<p>I was born in US but my parents moved abroad when I was 5. I was a straight A student until high school when my father got cancer and couldn't work. I dropped out so I could get a job and help support my younger siblings. I ended up getting a diploma that's equivalent to the GED. I've been interested in psychology from a young age, but the circunstances in my life when I applied for college lead me to business school, which I hated... (meaning, got a less than average GPA)</p>
<p>Nevertheless, I managed to publish 4 books while in college and afterwards. These books (non-fiction) mix psychology and business (personal management). Most of my readers don't seem to care that I don't have a degree in psychology, but some do and I believe that if I ever get published in english that will make a difference. </p>
<p>Since I'm a writer, I'm very interested in research and actually getting a proper education. My ultimate goal is to be accepted in a good psychology doctorate program.</p>
<p>I thought about getting a second undergraduate degree from a US school and maybe a masters degree to get into the psychology field and a high enough GPA for a PhD program.</p>
<p>Researching online, I found out about Harvard Extension School. I'm afraid no decent undergrad school will take me with a GED and only foreign experience, that's why I thought HES was a good idea, but some people advised me to avoid HES if I want to get into an elite PhD program. </p>
<p>I'm wondering about my chances of getting to the PhD goal by getting an American GED, taking the SAT and applying to regular (but good) colleges. No Ivys, but no CCs either... </p>
<p>I've also been told that it's unnecessary to get another college degree and that I should try to increase my GPA getting a masters degree at some place like HES and then applying to a PhD.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Am I forever doomed by my past (meaning,I can't really get into a world class PhD because I'm not a traditional student)? </p></li>
<li><p>Is my age a problem (I've been reading about age discrimination on doctorate programs, I'll probably be close to or over 40 when I apply)? </p></li>
<li><p>Is HES that bad for a future PhD career? If not, should I go for the undergrad or masters degree?</p></li>
<li><p>Do you guys think being a writer of self-help books could be seen as an asset?</p></li>
</ol>