wildlifer

I may have to give my older sister tough love because she needs a serious wake up call. She's on the verge of pushing her own family away and I am just not sure how much more I can take. But it's difficult because she has two kids and I would be devastated if giving her tough love meant I couldn't see them. Not to mention, they live right next door, so I don't even know how to approach it. /sigh. It's so hard being treated like absolute crap by a family member you have helped so much over the years....

Good for you! Try checking out the older students thread, there's several women in that thread that are currently in grad programs that are older, married, and with kids . Good luck!

He's either quite busy and hasn't had the time to talk or he's just not interested? The only way you'll know, as many people have stated in this post, is just ask him point blank. I know that's awkward and the idea of being rejected by someone you like sucks, but you have to try so you can clear your head. If he still won't respond after asking him, then just move on.

Maybe he was being kind? I can't really fully say, but the 11 year difference may or may not be of interest to him. If/when you do see him around on campus, just ask him to talk and find out where he stands with you? If you find that he isn't interested in anything beyond a friendship, then don't be afraid to move on from it. You're still very young and have plenty of time and opportunity to meet someone who may be a better fit for you.

At the end of the day, it's really up to you whether or not completing a MS in your field is advisable. If you really want to, then start researching programs and figuring out how to apply, etc. Good luck.

Hello there. Not sure if I can be of some help or not, but, have you thought of maybe taking some time off after you finish your BA? Schools will always be there and maybe taking a year or so off will help you to determine what works best for you and maybe gain some work experience that would help boost your CV/resume. As far as when you should apply? From everything I've read and discussed with former professors, it is really dependent on your field and the school itself. But if you are starting the basic process now (researching schools, prepping for the GRE, etc) you'll be ahead of the game so to speak when you're actually ready to apply. I'm trying to get this all figured out myself by this winter so I can apply by January in hopes of a Fall admission. I wish I had started sooner, but ah well, life happens. Keep searching on here, you may find more specific answers. I have found this site and members to be really helpful. Good luck.

Thanks for your input. From everyone I have spoken with-former coworkers, professors, etc. all have more or less been very encouraging and saying this is common route for people in this field. I've committed myself to the idea now. I've been contacting schools and am currently studying when I can for the GRE. Just a matter of figuring out which school will be taking students and applying once the GREs are taken. Thanks for the tip on the cooperative units, almost every school I have interest in has those!

So true... my cat is the same way. He's just turned 6 years old this month and while he's mellowed out over the years, he's still just as chatty. My cat has definitely won, cause we "converse" frequently. lol. Ah well, love the little furball nonetheless. Also, reusable grocery bags (the cloth ones). I don't know why, but my cat LOVES them. When I bring groceries in and have those, it's like he's waiting for one to be emptied so he can dive in and lay down in it. So if you have those, see if your cat likes them. It's a cheap and easy entertainment if they do. Plus, it's entertaining for you as well, so win win!

Thanks! Certainly trying to grab it. We shall see how it pans out .

I'm also an applicant (or well planning to be) for Fall 2015 for a MS in similar field but with a concentration in wildlife biology. I actually applied to one MS program about 3-4 years ago. My GREs were terrible, GPA was just under a 3.0 and I had only one relevant field experience. Needless to say, I wasn't accepted. I took it as a sign that it wasn't my time to go yet and since then I have completed a 2nd BS where I was on the dean's list with high honors for the time I was there, graduating with a 3.7+ GPA, a ton of field experience, and have made several professional contacts. Wildlife/forestry/natural resources are all really a tight knit unit. You'd be amazed how connected everyone is. I am planning to use those contacts to my advantage during this process. I would urge you to do the same. As GeoDUDE! said, if you don't get accepted, it's not the end of the world. Besides, it doesn't seem to be a "one size fits all" process anyways. So what happens with one applicant, may or may not happen with the next. Just have to keep your head up and try your best. Best of luck!!

Is there a way you could maybe find alumni of the program(s) you're looking into? Like a list of recent graduates? That might be a way of getting the information you're seeking. /shrug Just an idea!

Sorry to hear you're not enjoying yourself. I can imagine it is rather difficult being in another country feeling that way. Who knows, maybe things will swing into place and you'll find your groove. But, if after some time and you still feel out of place, miserable, then withdrawing might be your best route. If you end up ever wanting to change career paths to the veterinary world, I have some tips. I got my first BS in Animal Science afterall! When you say veterinary nurse, I am assuming you meant veterinary technician/assistant. You wouldn't need to major in biology in order to go that route. Many community colleges offer veterinary tech programs and you would be done in 2 years and be qualified to take a state license exam. I would also suggest volunteering at a clinic, to get some experience. Many clinics will take volunteers and you may first end up doing odds and ends type work, but if they know you're serious about the field, they will work with you. Many of my classmates did this and were able to secure paying jobs by doing so. Now, if you wanted to go off to veterinary school, it's a slightly different path. You don't have to be a biology major to get in, you just need the required prerequisites. And typically those are: a year of general biology, a year of general chemistry, a year of organic chemistry, a year of physics, calculus, maybe stats, and semester of biochemistry. In addition to those courses, you also would need to take either the VCAT or GRE. Again, depends on the school. If you high marks (3.5+), test scores, and LOR. You might have a chance. Veterinary school is one of the most competitive out there. For more info I would suggest the following: https://www.avma.org/Pages/home.aspx http://aavmc.org/ Not trying to sway you in any way, I was just offering some suggestions in case it ends up being a serious thought afterall. Only you know what is best for you I wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide!

