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So I was thinking...
Jul. 13th, 2008 04:04 amof doing this
I'm thinking of going part-time for an MA in Clinical Counseling Psychology.
I'm not so worried about this turning out like my failed grad school attempt from '05 because this time I'd be going for something that I'm absolutely positive I like, instead of something that I really wasn't even sure about and undertook hastily and for all the wrong reasons, which I now realize. I've been thinking this over for at least four years, maybe five now. Besides, I kind of offer counsel and analyze everything by habit at this point. I know I'm pretty good at it and I like doing it. Also, I'd finally be doing something with my degree in an academic sense. I just feel like I should take it further at some point and get the most out of my schooling.
I have the GPA to get in easily (3.5 in my major, 3.3 cumulative) and even if I didn't I think I probably have the GRE scores (1150 overall). I only need two letters of recommendation (easily obtained because I've kept in contact with a lot of people) and the short essay would be a cinch because essays are one of my strengths. My job history is an asset because I've worked with statistics programs and research projects, as well as non-profit human service type work. And I have more than the preferred two years of work experience. Well, sorta. I've spent fair chunks of that time being unemployed, but that's hardly my fault and anyway, the work time that I have had still adds up to more than 24 months.
My one concern is more student loans. :( I owe on two loans that equal out to well over $60K. $20K was tacked on from my first grad school stint in 05-06. However, you can make for more money with an MA and in this city there are a TON of positions open that I'm interested in that all require a Master's degree, so I don't think there would be a shortage of work. At least not as much of a shortage as there is for someone with only a Bachelor's. With the increased salary, the risk might be worth the reward. I'm already resigned to paying these things off for 30+ years, so what's another 5 or 10?
idk, what do you guys think, should I do it? I've been asking everyone I can think of, including my old professors. When I talk to my therapist this week (she was sick on Saturday, so no therapy), I'll ask her too.
I'm thinking of going part-time for an MA in Clinical Counseling Psychology.
I'm not so worried about this turning out like my failed grad school attempt from '05 because this time I'd be going for something that I'm absolutely positive I like, instead of something that I really wasn't even sure about and undertook hastily and for all the wrong reasons, which I now realize. I've been thinking this over for at least four years, maybe five now. Besides, I kind of offer counsel and analyze everything by habit at this point. I know I'm pretty good at it and I like doing it. Also, I'd finally be doing something with my degree in an academic sense. I just feel like I should take it further at some point and get the most out of my schooling.
I have the GPA to get in easily (3.5 in my major, 3.3 cumulative) and even if I didn't I think I probably have the GRE scores (1150 overall). I only need two letters of recommendation (easily obtained because I've kept in contact with a lot of people) and the short essay would be a cinch because essays are one of my strengths. My job history is an asset because I've worked with statistics programs and research projects, as well as non-profit human service type work. And I have more than the preferred two years of work experience. Well, sorta. I've spent fair chunks of that time being unemployed, but that's hardly my fault and anyway, the work time that I have had still adds up to more than 24 months.
My one concern is more student loans. :( I owe on two loans that equal out to well over $60K. $20K was tacked on from my first grad school stint in 05-06. However, you can make for more money with an MA and in this city there are a TON of positions open that I'm interested in that all require a Master's degree, so I don't think there would be a shortage of work. At least not as much of a shortage as there is for someone with only a Bachelor's. With the increased salary, the risk might be worth the reward. I'm already resigned to paying these things off for 30+ years, so what's another 5 or 10?
idk, what do you guys think, should I do it? I've been asking everyone I can think of, including my old professors. When I talk to my therapist this week (she was sick on Saturday, so no therapy), I'll ask her too.
