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I would suggest looking into TA/RA positions sooner rather than later. At least let your interest be known.

You need to supply more information -- what field?

Good luck to both of you! I don't see why it would be a problem. I don't know anything about online MPA programs, but the online programs at my U generally take most/all qualified applicants -- they are often geared towards working professionals, but are serious (and tough!) programs. Is that the sort of program you are applying to?

I have heard of people having trouble getting into programs with 3-yr degrees (not just from India). Not sure what to recommend -- trying for a master's first?

I also took additional classes and had a short summer research internship before applying to graduate school after many years out of school. I don't think I would have gotten in without doing that.

I wouldn't have attended graduate school without full funding, but I am a (much) older than typical student, and have college tuitions for kids to worry about. Still, I would be worried about taking on a lot of debt that you would be saddled with before even starting your career. If you intend to teach, that debt may be with you for a very long time. If you tend to go into administration, maybe not so long . . . don't really know about that, but that seems to be where the networking might really help out? Obviously, it's not my area, so this is all speculation, and I guess the main message I'm trying to convey is that you need to consider all the angles and think about how easy/difficult it is likely to be to repay any loans you take on. Good luck and congratulations on both your acceptances!

Oops - I missed a page of comments. My comment is not particularly relevant at this time.

I was chatting with one of the profs on the admissions committee for our program, and he said they just look for the best applicants. I had met with dept representatives for other programs I applied to and I specifically asked if being in-state helped, and I was told no -- again they want the best applicants. So, I guess I should be doubly flattered about getting in, but I definitely got many more rejections than acceptances.

You seem well positioned to take some more CS classes and go to seminars/lectures and get to know some of the faculty. You should also be able to get some really good advice from the people you meet there. Good luck!

I am also in my 40s (farther along...), and I feel very lucky to have been accepted into my current program. It wasn't easy, though. I think at least half the programs I applied to didn't even read my application, but that's just speculation on my part. And it could have had more to do with my lack of lab experience than with my age. I am in classes with first years in those programs and I can't honestly say they are less qualified, but I am holding my own, so obviously I can do the work. I have an advisor who doesn't seem to care how old (or young) his students are, and I have not been made to feel out of place at all. I have not seen any preference for students who went to undergrad here (I didn't), and although I go to a state U, there's no advantage to being in-state either (although I think being an international would probably a disadvantage, due to funding issues).

Well . . . I am older than you are! I don't think the difficulty gaining admission is entirely funding related -- there are a lot of really strong applicants out there. That said, it is definitely easier to get into certain unfunded programs. I can understand wanting a break from school, however, and with your recent schooling, you should be well-positioned to find a job. I went back because my time out of the workforce with kids essentially demanded some updating of skills/knowledge.

Whenever you are looking for letters of reference, you should ask to meet with your professors in person to discuss your plans and get their input. Don't be afraid to ask if your prof can write you a strong letter. If the course was not in your main area of study, that can be useful information -- you challenged yourself and did well in spite of competing with more experienced students. You want someone who can discuss your strengths. If this professor fits the bill, he should be happy to meet with you and help you strategize. Applying to graduate programs can be tricky, and he may have useful information that he can share with you. At the very least, however, you should be able to explain to him why you think he might be a better reference than someone who gaave you an A.

Agree it looks quite immature.

SeriousSillyPutty gave some good advice -- I would just add that it most likely DOES matter to profs that students they write letters for stay in touch. And it's sort of part of the job -- no one HAS to agree to write a letter for a former student -- so whatever you do, don't come across sounding as though you think you are entitled to a letter (don't worry, I'm not getting that impression from you!). It is extra work that most teachers are willing to do for students they enjoyed having in class. Be thankful that they are willing to act as references for you (essentially putting their credibility on the line) and act accordingly.

If you are lucky, you may get a job with a tuition reimbursement benefit that will let you get a degree part-time that you don't have to pay for from your own pocket.

You seem to be giving up very easily. CS is probably one of the more (most?) competitive fields, but just about all graduate programs are tough to get into nowadays (the good ones, anyway). Most people apply to many programs in hopes of getting into at least one. I don't know why you think you had been given some kind of advance guarantee of admission. The committee has to meet and discuss applicants before determining who to accept and reject. Persistence in the face of setbacks is an important quality for a graduate student to have. As is a thick skin.

Yeah -- when I saw that you got a B-, my first thought was "good enough" also. Congrats! It's over!

Agreed -- I would not risk being left with no admissions by asking WPI for yet another extension.

I have not heard of similar post-bacc programs for math (though I have for CS), but there's no reason why you couldn't design a program for yourself, via local educational institutions. Around here, some of the community colleges have excellent math faculty, which can be a good place to start, since the classes are much more affordable than via the state u. Eventually, for more advanced coursework, you'd probably have to go to a university or take something online, but a CC might get you through diff. eq. and linear algebra.

Do the 2 years in Europe. If you still want to, apply to Harvard after that. 1 year is nothing -- why on earth would you leave halfway through?

Sorry, OldGrad . . . you're not old! I've got you very definitely beaten on that score. I don't feel old in grad school. If anything, I feel younger. It's great being back doing such challenging and stimulating work to do. Congratulations -- you'll love it!

Congratulations -- mine's next month. I'm terrified :-(

I do not know what averages are for the programs you are applying for, but competition often seems tougher for international students, so those scores could be on the low side. Especially when combined with a less-than-impressive GPA. Is there any way you can find out what typical scores for admission to your program are?

Can you still change any of the classes to P/F -- just to take some of the stress off yourself?

I am also dealing with classes in new areas -- a sort of transition to a new field and a long time away from school/work (raising kids). It's tough. So far I am managing, but it definitely feels precarious. I am attempting an even more extreme transition with the research group I joined and will likely need to take technical classes outside my program. Since my program's required courses satisfy our "graded credits" requirement, I am hoping to take these "out-of-current-area" classes pass/no credit. No clue if I will get permission to do this or not. Good luck with the rest of this year and congratulations on your research going well and on getting accepted into a program that fits you better!