Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with graduate

Worst reason ever for getting a PhD?

Anonymous — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:16:43 -0800

I've been academically wronged on an epic (to me) scale. How to overcome? The details don't matter. Suffice it to say that, after years of work and sacrifice, a morally bankrupt academic department has screwed me over with regards to my Ph.D. program. Net result: The original reason for getting the degree has become virtually impossible to achieve and irrelevant. To keep going is going to involve years of extra work and sacrifice with no assurance that I'll ever get the degree. Or I could say "screw it" and walk away with a master's. Six months later I am still so far beyond pissed off that it's sometimes hard to function. My primary motivation at this point is the feeling that, by finishing the degree, I'll be exacting some sort of "You fuckers couldn't beat me" revenge as, on graduation day, I let them know (verbally) exactly how I feel.

At the same time, I recognize that this isn't a healthy mental state. I can lose my job if I seek psychological counseling so I was hoping the collective you might have some tips for getting past the anger so that, if I choose to continue towards the degree, it will be for more noble reasons.

programs like NYU's Gallatin?

ThiefOfSweets — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 04:34:16 -0800

I'm looking for advanced degree programs (graduate and up) of individualized study like the one at Gallatin at NYU. I'm having a hard time searching for special programs like it, since they don't fit into usual categories of study (being interdisciplinary, they don't show under any discipline). I could really use ideas on how to search for them.

Should we stay or should we go to The Great White North?

salsamander — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:30:26 -0800

Are my skills employable in Canada? My wife is considering a Ph.D. program in Toronto, and I don't know if my experience as a paralegal and journalist would allow me to find employment. Help! My wife is considering getting her doctorate at several schools. She's applied to several here in the US (where we're citizens) and is being encouraged to apply at a specific, and very attractive and exciting program, at the University of Toronto. We're worried that I won't be able to find employment in Canada to pay our bills! Owing to the current state of the economy, I've been laid off from my last two jobs and haven't found work in months. I've worked as a paralegal in various capacities (litigation, Federal court matters, collection, quasi-regulatory financial) and also have a background with web-based journalism. I can assemble and fix computers, so I've considered taking some sort of certification test.

I know Toronto will be expensive, and the stipend my wife would receive probably wouldn't cover our expenses. Should we play it safe and stay in the US? Or is it worth the risk to accept any offer from Toronto and hope I can find a job?

Please give me some advice on how to start my post university life!

tumples — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:57:22 -0800

How do I figure out what I can and/or should do after my undergraduate degree? I am halfway through my last year of my undergraduate degree in History, at a UK university. As graduation draws ever closer I am getting more worried about what is going to happen after the university bubble pops. I am told in every form of media that the job market for graduates is appalling at the moment, and that doesn't even matter since I have no idea what I want to try and aim to do with this degree anyway. I feel like I have been slightly conned into this degree when I was younger and more naive, and I regret not getting a more technical and employable degree.

How do I know if I should pursue a Masters? I mainly want to do one for the interest of learning rather than for any career purpose, and to hopefully study abroad in the Netherlands or somewhere in mainland Europe. I realise that these aren't the best reasons to consider a post graduate program. Are there any ways I can get to live in europe while still supporting myself?

Basically, through all of this mess of unorganised thoughts, I would just appreciate any information, help, advice, anecdotes, anything that is related to this problem of facing the big wide world.

How worthwhile is it, careerwise, to pursue a second Master's degree?

mirepoix — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:28:52 -0800

How worthwhile is it, careerwise, to pursue a second Master's degree? I have one professional Master's degree, but job openings are scarce in that field right now (urban planning, or stuff in the public policy/community-related nonprofit world in general). I'm considering going back to school, but wondering if that would help me or hurt me -- I understand some employers reject candidates with advanced degrees. I also worry that being a specialist rather than a generalist would put me in a box when looking for jobs outside that specialization.

That said, I might be interested in some kind of health policy degree, but it's very early in the game.

Should I mention I'm mentally ill on a graduate school statement of intent

Anonymous — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:35:36 -0800

Should I mention my mental illness on my graduate school statement of intent? Brief background - I have social anxiety, depression, and Asperger's syndrome and a year ago, I graduated with a B.S. in Economics from a fairly prestigious technical school. I really want to go on to get a Master's in Economics, followed by a PhD.

