How Old is Too Old?

[Patlynn]

I am 51 years old, and have finally decided to go to Grad School. I have been accepted into a Masters program for Creative Writing. My question is, has anyone began this late in life? If so, did you find your Professors treating you as if you are a waste of time? I don't want to waste time or money, if it is going to be hell on earth.

Thanks!

Patlynn

[emmm]

I'm not as old as you are, but I am the oldest in my program. No one's made me feel that it is an issue in any way at all.

[lolopixie]

I don't think any professor would treat you like you are a waste of time, if you are contributing. There were 2 "older" ladies in my program - one was 66 and the other 58. One of them did put in good input and actively participated, the other one...well she was treated like a waste of time because she was. Her favorite was to go on 30 minute dramatic dialogues about nothing. I would not let your age hinder your want to go to grad school, but you want to make sure you go only if you are serious about it. Regardless of age, in my experience, professors only treat you seriously if you take the program seriously.

[Phil Sparrow]

What lolopixie said. No one will care so long as you are serious and respectful of the professors and your fellow students (that is, avoid "pulling rank by age" or treating your colleagues like infants).

[emmm]

The program accepted you -- presumably they know how old you are. They think you can do it. It's not easy going back to school full time, and I don't have the same stamina I used to have, but I'm keeping up and (mostly) enjoying it. However, I'm sad to report that exams have not gotten any easier. If anything I stress out about them more than ever.

[silentskye]

Coming from a CW program in Israel, where I also assisted the coordinator for a few years, I have to say that in my experience different age groups only help make the class more interesting. The more diverse (and we've had people in their 20s and their 70s) the better. We even had someone who at your age decided to take a BA just so he could then go on to take the CW program, and he was a highly valued member of the group. So if I were you I wouldn't feel bad about your age - on the contrary, I think it's the perfect time to delve into writing.

That's my 2 cents!

[Patlynn]

Thanks for the responses! I am definitely a contributing type. I came out of 28 years in the business world, 15 in management. Teamwork and interdependancy are not only expected, but absolutely necessary for success. I am excited about starting over in life. I am an extremely youthful 51, most people assume I'm in my late 30's. So I know the energy and stamina, as of now at least, won't be an issue. I took a couple of undergrad Creative writing classes last semester, and did really well. Hopefully this will translate into more success, next September. I have a pretty thick skin, and I hear with writing workshops, it will be needed. ha

[Grunty DaGnome]

Patlynn,

I've been a professional for 10 years myself and I definitely noticed the transition back to graduate school, specifically where teamwork and interdependency are concerned. These things are normal in the work setting but often awkward in academia. Not impossible, mind you, but I found I felt like a fish out of water for the first year or so, because of how often stating things with certainty seemed rude,, whereas when your working, it's normal to just state things matter of factly, then get corrected, or correct someone, as if you are on the same team. This does happen in grad school, but only once in a while. My best advice is, start slow. Take as few courses as you can get away with in the first semester, not because it's so much work, but because it will take time to adjust to the way people, including your professors, relate to one another.

[Patlynn]

Thanks Grunty! You're absolutely correct about the transition between the business world and grad school. It will be an adjustment for sure. And I agree with taking as few classes as possible to start, as well. Thanks everybody! I am feeling better about this, and am so excited to begin!

Edited December 22, 2011 by Patlynn

[wintergirl]

I also took about 10 years between undergrad and starting grad school--and longer before I applied to a full-time MA program. I know it's personally helped me as a master's student, since I was an unfocused and unacademic undergrad. Taking time off helped me feel excited about school instead of burnt out, like I felt at the end of college. I don't know how people go straight from BA to MA to PhD... like an energizer bunny of school!

Now, as to whether my age is going to hurt my applications--I hope it doesn't but worry it will. I didn't even make that a consideration in my applications, more thinking about how I might be a good fit for certain schools based on X, Y, Z. Praying that adcomms are similarly age-blind. : )

[ComeBackZinc]

At both my masters program and my PhD program, there have been people who are as old or older than you. Nobody cared, as far as I can tell, and most of them have been quite successful.

[Patlynn]

I cannot fully tell you all how much your comments have emboldened me. Sometimes one needs to hear from those who are in similar situations, or know of others who are, to know that all will be well!

[emmm]

The place I am most reminded of my age is the college bookstore, where the people at the register usually think I'm an alum (students and alumni get discounts). I guess I could be quicker at getting my student ID card to them.