shrinkgirl

Good luck! I struggled with the same choice and ultimately decided to go the CACREP route (LPC) as opposed to the APA route. For me, as someone with a husband with a successful corporate job, it came down to practicalities. There were no APA-accredited programs anywhere near me, and relocating made no sense for us. In addition, I'm far more interested in clinical practice as opposed to research, so that was the impetus for the decision. I start my Masters program this month, and plan to go on to earn a PhD in counselor education (to work as a supervisor/clinical director and have the option to teach if I want to) after that. Good luck to you!

Hi OP,
 
Not sure if you're still following this thread, but could you audit an MFA class in the program? Maybe take a semester off the leveling classes to do it so you're not killing yourself? It sounds like the leveling classes are grueling and not creatively satisfying at all, but I wonder if the actual MFA program might be everything you'd hoped for. Finding out might help make this decision a little bit easier. FWIW, I'm sorry it's been such a rough road for you. 

Thanks, Navy Mom! I'm adding you now.  
 
So glad to see others chiming in! Niffler: 32, 5 kids, and finishing up undergrad with plans for grad school--I'm in total awe of you. You're an amazing role model for your kids (something I try to tell myself when I feel overwhelmed, haha). 
 
And hola to GeoMex! Are you applying to US grad schools? I understand the trepidation about keeping pace as an international student. I moved to the US when I was 15, and it was a really tough adjustment, but everyone was extremely friendly. I've also more recently had family move to the US to do grad school and everyone has said that academia is one of the best places to be as an international person...people are generally very welcoming and helpful!

Hi Shrinkgirl!  Welcome!
 
I see you are in the mental health field.  Its the field I currently work in, myself.  Good luck on your first semester!!  Keep us posted on how you are doing!  Feel free to add me to your friends list, as well.

Hi, everyone! Very excited to find a thread like this one. I'm a 30-something as well, and will be starting the first year of my counseling grad program this month. Eek! Hope to learn a lot from you "jugglers" here.

Much of this was learned when I returned to finish my undergrad degree when I was in my mid 40's 
  #1 - the school let you in, that means that they think you will succeed, if they believe in you, believe in yourself #2 - talk to your advisor early & often #3 - check out whatever services your school has for non traditional students #4 - learn to adjust #5 - create a work area for yourself    most important - remember to have fun

Make use of all the resources available to you - your tuition helps to pay for them! Whether it's the writing centre, student health services, the gym/athletic centre, make use of whatever you can. And don't be afraid to ask for help.

Also, don't be afraid to make use of your additional life experiences in your classes. Mention things your younger classmates might not be aware of, make connections based on your life experiences. Your profs and TAs will appreciate your contributions, and your younger classmates may learn something from you!

This does not apply to popular culture references, however. At Halloween, when I mentioned "don't cross the streams" (it was applicable, but in a very different context), my classmates looked at me with puzzlement. I guess a lot of early 20-somethings haven't seen Ghostbusters.

Scream that shit. Us HIMYM haters have to unite. That show is (was) gawd awful.