I have great work experience and thinking about going to graduate school to enhance my skills. I am currently enemployed due to Hurricane Katrina and feel as I look for work - perhaps, this is the time I should consider graduate school.
I have a college degree. However, always struggled in school. I was diagnosed with ADD at age 28. I now take Strattera, which I can tell helps me focus. I have always ‘feared’ the GRE, SAT, etc.
Both my parents were educators but just did not know the signs. In fact, my father is currently a dean of a university for the graduate school. My father is supportive of me. However, he doesn’t fully understand my learning disability needs.
I would love the challenge to get through graduate school. But ‘scared’ to get in too deep. I am trying to research the steps I need to pursue to get assistance/help for being challenged with a learning disability.
Can anyone relate to me?? Or offer suggestions?
Martin
Re: GRADUATE SCHOOL?
Martin,
I know it is scary. You likely wonder, will the work be much more intense then undergrad and maybe if you can do grad school and work at the same time. I understand.
I took some grad school classes before being thrust back into the work force full time. Now, I have applied to grad school to work on a masters. I plan on taking 2 classes per semster, but still I worry because everything takes me longer than it takes people without learning difficulties. However, I know that I did well in undergrad and in the grad level classes I took before. It will be difficult… but I can do it.
You have a few things going for you, including having meds to help your ADHD (no such meds for some LD’s). You already went through college, so you have learned how to study in a way that fits your needs. Look for a grad school that fits your needs, in a school that has accomodations (like testing in a quiet place free of destractions, if you need it). I recommend a school with semesters instead of quarters, due to pacing issues.
I wish you success.
It sounds like you have a lot better control over how you manage Stuff To Get Done than ever before in your life. I think I’d take a course somewhere without necesasrily going through the admissions process - most schools let you do that. That would also connect you with faculty and advisors who would be able to see that you’re more than a test score.