However, mostly due to depression and anxiety, my grades were not that fantastic, 2.6 or so overall and my grades in some of my econ courses were not that great (for instance, I got a C in my Math Methods of Econ mostly because I had to miss a week of class since I was in the mental ward at a hospital because I was ready to kill myself). I do have support from one professor who I actually talked to when I was in school who would be glad to write letters of recommendation to some schools I'm looking at he thinks are realistic options given my background, not to mention I did pretty alright on the GREs (though only a 670 on the Math and 580 on the writing).

However, it was suggested to me by someone that I mention the fact I have mental illness, especially Asperger's, on my statement of intent, that is my essay on why I want to attend graduate school. I've been told that schools like to let in disabled applicants because it makes their departments look good, and that having Asperger's would be an asset as people would think I'm some kind of genius (to be honest, I really wish I had that super-Aspie power of concentration on academic subjects, as I tend to obsess over the Internet and more useless topics). Likewise, someone else suggested I use it as saying that I've "overcame adversity."

But I'm concerned about the fact that there's a stigma associated with mental illness and that an economics department might be reluctant to accept me into their program because they think I'm sort of skizo who hears voices or has multiple personalities or more or less just flake out. I'll also be honest - I really don't think I've "overcome" my mental illness. I wish I could give an inspiring personal account how I overcame it but it's something I struggle with everyday but if I mention it, it would explain why my grades were less than stellar. I think that they might view the fact I'm mentally ill as more of a liability than an asset to their department.

As a tangential issue, I'd like to have the aforementioned professor look over my statement of intent since I can't think of anyone else to do it, but I'm afraid if I do mention it, he'll find out I'm mentally ill and that would ruin our relationship and he'd stop wanting to help me.

So should I bother mentioning I'm mentally ill in my statement of intent? If so, how should I go about it?

I'm not so much ashamed that I'm mentally ill, only that I don't want to be rejected on the account of the stigma associated with mental illness.

As a final clarifying note, yes, I do realize that graduate school will be harder than my undergraduate program. However, I do want to get a PhD eventually because I love doing research and that's something I'd like to do for the rest of my life because it actually makes me happy.

Help me relearn how to learn!

spacefire — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:42:15 -0800

I have just started my PhD, full time on teaching/research fellowship, in the same field I did my masters and bachelors degrees. This is my first semester, and I am expected to take the qualifying exams in January. Problem is, I seem to have forgotten a lot. I have been out of school for five years since my masters, and, studying for the quals, even topics that I have covered before, nothing seems to 'stick' to memory. I do mock oral exams with my adviser and I can't seem to formulate a coherent thought even on topics I have covered in my previous academic life and also reviewed again days before!
True, I've had some stressful time in the beginning of the semester due to issues not related to school, and I read somewhere that stress
impairs short term memory, but I also feel that my capacity to for instance understand mathematical concepts and relate them to real physical phenomena has diminished a lot since I last went to school.
I am 30 yo male living and going to school in a major city.
I have two months left till my qualifier exams, written and oral with no reference materials allowed, and I really need to get my shit together and pass the quals on the first try, or else my fellowship might be revoked.

Are portfolio days for real?

davidriley — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:02:30 -0800

I recently attended a National Graduate Portfolio Day for students interesting in pursuing an MFA. I had a positive response, making me feel confident about my work and its presentation. However, I am suspicious, as I haven't heard anyone telling stories that they were really chewed out or criticized by their reviewers. I actually tried to push some of my reviewers to give me negative feedback, but they were ultimately optimistic. Are these things for real, or are they just a way for schools to talk people into applying?

Should I pursue a Masters of Science Degree in Biomedical Informatics?

speedoavenger — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:00:31 -0800

Should I pursue a Masters of Science Degree in Biomedical Informatics? I graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Management Information Systems back in May 2008. I've spent the past two years working for a Fortune 100 company as a Systems Administrator.

I enjoy my current work, but I'd like to use my IT skills to work in a more meaningful industry that has a lot of room for improvement and that deeply impacts people's lives, like healthcare!

I was randomly looking at Masters Degree programs one day when I came across the Biomedical Informatics Degree program.

I have a few questions that I feel I should attempt to answer before I apply for the program.

