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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Late 50s and in grad school at a research university generally considered just outside the Ivy Leagues.  Did well on the GRE.  With in-state, tuition, tax breaks, and a dirt cheap medical plan hundreds less than Obamacare, should cost $30k net for tbe whole thing vs. not going.

I am doing this to take my current career in a different direction while retaining what I have already been trained in.  I get a lot of great ideas from the courses that I have already applied.[/quote]

Thanks. Can you share anything further?  Did you take a prep course for the GRE or just study on your own?  Have you met any other students like yourself along the way? Do you actually make friends/work with with other grad students who are so much younger than you or are you rather isolated as a student?   Do you plan to go back to an old employer in a new position or have another position waiting for you, or will you be starting over looking cold?   Is this a funded phd program or are you paying your own way?  Any insights welcome.  Thanks. [/quote]

Some answers for you:
-- bought a GRE review book and studied vocabulary lists and HS algebra and geometry.  Also bought Magoosh to take their practice exams.  
-- couple of people are non-traditional but most are half my age.
-- I go part time so don't really have the whole "socialize in the lounge" type of thing.  Most of the students are very friendly - I learn from them, they learn from me.  But I do utilize career services and academic counseling.  Also, know the dean.  I am there to meet people as well as learn.
-- I consult for a living.  Don't want to "out" myself too much, but I will be utilizing my current skill set and layering what I learn in the program because I believe there is a need in my existing area for someone who can combine these two disciplines as they have become much more intertwined in recent years.  I do know that what I have learned so far has helped me with my current client and provided new business ideas.  Hard to quantify the return on that.
-- it is a Masters program so I pay my own way.  With tax deductions, in-state tuition, and the fact I can get medical coverage as a student way below what I would even get as an employee somewhere, it makes it somewhat reasonable.  It's not one of these $100K+ programs you hear about.

Additional thoughts:
-- the internet has many articles about people going back to school late in life and the NY Times had something also.  It is happening more and more as people live and work longer.
-- admittedly, there are days where I think going back is a great idea and others where I wonder what I am doing.  But with kids out of the house it has made it easier to study.
-- everybody who goes back, does it for a variety of practical and emotional reasons.  I do know that since returning I have been much happier and people have noticed.

My one word of advice is to do a ton of research and talk to the school.  Do you really want the program and understand the workload?  [/quote]

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