<p>My mother has recently decided that she would like to go back to school, somewhere relatively near a big city most likely (east coast). She is a single mother and has been for about 18 years, since I was about 1.5 yrs old. She needs to find a school that caters to people who are older and possibly takes into account things like "life experience" or "life credits". Additionally, I get a full ride of financial aid at Tufts and she would require a full-ride essentially, so the school would have to have excellent financial aid or be especially considerate towards someone in her situation. She is partially disabled, having lymphodema in her left leg, and had mono for 2 yrs resulting in her inability to attend a small school in california which instead of listing her grades as incomplete, despite multiple doctor's letters, etc, listed them as "F's", dramatically reducing her GPA. The last time she attended school was to take a pass/fail math course at a local florida community college about 5 years ago. She would like to study something in music, like musical theatre, or somethting to that effect, but as long as they have some sort of music program, she'll be fine. Realistically, I am just hoping someone out there knows of specific resources and specific schools for single mothers, and provide financial aid for these non-traditional students. She is also seeking a degree and would be a full-time student, she doesn't want to just take a course here and there. Any and all help is greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>Hi Ben, I'm a Mom and I just want to say I think you are a great and caring son. I hope everything works out for both you and your mom, and I'm sure it will.
There are lots of programs that will suit her. Keep looking.
Best of luck,
Newzbugg</p>
<p>I have found some women's colleges in Mass that have specific programs, but unfortunately, as far as my mom can tell, they told her that the admissions criteria are almost the same as undergrad (Mt. Holyoke, Wellesley, etc), so those grades from the Mono would obviously prevent her from getting into those places.</p>
<p>What about Lesley C? They use to have 'life experience' course that also counted as english requirement. The teacher helped the students to chose a topic, then outline it, and then write the paper.
My info may be out of date.</p>
<p>Smith and Bard both have excellent programs for older people. </p>
<p>The local public colleges may well have good programs as well. When I went to graduate school (UMass Lowell) at age 37, I paid for my tuition with my credit card, worked very hard, took lots of extra courses (9 in one semester) and managed to finish my master's in 9 months. If you know how to focus--and that's the joy of being older, beer parties just aren't that interesting--college really isn't that hard.</p>
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[quote]
Applicants to the program are women beyond twenty-two years of age, who present credentials of life experience, wisdom, sharpened focus and a seasoned enthusiasm for learning. Currently, there are approximately one hundred McBride Scholars enrolled at Bryn Mawr, ranging in age from the mid-twenties to the early seventies. Over ninety percent of these women have been employed in the past; currently, about fifty percent are employed part time and ten percent full time. In addition, virtually all McBrides conduct their academic pursuits in the context of managing significant family needs, often those of children and/or aging parents.
<p>I don't think you should just discount the schools you mentioned in post #3. I am not familiar with the programs, but it seems they were set up to help women who were not able to get a college education when they were younger. I would bet a lot of these older students have had "bumps" along the way. If they really need proof that your mom can do the work, maybe she could take a few summer classes somewhere before applying. Has your mom spoken to whoever admits students to these programs? Maybe they could give her some advice on what she'd need to have a competitive application.</p>
<p>my mom is 49 and after 8-9 years graduated not this past sat. but the saturday b4 from a local college near my old house..she has a bsw(bachelors of social work!) and is aiming for a masterss...</p>
<p>Thanks guys, there's just the grades that are going to prevent her from a lot of schools I feel, due to the mono, how does Smith take that into account?</p>
<p>It looks like Smith's Ada Comstock Scholars program is extremely flexible. Your mother's bad grades many years ago will most probably not be held against her.</p>
<p>I advise "working adults/nontraditional students" at the Master's level. I would definitely have her look at your state's CCs and smaller 4 year institutions. If she can get on a military base, have her go to the post education center and she can talk to the many schools that cater to the older student (and yes, grant life experience credits).</p>
<p>Thanks for the help thus far guys, I have sent her the info for - Bard, Empire State, Smith, and Bryn Mawr. Any other info/help is greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>I would not assume that the old grades are going to be that big an issue ... your mom just needs a chance to explain the situation and many schools may well look past those old grade. I'd never advocate limiting options on an assumption. If a school looks good have your mom get in contact with the admissions people and address the issue straight up ... all it can do is open a door an assumption had closed.</p>
<p>3togo is right. Many schools, especially community colleges, offer "grade forgiveness" when there have been extenuating circumstances. Many schools, especially community colleges, offer programs for non-traditional students. How do I know? I teach at a community college that does both.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, as far as CC's go, you need residency before you can get any financial aid, and my mother wants to leave Florida for the northeast, and therefore classes would be at least $350 per, and she can't afford that without any financial aid. Thanks guys, keep the replies coming. :)</p>