1. Do I get to choose what I want to research as a graduate student, or do I research what my professors want me to research? Does it depend on whether or not I get a Research Assistantship? Are those difficult to get?

2. How much Biological/Physiological/Chemical knowledge should I have to be successful in this program? I'm planning on taking a General Biology class to learn more about the "Biomedical" part of "Biomedical Informatics." I got A's in Biology and Chemistry in HS. :)

3. What are some potential job opportunities once I graduate, preferably in the Phoenix area? Companies? Titles? Earnings potential?

4. What are the greatest opportunities for computer applications in the health care field? To borrow a description of Biomedical Informatics, I would like to "develop novel information technology, computer science and knowledge management methodologies for disease prevention, treatment, more efficient and safer patient care delivery, and knowledge access."

The main point is that I want to help people with my IT skills, and this seems like a great way to do it. Should I do more research before I make a decision like this, or should I just do it! What are some good resources to learn more about the field?

Thanks!

Best places to become an LPC in Texas?

D+ — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:19:58 -0800

I'd like to become a licensed professional counselor in Texas. How do I figure out what the best schools are? My bachelor's degree is in English, not psychology or a related field, so this is a bit of a change of field and I could use some pointers. For LMFT licensure, I can at least find a list of COAMFTE accredited programs here, but I haven't found a starting point like that for LPC training.

Where does that list exist? What other resources are there for filtering through graduate counseling programs? Do you have a personal recommendation?

Thanks!

Can I even get in to grad school?

Anonymous — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:15:17 -0800

High standardized test scores, great references, low GPA, need to take classes online - can I go to grad school? I'm in the US military and just about to go to my next duty station where I'll have the time to get a master's degree. I'd like to get one in history or business, but there are quite a few hurdles to getting said degree:

Needs to be online
My GPA is low - 2.52
I have several Fs on my transcript

A bit more on my transcript - college was a bit of a whirlwind of depression, so for instance I got 3 As and 2 Fs my first semester - and this seemingly dichotomous pattern repeated itself until I wrested myself from the depths of the depression and also changed my degree, after which I got As and Bs, but nothing that would fix the first 2.5 years of my record.

All that being said, I have a history of doing extremely well on standardized tests and while, yes, the practice GRE/GMAT isn't the same as the real thing, it didn't seem especially challenging - more like the SAT than anything. So assuming that I would do well on the standardized test of choice for whichever degree program I select, would a high enough score and references from my bosses offset the low GPA? If so, to what schools should I be looking? If in your estimation grad school just isn't for me, that's useful too. Thanks!

throwaway email: askme.lowgpa.anon@gmail.com

I need help with finding a Master's program. Priority: money, honey!

Tarumba — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:39:49 -0800

I need help with finding a Master's program. Priority: money, honey! I have a BS in Science, majored in Forestry. I have next to no professional experience in the US (where I live). I have a GPA of 3.1 and am preparing to take the GRE (my GPA is mostly due to Professors in my home country not using the whole grading scale, I actually graduated third in the class).

I have decided, after a long time of considering, that what I want out of a job is money. I'll take care of having fun on my free time. Can you please recommend what sort of graduate program is adequate? the alternatives I have thought of:

- Environmental engineering
- Public health
- MBA (I think the competition for this one is crazy, but my boss seems to think it's a good idea)
- Something related to the paper industry (I thought something like a niche would make it easier to always be employed)
- Landscape architecture
- Remote sensing
- A career in the Forest Service? This means possibly a degree in Ecology, or Forest Management.

If you have any other ideas, please suggest! My American working experience consist of a tiny position as Assistant Manager, and a possible promotion to Manager. I find it I'm sort of good at management, but mostly think I could be good at anything (sorry to sound stuck up).

Should I apply for SSHRC?

Anonymous — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 07:58:58 -0800

How stringent are SSHRC's GPA requirements? Is it worth my time to apply for SSHRC? The application process is quite involved, and I could really be using that time to prepare for other aspects of my grad school applications. Also, the deadline is soon: Oct 1st. I am in my final year of undergrad, preparing applications for MA programs in philosophy. SSHRC wants, at minimum, an A- average in each of the last two years of study: I have an A+ (3.94) in my final year, and a B (3.0) in my penultimate year. I'm at U of T. In the 3.0 year, I wasn't really taking courses in philosophy, if it matters.

