<p>This is officially my very first forum post ever. </p>
<p>I'd like to begin by saying that I am writing this post in the hopes of receiving encouragement, perspective, and suggestions. I am not interested in criticisms or harsh comments. </p>
<p>My situation in a nut shell:</p>
<p>I have always been intellectually-minded and interested in a career in academia conducting research and pursuing a passion. The problem is that it was not until very recently that I finally unearthed a passion and figured out what I really want to do with my life/career. </p>
<p>I'm Asian-American, female, I've just turned 25 years old, and I live in California. I have a BS in Chemical Engineering from UC Berkeley and a Masters in Materials Science and Engineering from UC San Diego. Earlier this year I decided to step away from engineering in order to pursue a career in understanding and unlocking the mysteries of the human mind. I've decided to go back to school for a second bachelor's degree -- this time in Psychology or Cognitive Science.</p>
<p>Why another bachelor's degree? Well, I considered applying for graduate degrees but dismissed this thought because I would like to explore the different aspects of the field to get a feel for what particular field of research I would like to get into. Plus, I figured that acceptance to graduate programs would be super competitive and I wouldn't make an ideal candidate. <strong>Are there any arguments or suggestions for graduate programs that I might consider applying to given my lack of educational background on the subject and my want for a broad education and inability to commit to a specific vein of research?</strong> What about Post-baccalaureate programs? I don't know much about them... I hear they're expensive, I might as well get another degree (most of the programs I've found say I can do it in 2 years), right? </p>
<p>Where to study? A vast majority of colleges and universities do not accept applicants for second bachelor's degrees. A few of the places that I've found that DO offer them include Cambridge (UK), Mount Holyoke (Mass.), and Mills College (Ca.). These schools offer programs in which I can earn the degree in only two years. Surprisingly, I am actually pretty confidence about getting accepted to these schools, as they have special programs for "nontraditional-aged students" for which I am eligible for. The major problem now becomes the cost of attendance. The schools I've mentioned here have tuition costs of over $42,000/year, this doesn't even include living costs. <strong>Does anyone know of any high-quality universities that accept applicants for a second bachelor's degree? Especially cheaper, affordable ones.</strong> </p>
<p>How am I going to pay for this? The heavy and unpleasant reality that life, to a significant extent, revolves around money is setting in. I already have about $9,000 in student loans and I cannot rely on financial assistance from my family. My funding will have to be through loans, grants, and scholarships. I've considered working in an engineering job for a year or two to make money and save up, but I am very reluctant to put off starting my new education. I think I'd rather be in debt and have to pay it off later, so that I can start with this new chapter of my life. I read somewhere that as far as federal aid goes I would only be eligible for Stafford loans, Perkins loans, and Pell grants -- all of these added together would add up to $30,000/year at most. <strong>Does anyone have any advice or suggestions regarding taking out private loans for funding a second bachelor's degree? Or perhaps scholarship opportunities available?</strong> </p>
<p>As of now my primary interest is in attending Cambridge, Lucy Cavendish College in particular. But the fact that I'm not a UK citizen severely limits my eligibility for financial aid. <strong>Does anyone know about getting funding from the US for an education abroad (and I'm not talking like study abroad for a semester, I'm talking about a full education, 2 years minimum)? Can the Stafford federal loan be used for study at Cambridge?</strong></p>
<p>I've looked into going back to UC Berkeley but officially only the Colleges of Chemistry and Engineering consider applicants for a second bachelor's degree (the College of Letters and Science houses degrees in Psychology and Cognitive Science). I've emailed them inquiring about the possibility of my returning for a second bachelor's degree. I'm hoping that if I pry enough or talk to the right people perhaps I can find a way to make it work. After all, aren't there always loopholes or work-arounds to policies? Perhaps if I can get approval from the dean, or director of admissions... UC Berkeley is slightly more affordable than the other schools I mentioned. Plus, I'm an alumna, that should mean something, right?</p>
<p>I worry about being able to pay back loans... I'm not sure how much I can expect to be making or when I will start really making money -- I plan to get a PhD, and if I'm still interested in research I'll most likely do a post-doc, and apply for faculty positions at universities. Hopefully I can get a fellowship for my PhD and go to a reputable research institution. <strong>Does anyone know about salaries for postdocs in psychology or cognitive science, or how much professors in these fields make?</strong> I have a mild interest in going the medical route and becoming a psychiatrist, but as of now my inclination is toward a career in research, not just treatment. <strong>Out of curiosity, how much to psychiatrists usually make?</strong></p>
<p>The other thing I find myself being concerned about is my age and the pressure of my ticking biological clock. I am a woman and would like to have kids at a decent age. I know there are significant health risks to having a child over the age of 35, and especially over the age of 40. If I pursue this route, I may not get my PhD until I'm 34 years old, and I may not get a faculty position until I'm well into my 40s. How am I going to manage school, building a career, and having a family...? I know it can be done, I know many people do it, but it all seems so daunting. Should I try to have kids along the process, or should I wait until I'm settled into my career and financially stable? Should I just try not to think about this right now? I've thought about just getting a comfy, high-paying engineering job and settling down and making family my main priority, but something doesn't feel quite right about this. I think, for me, in order to live a full, happy, and meaningful life, I must be pursuing a passion. I cannot settle, that would be an unsatisfying life for me, on filled with what-ifs and potential regrets. <strong>I'd love to hear from women who have found themselves in similar situations -- changing careers later in life, having children in their late 30s or in their 40s.</strong></p>
<p>I think it's worth mentioning that I am deeply driven to pursue this change in direction of studies/career. It's more than just a casual interest. I have spent the last 7+ years of my life struggling with Major Depression. Now, after a harrowing battle fought within the constructs of my own mind and years of sorting through deep-seated psychological issues, I finally have the experience, clarity of mind, inspiration and passion to make an informed decision about my future and my career. My experience as a "consumer" in the world of mental health has kindled in me a robust passion and interest in understanding the human mind and a profound appreciation for the complexities of human thought, feeling, and behavior. Never in my life have I been more sure of anything than I am about my choice to switch directions and pursue a career studying and unlocking the mysteries of the mind. In fact, for the first time I feel like I am in the driver's seat of my own life and I am living with passion and purpose. I have the experience, ambition, skills, and potential -- now all I need is the opportunity to pursue my dream. Please, help me find my way, help me become the person I have the potential to be.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for taking the time to read through my post. I look forward to your responses.</p>