<p>Hi sybbie719,</p>
<p>Once I have all my various transcripts, I will be sitting down with an admissions advisor to determine which credits will tranfer. In our discussions of the program, thus far, no one has mentioned the age of the credits as a determining factor in their admissability and yet, I can see how some past curricula may be obsolete.</p>
<p>There have been perhaps, two or three attempts on my part to return to school that were unsuccessful but only one or two where I actually began the program and had to withdraw, primarily due to work conflicts. ln all these cases I withdrew with an “Incomplete”, rather than a “Failing” grade. I don’t know that that and the inconsistent employment history might be regarded for the purpose of the admissions process but thanks to your alerting me to this possibility, I have begun to research this subject with the school staff. Early indications are that the masters program I’m hoping to enter is, in fact, somewhat competitive and so these factors may be germaine to the process and the admissions decision. At this time, I’m awaiting a more definitive answer from the head of the graduate program.</p>
<p>You also make a good point with regard to the cost of the program, my age and projected time frame for beginning to earn a living wage. Financial circumstances being what they are, I will never be able to retire and have never really had this expectation. I will simply work as long as I am able. Though I know that significant health issues can come up unexpectedly, I would think I would be able for a much longer time in this field than “toting that barge” or “lifting that bail”. I would be more likely to be able to afford health insurance coverage in this type of job, so that I could address health issues as they arise and with better outcomes. Also, for me, the way in which I spend my work time is an absolutely critical issue in terms of my health.</p>
<p>My biggest concern would be a scenario where my school loan payments were prohibitively high but here again, I stand a better chance of earning a wage which would enable me to make those higher payments in this field than any other that is available to me. One concern you didn’t mention is age discrimination, which does exist in this field but with less frequency. Apparently, based on my discussions with people already in the field, it varies in its manifestation from one employer to the next. Overall, this is a growth industry and I’m told that the niches and specialities where I have a specific interest and significant life experiences are exploding in terms of a need for employees. It is my understanding from talking to school staff members and students that one can reasonably expect to be gainfully employed soon and in some cases, before completing the program.</p>
<p>Bottom-line is, I can’t continue as I have, bouncing from one deadend job to the next and the scenario I’m currently pursuing is my best and really, only alternative.</p>
<p>Thank you for bringing these issues to my attention! I much prefer to know precisely where the pitfalls lie than to merely hope I don’t fall into one.;)</p>