Sometimes it's worth it to apply for things even if you don't meet the mimimum standards, because other aspects of your application might set you apart, or the requirements are more of a wish list, or who actually gets through depends more on the competition for that year, etc. But I don't want to waste time applying for SSHRC if it's more or less certain I'm not going to get it. Any ideas?

(Anon because I'm embarrassed about that 3.0.)

Undergraduate Degree != Career ?

sarahj — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:12:20 -0800

What do I do when I graduate if I know I don't want to pursue my undergraduate field? I'm currently a student at a Pretty Good University in the US and I'm (oh my god) going to graduate next year with a B.S. degree in Computer Science, a second major of Environmental Studies, and a minor. I'm doing everything I can to calm my anxiety about this (seeing a therapist, most likely going to get anti-anxiety medication this time), but I am so extremely worried about not knowing what I'm doing next that it's rendered me completely incapable of doing anything without an absolute emotional breakdown (tears, etc).

I decided halfway through my major and a couple internships that Computer Science wasn't what I wanted to do with my life, I didn't want to do research in a mathematical science and i didn't want to make a career out of being a programmer. So I studied abroad, picked a second major that was easy to fulfill and am still kind of slogging my way through my requirements, but I'm going to finish it all.

I overwhelmingly feel the need to be planning my next move. I'm trying to pick up "science-y" lab work to gain experience in something new. Ideally I would be able to find some kind of neat research fellowship for a year or so after graduation, and have that point me in the "right" direction (i.e. any direction), but I don't have the experience, connections, ideas, or anything to make this happen. If I go straight to working, I don't even know what kind of work I would want to look for. I have web programming to fall back on, which I was able to do professionally this summer, but that isn't something I want to make my goal.
I NEED HELP. I have gone to my school's career office countless times, taken one of those 'career advice' exams, which told me I would make a great software engineer (ARGH!), and I've spoken to or emailed almost everyone I can reach who I could get advice from on fellowships and stuff, but it keeps coming back to me needing to know what I want to do. My advisor is an extremely busy person whose specialty falls on the more mathy end of CS, and I don't really have advising- or rec-letter-writing-type relationships with any other professors.

I was advised in the career office that my reasons for wanting to go to grad school are, well, reasonable (I want a degree in something I like and want to use), but I don't know where to start with choosing programs, getting recommendation letters (I only really have my Very Busy advisor and my boss from my summer web development work- not good options), and so on. There are still things I want to try, but I don't have the time - my school created a poorly publicized 'brain science' major that overlaps with computer science, and I likely would have studied this if I had known about it soon enough. But, I don't have any experience or coursework in that area, so it would be kind of out of the blue if I applied for those types of grad programs. I would also lean towards biotechnology, but I don't really know anything about that either. I only really have one semester of 'open' courses where I can choose anything to study, but most of the classes I find super-interesting have prerequisites I haven't had the chance to take, and I will have already applied to grad school/fellowships/jobs by then anyway.

I've been told countless times that so so many people wind up in different fields than their undergraduate major, but most of my classmates seem to be on some kind of track already (The Computer Science majors I know are either going to grad school for it, or have their eye on a company they want to work for). I don't know what career I want to pursue, but I have ideas of what I would like to study, but not much more reason than "because a career in that field would be so interesting!" Most jobs I 'fit' the requirements for right now are programming-intensive or software-related and NOT not not what I want.

My question is, what should I do now, if I know that what I want to do after graduation is going to be different from my undergrad degree? What did you do when you figured out that your undergrad field wasn't what you wanted to continue with?

Free degree or let loose passion?

Anonymous — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 08:11:08 -0800

I work for a university with a generous tuition discount and after two years of research my conclusion is that the graduate programs here are generally for people who return to their same jobs (with the exception of med and law school). Most programs rank above the top 30 and the reviews from alumni and current students have given me the impression classes tend to be weak. Help me here! I want to do my masters. Since not finishing it at another university it has been a passion of mine to do the degree. However, faced with a lot of choice at this university where I work, none of the choice is in my own interest areas.
I really don't want to start anything new. I realize there are some directions I could go that would be good off-shoots but I am unsure as to what it would mean in the context of the job I currently have and will probably have once the degree is finished. Frankly, the job I have is one I am great at but whose prospects are very dim in the current economic environment. I keep thinking that perhaps the best idea would be to do something in policy as a way to make something out of nothing, however my heart lies in technical and creative brand management - a highly selective field I needed time off from. It's been two years and the economy has since tanked so I am stuck. Chuck it in? Do a degree while I work and look for work? Chart a new course?

