Caveshvig

Don't give it up too easily (unless you are just wanting that excuse). I am about to start a Chem PhD program later in life and have been married for 12 years - I don't intend it to end that.

Thanks for the replies. The RA is apparently departmental and not (at least officially) tied to a specific researcher. That said, I assume they have some slot in mind at least. There is a new faculty member (XRD and NMR mostly) that started last fall and they were interviewing for an Analytical position over the summer. I assume they will want to give these folks some start on filling their labs - not exactly sure how all that works. I probably actually have plenty of teaching experience already. A previous run at grad school I TA'd some (that was in Geology instead of Chemistry). Also, I taught high school for ten years so maybe that counts for something. Thanks again.

I am looking at two competing offers of support (for the same program at the same institution). One is a standard GTA position and the other is a "Research Trainee Fellowship." The GTA is offered to everyone coming in to this program and was a slam-dunk choice to accept to start wwith. Now, the offer of the RA position sounds even better - no teaching load, immediate start on the research, and more $. So, the question is what do I not know to ask. Apparently they offered this to me and one other incoming grad student - the other [identity not known] has turned it down. What am I not thinking of?

Hello All: I'm 45+ and just applying to PhD programs. I have cycled thru a number of different careers (Military, Geologist, HS Teacher) - I just tell folks I don't know what I want to do when I grow up! Anyway, I did sweat the age thing in applying. However, I don't think I am seeing any evidence of a negative from it. I applied to five different schools (well, actually finished that many apps): two MS, three direct to PhD. One of the MS programs accepted almost immediately back in October. Just got acceptance from the firrst PhD program (major player in the field, R1, guaranteed support for five years). So, keep your head up - it can definitely work! A question though: This R1 acceptance... The research at this place is not precisely what I would like (more BioChem and Drug research). One of the other programs has a research focus I am more interested in. BUT... that other program is smaller, newer, and maybe less stable. Definitely less well funded. I'm pretty sure I am going with the safer bet but would like to solicit comments and suggestions. Thanx, CaveShvig