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summer_reader

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Everything posted by summer_reader

  1. I'm 50. Age matters. I've been told that I am being selfish and taking places away from younger students that have a longer potential career and potentially more opportunity to generate grant revenue for the department. I've been told that since I have a house and a husband and adult children I should let younger people have a chance at the same things. I've been told that my undergrad marks from the late 70's/early 80's can't be compared to current marks because marking standards have changed due to grade inflation (shouldn't that make my marks appear more favorable when you consider "inflation"?) I've been told to give up and go get a job. I have been asked if I think I am too old to have a dream of getting a PhD. I feel badly for ad com members when I get that question because apparently they no longer have any dreams.
  2. I'm in my 40's and applying to PhD programs for the upcoming academic year. Last year, one school flat out told me I was too old to starting studying at the MA level. Regardless I was accepted to one school (I only applied to three) and I am loving the program. Although age discrimination is alive and well in the academy I would recommend you apply regardless. Follow your dream and don't let the naysayers drag you down.
  3. I just received an acceptance to Laurier - apparently I'm not too old for them. I don't know how the program ranks and don't particularly care, I just want the opportunity to learn more about philosophy.
  4. Has anyone heard from Mcmaster or Laurier? They are the last two outstanding. I finally broke down and emailed the department secretaries yesterday and today, would you believe it, my home email is down (I'm at work). Called the ISP - no idea when it will be working. I'd really like to just get this over with!
  5. It is indeed agism and it is one of the only types of discrimination that is still legal in Ontario. I only applied to schools that were within an easy commute of my home. Perhaps next year I will go a little farther afield, maybe look at Toronto or York. Or maybe I won't. I asked the grad chair if it would be worthwhile staying for another year of undergrad and maybe bump up the marks but was told it costs too much and is a waste of time. I was quite clear in my personal statement that I wanted to continue studying for the sake of learning and that the academy was not in my future. Apparently not clear enough.
  6. Me. I'm too old. Oh no one has said that directly. Instead I'm told my potential career is too short, I wouldn't attract enough funding. Or - why would I want to go to grad school anyway when I could just get a (another) job. Or - it's wonderful that you went back to university for undergrad but isn't it best if you let the young ones have their chance and not take a scarce position (that could generate funding !!) Sucks to be old.
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