How to apply for a mycology phd?

Anonymous — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:40:38 -0800

My husband wants to get a doctorate in mycology become a mycologist. We don't know where to start. My husband is now starting his third year as an undergraduate majoring in biology. He has a 3.5 GPA. It's low because he flunked a few classes as a freshman and than he came back to school several years later. He will hopefully repeat those classes and his GPA will be closer to a 3.8 when he graduates.

He wants to get his doctorate in mycology. We have no idea how to go about applying to graduate school and the counselors at his college haven't been very much help.

1. Are we going to need to borrow a lot of money to get his phd in mycology, or are the financial aid packages for science students pretty good? Will he be able to teach or work as a TA in exchange for his tuition? Is it likely that they will provide a living stipend and/or housing?

2. It's very unlikely that he will be able to do research in mycology before he graduates, there is not anyone at his university doing it. Should he just do other general biology research?

3. What other resources should we consult for applying to graduate school?

Thank you so very much!

Going to the same university for undergrad and grad-good or bad idea?

pdx87 — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:28:34 -0800

Did you receive your graduate degree at the same university that you received your undergraduate degree from? If so, do you regret not branching out and going to a new university for graduate school or are you happy with your decision? Graduate school is coming up. Yikes!

Option 1-Stay in the city that I am currently in and pursue an MS at the school I am currently attending.

Option 2-Move 3 hours away and pursue the same degree at a different institution.

I guess I am worried that I will burn out after going to the same school for so long. I would love to hear from people who went to the same university for undergrad and grad. What was your experience like? Do you wish you had gone to a new institution for graduate school? I'd even like to hear from people who went to different institutions for undergrad and grad. Thanks!

Graduate school reference choice

patientpatient — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 13:46:56 -0800

Is your own psychologist a good or bad references for a graduate application (to get into a psychology program)? My psychologist knows how interested I am in pursuing a career in counseling and thinks I have what it takes. He's already agreed to helping in the form of a reference letter if need be. He also hinted at the fact that the letter didn't necessarily have to say outright that he's my former doctor.

First, is using him at all a good idea?

Second, if I don't say he's my doctor in the letter, how would I go around ghostwriting it and shaping it to be a more personal/professional relationship?

Determined to be as Paper-Free as possible.

margaretlam — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:57:22 -0800

How does a graduate student manage in a paper-free environment? I'm a part-time graduate student at a Faculty which happily has many readings available digitally. While I am a big fan of taking notes in a book and reading on my commute, the idea of not having to print out all the articles I'm reading or having to painstakingly keep up with my hand written notes in order for the readings to be useful is rather appealing. (Currently, I tag the PDFs directly with comments which are searchable.)

The problem? Having multiple folders for courses, and multiple files for notes, when everything is inter-related to my thesis and academic pursuits in general makes file management a bit of a nightmare. The plethora of online citation tools and portals/publishers for accessing the materials makes me question whether I'm missing out on useful tools out there. It was easier when I was just carrying around a big notebook with my favourite inky pen, but alas, classes are so much easier to follow when I can pull up any of the readings digitally. I also see the advantage of having basically a mobile office on my laptop.

So in your experience, what has been good strategies for you to balance the digital and physical "work space" when they are clear advantages to both? Or put it another way, how can I maximize the benefits of both without it being overwhelming?

Suggestions for alternative device-use welcomed.

Can I get an entry-level job in D.C.?

libertypie — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 21:24:44 -0800

Do I have a chance of making it in D.C.? I'm a recent college grad with no political resume and a pretty meager amount of work experience, but I'm smart, have great references/recommendations, and am not particularly picky about where I work. Like most of my ilk (recent liberal arts college grads) I'm a little worried about hurling myself into a competitive job market, and I realize that D.C. is one of the most competitive out there for young professionals. I'd ultimately like to go to graduate school for political science, but my undergraduate didn't have majors, so besides having performed well academically I don't have much there to leverage into a job. My ultimate career goal is to become a foreign service officer, but for the time being I'm interested in working at other federal agencies (DHS, for example), nonprofits, or think tanks. Basically, any entry-level position that's even remotely related to public policy is what I'm looking for, so I can build up a resume and gain some real experience before I head out for more school in a year or two.