I'm a relatively new to the grad cafe as well. But I have found some super helpful comments and suggestions on here, so browse around, you might find something worthy of noting. I'll be retaking the GREs myself in the winter (Dec I'm guessing), so I know how you feel. There's a thread on here called the GRE free resources or something along those lines. Tons of good prep links on there that I have bookmarked. Anyway, welcome and good luck!

So I am not sure if I'm really considered an older student per se.. I'm 7 days shy of being 27 but I've always been beyond my years (or so I've been told). I just finished my second BS this past May and I was definitely one of the oldest of the student body there. I'm looking into graduate programs for Fall 2015 (hopefully). In some ways, I feel like the "odd one out" because some of my peers from my first college went straight into graduate school and now are working full time in their field. And then the other half of my peers from my 2nd college are just setting foot in the the real world post college. And here I am, in between both worlds. Sometimes I wish I could turn around and redo it, other times I like that I have had my own unique path. To those of you pursuing graduate studies while having a family, HUGE kudos to you. I have huge amounts of respect for those of you who fit that category!

Oh my goodness I can so relate. I just finished up school in May for my second BS and I had to deal with those sharks constantly. It's ridiculous for them to think full time students (even with part time work or assistantships) can afford to make loan payments while dealing with living expenses, car, phone, what have you.

Thank you for your input. I have read the same regarding resume/CV and I just wanted to see what other people's take on it was. I generally do contact professors/employers by Dr., Professor, Mr, etc. The only reason I asked is because I do know him, but I see what you are saying and it makes sense.

As with many others on this thread... don't pay for cable. Even if you paid for internet and hulu or netflix, it would most likely be cheaper than a cable bill. Besides, most people tend to only watch a handful of shows so why pay for 100+ channels when you maybe watch like 2-5. Consignment/light used clothing stores are great. You never know what you'll find and the prices are very reasonable. I found a barely used L.L. Bean down jacket for less than $10 at a good will once, retail on those jackets are upwards of $90!! And along those lines, yard/garage sales. That might be a good way to get furniture if you just recently moved across the country for your program. I also sometimes use the dollar stores, depending on the item, it's worth it if you're strapped for cash. Sure the quality may not be great, but it'll work while you're a broke student . For car repairs... if I can figure it out myself or have a friend/family (Dad) help me with it, then I just buy the parts online. And even if I do need to go the mechanic, if I know what parts to get, I'll get them ahead of time and just pay the mechanic for labor. I can almost always find the parts cheaper than what he would charge me. Having only water when going out to eat.. I know, boring, but drinks are stupidly expensive.

Venting thread, how perfect. My biggest vent right now is securing a job.I haven't worked in 2 weeks since my summer position ended and I'm already feeling like I want to scream. Anyone who purposely chooses to remain unemployed is nuts, this so called vaca plain sucks.

That definitely makes sense and I will be sure to keep that in mind. Thank you for the straight to the point reply, it is helpful!

I am not sure if there was already a thread on this, but figured I would start one in case I am not the only one just starting the process. 1). When contacting them, should I include my resume/CV right off or should I see if they ask for one? 2). This question is a little more specific... one of the schools I have in mind is actually where I finished my first BS. My ornithology professor from there often has a graduate student or two and he is one of the professors I would like to contact. However, I haven't seen or spoken to him since I left the area, over 4 years ago. The class was a good size (60 +) and he teaches it every year, so as you can imagine, he's had a lot of students since me. Should I introduce myself as if I'm a stranger and see if he remembers me, or should I remind him that I was in his ornithology course and that I would be interested in working for him under a MS degree? Also, when contacting him, should I address him as I did back when I had class with him? He was a first name basis, laid back kind of professor.. hardly anyone ever addressed him as "Dr." or "Professor". 3). What is the appropriate amount of time for a follow up email or phone call? A week? 2 weeks? I don't want to be a P.I.T.A but I also want to be noticed. Sorry if my questions seem silly or dumb, I am just getting the ball rolling on all this and want to make sure I do it correctly

Ah yes, the rentals. I remember quite well the ridiculous prices and I moved away 4 years ago.. so I can just imagine what they are now. Most of my classmates made it "reasonable" by living with 3-5 other students. If you ever want any recommendations on restaurants, skiing, whatever. Hit me up and I'll be glad to share my favs from the area!

Maine is rural but that might be the appeal to the applicant I personally love it.. but I was born and raised here, so I'm biased I'm with you on the list of schools, UMaine, of those three, is probably the best one as far as funding and such goes. Plus, if the applicant is looking for that rural appeal, UMaine in Orono has more of that to offer than UNE and USM. I'll be most likely applying to UMaine as well for their MS in wildlife ecology.

Not quite ready to post my information yet (still trying to decide where I want to apply). But anywho, saw that you're a UVMer! I'm class of 09, Animal Science. I'm actually contemplating looking into their MS in Natural Resources program, as I know some of the professors in the Rubenstein school. Hope you're enjoying Burlington, I miss it over there!

Harvard: http://hms.harvard.edu/departments/admissions/applying/requirements-admission https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/requirements/ As you can see, I don't think there is anyway around not getting those courses if you want in. Some people do what's called a post bacc or take them at a community college (cheaper route).