Dropped Out From Another Program

[The_Hanged_Man]

Around 10 years ago I enrolled in a PhD program in economics. I quickly discovered that it was very different from what I had expected and I had no passion for the subject so I dropped out after one semester. Now I am considering doing a program in education after 10 years of teaching, and I am wondering about how bad this looks on on an application. My grades in the econ program were pretty mediocre (1 A, 1 B, and 1 C) too so I am worried about this keeping me from entering a good program. Does anyone have any experience with something like this?

[peppermint.beatnik]

Normally, it looks pretty bad to drop out of a PhD program. However, you said it was 10 years ago--a long time. I'm sure there's plenty you have done in the last 10 years that can attest to your current ability to successfully complete another program.

[sparkle456]

This is just my opinion, but I think you'll be fine. Given your past experience and the fact that it's in a different program, I wouldn't worry about it. And if you're really concerned, I would email one of the people in the department to see what they think.

Good luck, it sounds like you'll be just fine!!

[Yellow#5]

I agree, your grades and your record of dropping out of econ just proves that it wasn't for you. 10 years of experience teaching proves education IS for you.

Personally, I think being able to push yourself enough to get into a PhD program in a subject that "wasn't for you" just shows that you are a good and disciplined student, and now that you have the maturity to know what you really want to do, you're going to be a sure success in grad school!

[The_Hanged_Man]

Thanks for the feedback! Phew, that's a relief. I have had a lot of interesting experiences since then (Peace Corps, Teach for America, got an MPA), so hopefully they will chalk that econ program off as youthful inexperience.