I have enough money saved up to move and live for three months. This is a pretty big gamble for me (since I'd be using up all my savings), so I figured I'd pick the hive mind for my chances. Am I being hopelessly naive in thinking I'll find a job as a secretary at a federal agency or nonprofit? If all goes according to plan I'll be out there within a month, and I've heard that when the interns leave, those sorts of things tend to open up. Is it true?

Failed to get a PhD, now what?

Anonymous — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 08:37:44 -0800

I just failed my PhD quals for the second time and they're going to kick me out of the program. Now what? To make a long story as short as I can, I work in an engineering field (aerospace) only vaguely related to my undergraduate and master's degrees. That said, I'm really good at it. To achieve a long-term career goal I need a Ph.D. In fact, virtually every every action I've taken for the past 15 years has been with that goal in mind. Those actions would include the city I live in, my current job, job assignments, hobbies and outside skills learned, and so on. So, several years ago, I applied to and was accepted into a Ph.D. program in aerospace engineering. I've taken over a year of unpaid leave from work, living off savings, to attend classes and do work associated with getting the degree. It has been a mighty struggle, not the lease of which is that I came into a field without the formal training (in this particularly subject) of my fellow engineering students. I even spent less time with my dying father than I could have in order to prepare for exams. Despite all that, I did well in my classes and made almost exclusively straight A's.

Well, I just found out that I failed the qualifying exams for the second time and they're not going to let me continue in the program. As you can imagine I'm pretty gutted. It's hard not to feel enraged at a system in which a person who aces his coursework is, statistically, very likely to fail exams where the only passing criteria appears to be "You pass if we think you passed." So yes, on one hand I'm clearly some sort of idiot unable to pass these exams, but on the other hand I'm convinced that the system is set up to screw over the maximum number of people possible. Last year, I happen to know, only one person passed out of a half a dozen or so people taking the exams in my specialization. And, it's hard to come to terms with having wasted years of my life and enough opportunity cost to buy a small house. And, while I always knew it was a possibility, I'm now about to turn 40 year old with the career goals I've spent every waking moment trying to achieve for the past 15 years having now gone virtually out of reach. There are secondary reasons for getting the degree, but the big one is now probably out of reach.

At this point, I think I may have the following options. I could try to salvage an MS but that may be impossible since I've now returned to work, the university is in a different city, and I'd probably have to take more classes to meet the minimum coursework hours requirement. Or, there is a very small chance I could to a different department, such as mechanical engineering, that is a little bit less crazy. I know of at least one student in my situation who has done that. Or, I could try to get into a different university, one where I live, and start a new Ph.D. program. Or, of course, I could just say "screw it" and walk away.

Making this more painful is the realization, with the recent death of my father, that life is indeed short. There's a lot of stuff I'm interested in doing that have nothing to do with that Ph.D. or my current career and I've been sacrificing all of it with my higher goal in mind. I've been a student, of one sort or another, for basically my entire life and every time go out to socialize in the evenings ("Sorry, I've got to study."), or have fun on the weekends ("Sorry, I've got to study."), or even talk about sitting on the couch and watching television ("Sorry, I've got to student.") it just kills me. I feel like I'm 40 years old with no life because I've been struggling so hard on this one goal for so long. So it's tempting, while I've still got some time and youthful energy, to just change course and career and do something else that might enable me to "have a life," as they say. So, at least at the moment, you can imagine that the idea of spending ANOTHER four or five years in a different Ph.D. program is just really painful.

Oh, did I mention that (against all logic) I feel as if I've let down my (deceased) father, who really believed in me?

Some advice or personal stories from anybody who's been in a similar situation would be really appreciated.

