Old Ag, wants to go back, where do I start?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Texas A&M University
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<p>I am 53 years old and want to go back to Texas A&M and THIS TIME graduate and get my ring.</p>

<p>And let me add: Back when I was a kid in college, there were no computers (except folks like NASA) and Texas Instruments had just invented the hand held calculator...it was way cool to have one and it was on the "list" of must haves for college. I remember mine costs $79.00 and could add, subtract, divide, multiply and do square roots. High tech.</p>

<p>I was a freshman there at A&M in 1974. I was a poor student/great party-er and after floundering around for several years, I dropped out in 1978 without graduating.</p>

<p>I took courses throughout the years from Houston Community College for fun and then later got an Associates Degree in Nursing (Registered Nurse) from San Jancinto.</p>

<p>I am now fully disabled with Bipolar Disorder and retired from nursing and on full disabilty (SSDI).</p>

<p>I want more than anything to go back to Texas A&M and graduate and GET THAT RING! Two of my 4 children are Aggies and have their rings and I want to do them proud. I want to set a good example for my grandkids as well. That a person can do anything they want despite difficult circumstances.</p>

<p>Soooo....</p>

<p>Do I Apply for admission? Re-admission? </p>

<p>Do I set up an appointment with a counselor or advisor first before anything? This online bit seems so impersonal.</p>

<p>Do I seek financial aide first or after applying to A&M?</p>

<p>I will be a disabled student, do I visit Texas A&M Disability Services on campus for a one on one first?</p>

<p>Is it difficult for non-traditional and disabled students to be admitted?</p>

<p>I can not drive anymore so will need housing near campus, northgate for example. Should I reserve an apartment as much as a year or so in advance just so i can be sure I can be close to campus? (I know about the shuttle buses, I just like being close).</p>

<p>I feel a bit over-whelmed with the idea of getting all these ducks in a row but I know I can do it. I would like to start class fall 2010. WHOOP!</p>

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<p>I’d set up an appointment with an adviser in from your prior department. They should be able to evaluate where you are now and tell you what it’ll take to get back in. Make sure to take a copy of your transcripts.</p>

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<p>I would say readmission, but the departmental adviser should be able to tell you for sure. You will need at least a 2.0 to get back in. I’ve see departments put people on a program at Blinn to get their GPA up so they can get readmitted.</p>

<p>Since you’ve been to another school and received a degree, they may classify you as a transfer student. It’ll be a lot harder to get back in if they do.</p>

<p>I’d also take time to talk with someone in Admissions and Records and stop by the Prospective Student Center.</p>

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<p>Your financial application is for an entire year. Since you’re planning on Fall 2010, you’ll need to wait until spring 2010 to submit your application.</p>

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<p>If you’re going to be on campus already, it can’t hurt to talk to them. Things have changed a lot in the last 15-20 years as far as accommodations for people with disabilities.</p>

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<p>I’m a nontraditional student who had a similar situation as you. I’m not quite as old, nor am I disabled, but I’ve been to several universities and community colleges. After my first semester in college, my GPA was a 1.xx something. I was admitted for this fall class. It can happen, but it took a lot of work on my part to bring my GPA up. </p>

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<p>From what I’ve seen, most places don’t prelease a year in advance because they don’t know if their tenants will be out yet. It may be hard to find a place that far in advance. I saw preleasing for the fall start around February/March. Preleasing for the spring started in October/November. You might get lucky though.</p>

<p>I wouldn’t want to live near Northgate. Wayyyy too much noise if you’re serious about studying and getting out of school.</p>

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<p>agfa, thanks for taking the time to answer so many questions. I think spending some more time online, perusing the admissions site and such and I won’t be as confused. I live on my farm an hour away and may just set up an appointment soon with an advisor or two. I can get a ride and go in person as many times as it takes, I WILL be admitted! LOL!</p>

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<p>Glad to hear you are going back and pursuing your dream, LiveOak! I, myself, am a semester away from getting my ring, and am very excited to get mine! Agfa did a good job of answering all of your questions, definitely schedule an appointment with an academic adviser. They have always been very helpful and friendly to me. Good luck with your pursuit, and if you have any other questions feel free post here or ask me personally.</p>

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<p>gstein, a semester away from getting your ring, that’s fantastic. My two oldest children are Aggie graduates and I remember clearly the days each one got their rings. It was really, really incredible. Lots of excitement and energy. Well deserved. And there is nothing like that Aggie network and that Ring is such a symbol. Congrats!</p>