!
Good luck as you go through the agonizing waiting process.
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Things are starting to get hectic around here. Papers, and finals all due at the same time and I just want to run away from it all. I'm looking forward to Christmas break.
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One week post surgery and I am struggling to keep up with my reading while on all the meds to fix my broken leg. Hanging in there though.
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"Second year blues" are starting to kick in... when is something going to go right?
I hear you! Although I did not know second year blues were to be expected. I believe I have a slight case.
Sorry to hear you are feeling lonely. I think there must be something about second year. A lot of my classmates report being totally unmotivated.
A lot of them (they are mostly traditional-aged students) are realizing that there are no answers in our field, and that everything depends on context. Yet in our classes, we're asked to propose solutions to enormous problems that haven't been solved yet (i.e. childhood obesity, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, etc.) If experts haven't figured out how to solve these, how are we supposed to? Most of them understand that it is more about understanding how complex these problems are, how many different ways there are to approach them, and how to critically analyze the literature that is out there and not just accept things that are published in peer-reviewed journals as "correct." It really is amazing how much "junk" gets published - where authors, for example, use totally inappropriate and incorrect methods. It really makes you wonder about the entire peer review process if papers with those kinds of flaws get published (and in my field, I'm talking about simple things, like using the DRIs correctly to assess dietary intake - nothing controversial or difficult).
Yes I have no motivation to do anything. Perhaps a lot of that can be contributed to the fact I have a broken leg for the past nine months and everything is a chore. My first year I felt more on top of things. This semester I feel so disjointed. Weird, I can't really explain it. Looking forward to surgery to fix my leg this week. Then looking forward to the Christmas break.
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Took my first exam of the semester and I did okay. Not as great as I would have liked but okay. Feeling a little lonely this semester, don't know what that's about. Also the changes with the layout on gradcafe have made it more of a challenge to keep up with old friends. Hanging in there, researching in preparation to write two big papers this semester.
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I'm well! Things are so busy though...I can't wait for the end of October. By then, two publications and a fellowship applications should both be submitted, and Thanksgiving will be right around the corner!
This is great! Congratulations!
Just attended a conference where I presented a paper as first author!
Now back to my reality of courses, TA-ing, research, and (a new thing for me) undergrad research mentoring.
Good job presenting at a conference. I attended my first professional conference in March, It was so overwhelming.
Happy that I have a long weekend (it's Canadian Thanksgiving).
Unfortunately for me, it seems that I'm not fully recovered from my concussion.
I was doing so well with my practicum this summer, we were hopeful. Unfortunately, it seems like the kind of mental concentration and heavy reading and computer work required by graduate school has caused my concussion symptoms to flare again. Fortunately, my program is very understanding, and I have accommodations through Accessibility services. It definitely makes things challenging, though, as I can only work in short chunks of time before I need a break. And I have a headache at the end of the two days I have class, since those are solid days (class from 9 to 4 or 10 to 5, with only an hour break for lunch on both days).Also struggling to get a couple of papers published. Been rejected pre-review from the first two journals we submitted to. Trying to find other journals we can submit to that don't charge open access fees.
I can only imagine the frustration you are experiencing at this time. I hope the situation with the concussion gets resolved. Best of luck to you as you continue your studies despite the concussion.
Won a prize in my discipline outside of the university, which is the first external validation I've had since joining this discipline for my PhD. Kind of bowled over and oh so happy! Starting to prepare for the national conference in December where the prize will be awarded, and where I'm presenting the same paper. Coursework is chugging fine, although it's frustrating having to fulfil certain requirements which stop me being able to take the most relevant courses to my dissertation, at times.
I'm really worried about learning two languages from scratch, neither of which use the Latin alphabet, and passing reading exams in both by the end of next year. The reality of how intense and stuctured this program will continue to be into year 3 and 4 is starting to hit home.
This is fantastic! I'm sure the external validation feels great. Learning two different languages....yikes, seems daunting. At least you're aware of what your in for over the next couple of years and its seems like you are laying the foundation to ensure your future success. I'm sure the road ahead will be filled with challenges but, nothing comes easy. Best of luck to you.
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Hey everyone!
I am nearly halfway through my 3rd semester and all is well.
I got a new job starting in July and things have just taken off! I am no longer in a support position (administrative assistant), but a Policy Analyst... which is exactly what I am studying in my masters degree. Got one hell of a pay raise and good benefits. Never imagined it would happen this early in the game.
So far I haven't had any struggles with my professors or fellow students, although I am not going to be finishing with any "strong" or "close" friendships. Most of the folks are a bit younger than I am, and well, they have formed their only little "click" that I am not included in... most likely because I am much older.Anyways - hope everyone else is well.