Is grad school necessary?

sanskrtam — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 03:49:43 -0800

I know this is my last year for my Hon. in Linguistics. I think I'm doing pretty bad. Many of my friends are going for grad schools or research programs in cognitive linguistic-issues. It feels like I'm left behind very much. Now I feel very stupid compare to my friends. Feeling very humiliated. I don't know what to think. Does going to grad school really help one's career? I don't think I can go to grad school with a terrible mark I have and I think I will have an unusually difficult roadmap for my possible career without having an MA. Are people like me doomed because we don't go to grad school? Are there any alternatives to grad schools for further education?

Educated/medicated

howiamdifferent — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 06:28:59 -0800

Studying abroad, on meds. Assume that Guy wants to pursue a graduate degree in the USA. Assume also that he’s on antidepressants. Will he be allowed to take his meds from his home country with him to the US? Will he be able to carry 3-6 months worth of meds every time he goes back to the US (5 to 9 packets)? Will he be able to get emergency supplies from his family through DHL or a similar service?

Guy is from somewhere in Asia. The AD in question is Remeron.

Grad school vs Peace Corps?

pdx87 — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:50:35 -0800

Graduate school vs Peace Corps? I have about 6 months to decide what I am going to do after graduation...Grad school or Peace Corps? Graduate schoolers, do you wish you started right after undergrad or do you wish you had more life experience before you started? How much more difficult was your life if you had to pay for your own graduate school?

I've always wanted to be in the Peace Corps. I also want/need to go to grad school.

Pros to going to grad school next fall...

1. Parents have agreed to pay for grad school, but it's a now or never type deal. I am on my own if I don't start next year.

2. Will help me get a better job.

3. I'll be done with school FOREVER in 2 years.

4. Learn more about what I am passionate about and get more expierience in the field.

Cons to going to grad school next fall...

1. I have great non-profit work experience for my age, but I don't have any legit experience in the field I am going into. I will be working in the field at least part-time through grad school though.

2. No fun time if I go right away. I'm 21 I've worked A LOT through college and never really had down time. I've never had the typical college experience so I would be going straight into the real world. People generally think I am 10 years older by the way I act...this is the only chance I have to be young and not worry so much about the future.

3. I want to learn Spanish in the Peace Corps, learn about myself, become a better person, and have more life experiences before I become an "adult"

4. If I go to grad school right away I may never go into the Peace Corps...but maybe that's okay?

I just don't know what the hell I am doing. I know that I want to do one or both of these things. I just don't know which is the right thing to do now. The thing that sticks out is that my parents will pay for school right now...that's about $35,000 that I will never have to worry about.

I'd love some advice from people who went to grad school right away, paid for their own grad school, or were in the peace corps and/or went to grad school. Oh, and of course I've thought about the possibility of not being accepted by either-but let's pretend that isn't possible ;)

Gracias!

Help find an affordable online grad program in design/visualization/visual communication

Jennifer S. — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 08:37:56 -0800

I love my life and don't want to move from Western NC. Where should I look for an ONLINE graduate program in graphic design/visual communication/digital media that's affordable and appropriate for my interests and goals involving science education? I’m graduating in Dec. with a B.A. in mass communication. But when I was exposed to a fabulous visualization tool earlier this year, I was bitten VERY HARD with the visualization bug and began moving my skillset from writing to design, visual communication and photography.

I got a photography/design internship at an environmental center and taught myself a fair amount of InDesign, Photoshop and digital photography (though I don’t know Flash, Illustrator, Director, Dreamweaver, Flash or QuarkXPress – YET *).

I liked the work, loved the science nerds whose information I interpreted, and my work (science photography and poster design) was well received.

So I’m now thinking of an advanced degree in something having to do with design/visual communication/visualization. But my situation isn’t typical.

I’m 40 and own my home, and love my house, my friends, my city, my pets and my life. I don’t want to move away from a place I love that took me a lifetime to find.

I’d prefer an online program (if you have criticisms of online learning in this field, speak up!). And I am old enough to prefer a solid and affordable program over a prestigious and pricey one. FWIW I live in Western NC.

Ideally, I want to work for a company or client that educates people about scientific/environmental issues, particularly large-scale issues like climate change. I want to create 2-D and 3-D works that correct misconceptions and show people things they didn’t know before about the natural world and our place in it.

Any recommendations for my grad studies? And any opinions on SCAD, a choice I hear might be a good one for me?

* I have a great internship lined up for fall that will help me get all the skills I can for the program I choose.