7 Tips for Going Back to Grad School After Age 40

Does the state of the economy have you thinking about going back to grad school? Perhaps you just want to make yourself more valuable to your current employer and preempt a future layoff. Maybe you're looking to change career fields. Whatever the reason, many adults are considering going back to graduate school long past the age when most people think about getting that MA, MBA or PhD. I went back to grad school at the age of 42 and I want to share a few tips on how to make it a successful and rewarding venture.

Tip #1

Discuss your plans with family and close friends. You're going to need their support, so start recruiting it early on. Once you're back in school, especially if you're also still working, you're no longer going to have as much free time. If your family and friends don't understand and support your goals, you'll start to hear complaints. Serious friction and arguments could occur. It's best if everyone who will be impacted by your new schedule is consulted and understands the upcoming changes.

Tip #2

Plan on spending 20 to 30 hours a week on schoolwork. This includes time spent in class, reading assignments, writing assignments and studying. I chose an online program, so there was no in-class time, but I still found that I spent an average of 25 hours a week on school. That was on top of my job and other responsibilities. You can see why Tip #1 is so important!

Tip #3

Aim to do good work, but don't expect all your work to receive an A. Since you probably have other important commitments and responsibilities, you may not always have the time or energy to produce top quality work.

Tip #4

Schedule time each week for your schoolwork. I found things ran much more smoothly if I had dedicated times set for doing my work. Once I had the syllabus and due dates for assignments for a class, I would block out times to do the needed work. If you have children at home, make sure they understand you have study times during which you should not be disturbed.

Tip #5

Schedule some down time each week. This is especially important if you're also working at a job. You'll find yourself burned out and run down if you don't take time each week for a little R&R. Have movie night with the family or date night with your spouse. Go to church. Take a walk. Just make sure the time you spend away from school refreshes your mind and your spirit so you can hit the books again with a clear head.

Tip #6

Plan for unexpected expenses. Tuition and books are known expenses. Other things to consider are additional books you may need to purchase for a research assignment. Software that will make your classes easier. Printer paper and ink in larger quantities than you would normally purchase. Fees to access databases and libraries that will aid your research.

Tip #7

Understand that grad school is not much like your undergrad days. Classes rarely are designed around memorizing facts and figures and spitting them back out on a test. Graduate level classes normally require more discussion, thinking and analysis. The depth and quality of your thoughts on and evaluation of the material are of primary importance. Even in scientific disciplines, your ability to analyze the data is more important than rote memorization. Because of this, professors expect students to think about the material and discuss it intelligently, not just echo what a textbook said.

If you've prepared yourself and your family, going back to grad school after age 40 can be rewarding both intellectually and financially. Take time to make your decision and select your program and school carefully. With the support of your family and friends and a little self preparation, you'll be on your way to receiving that degree.