Way to go this is great news!
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How is everyone? I'm busy into the grad school shuffle reading, writing, repeating. Enjoying my semester so far. I hope everyone else is okay.
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You guys are on it! Congrats on all your progress and good luck this year. Chime in and tell us how your year is progressing.
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Started reading... Loving what I'm learning so far. Class starts on Monday! Good luck everyone.
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Seriously have to devote some time to my home office, getting it ready for this year its a mess and not fit for studying.
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I'm taking this week "off" (having a staycation, what have you) to gear up for uclasses beginning again next week. I'm hanging out with the cats, knitting, getting a head start on thesis-related reading, watching netflix, and napping.
Napping, Knitting and Netflix sounds awesome. I have so many things to do but I get overwhelmed and end up taking a nap.
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I still have another ... five years .... God, that's intimidating to think about.
First year went well, have five publications under review, so we'll see whether or not I can keep it up this coming year I guess. I'm doubling the number of projects I'll be working on, at any rate.
Good luck to everyone thesis-ing or thinking about PhD apps! Keep us posted.
Yes, when you think about the time it can feel overwhelming but slow and steady wins the race. Five publications congratulations!! Sounds like this next year will be busy for you as well. Best of luck to you.
I too have another 5 years. Just secured a great apartment for the coming 12 months so feeling excited to get back to town after a summer of fieldwork and visiting family abroad
I'm taking a language next year which means I have class 4 days per week (boo) but also allows me to only pick the two most interesting courses from my own department per term (yay). I'll be on the department's grad student board and the university-wide student health board for 2015-16, which should be interesting in terms of understanding how US educational institutions work from the inside. I'm presenting at my discipline's major conference in December too. The main goal this year is to get more of a balance between the different aspects of being a grad student, rather than being too hung up on coursework.
Congrats on the new apartment. Good luck presenting at your conference this year. Please keep us posted on how things go. Good luck with your goal to balance all the aspects of grad life. If you come up with a solution please share. I feel that the time my head is not buried in a book, or writing a paper I'm cooking/cleaning for my family. Not much fun but considering the circumstances I won't complain.
I just finished up my first year of an MA/PhD and successfully got my MA (just need to file for it). I'm applying for two summer scholarships for next summer and for 5 conferences for this coming year, with the hope of getting into one. Other than that, I'm just focused on coursework and my new job. I can't wait for the semester to start and yet, I'd also like a few more weeks to Netflix and stare at the books I promised myself I would read.
I hope you get into a conference. I can so relate to wanting to watch Netflix or read a book for pleasure. I'm making the most of the two weeks I have left.
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Congrats on finishing your first year, Threeboysmom and RunnerGrad!
I finished all my coursework and moved to Berkeley to be with my partner. During the next academic year, I'll be holding a policy fellowship at McGill and a partner institution in India, auditing classes at UC Berkeley, and co-organizing a conference. I suppose I'll be applying to a slew of fellowships for the following year since I've decided to take a year off before applying to PhD programs. And oh, I am also supposed to do some fieldwork and write my MA thesis. Yikes!
This sounds awesome! Way to go and good luck with your thesis.
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I still have another three weeks left of my summer practicum. Then I have two weeks off before the Fall Semester starts. This fall will be nice, as I only have to commute two days a week. They are both very full days of class, but I have a day off between them.
I've also just started thinking about PhD applications! I'm going to have to start asking for reference letters for the PhD programs soon. I have to start working on my SoP as well, which will be interesting, as a PhD SoP is quite different from one for a professional master's.
Awesome, I have one more week after today with my summer practicum and then 3 weeks before fall as well. Good luck for with your SoP for your PhD program. I've started thinking about it. I'm not sure I want to make the time commitment yet.
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The end.
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Well we made it through first year. After this year I still have two years left since I'm attending part time. Some of you are getting ready for your thesis etc. Let's keep each other encouraged this year with our progress. This board has been very helpful to me throughout my preparation studying for the GRE, application, first year and now beginning the second year.
Currently, I'm going through my home purging and getting the office ready for the upcoming semester. I have ordered a few books and I need to get a jump start on my reading. How are you all doing? Wishing each of you the best as you continue your journey.
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Cesar salad
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Thanks for the responses. I will not have any other responsibilities. My children will be in school and I plan to use that time to study and more study time on the weekend. I am going to ponder over it a few more days...
What Convinced You to Pursue Your Ph.D
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Thanks for sharing guys! I can see that some of you had a profound set of circumstances that pushed you to take your educational goals higher. ashiepoo72 I like your perspective about not looking back and having regret. That's huge, I don't need anymore regrets in my life. Thanks agian.