Is Age a Barrier for Graduate Studies and Scholarships?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concerns of a student regarding the impact of age on applications for graduate studies and scholarships, particularly in the context of personal circumstances affecting financial needs. The scope includes personal experiences, perceptions of age in academic applications, and considerations for applying to universities in the U.S. and the UK.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about being "too old" to apply for graduate studies and scholarships, citing personal circumstances that necessitate financial support.
  • Another participant argues that age should not negatively impact the application, suggesting that being older may qualify the applicant for "mature student" status, which could be advantageous.
  • A later reply emphasizes that many graduate students are older than typical undergraduate students, suggesting that age may not be a significant barrier in this context.
  • There is a mention of the potential financial challenges of graduate school, with a caution that it may not be the best option for those in need of immediate financial support.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that age should not be a barrier for graduate studies, but there are differing views on how age might be perceived by universities and the implications for financial support.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the concept of "mature student" status and its potential benefits, but there is uncertainty about how different universities might view age in the context of applications. The discussion also highlights the varying lengths of undergraduate studies among participants, which may influence perceptions of age.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering graduate studies, particularly those concerned about age and financial implications, as well as individuals interested in the application processes for universities in different countries.

manoskats
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Hello all,this is my first post here.
I am studying Physics in Greece and after 7 long years I am finally approaching graduation.
That's right,seven!
My first 3 or 4 years pretty much went to waste,as I couldn't escape the mentality of most of the students here.(7 years is actually well below the department's average)
But then I decided to focus on my studies and now I will be graduating with a decent grade of (almost) 8.Also my thesis (I think you would call it "major subject"?) is under an internationally acknowledged professor and could get published.

I would like to take the gre and apply for american universities,but I am worried that I am "too old" to get into an above-average university with a scholarship (I need it because my brother just had a terrible accident and a lot of money will be going to medical bills)...
Could you give your opinions and insight on my chances?
Thank you in advance.
 
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Age shouldn't have any affect on your application. In fact, in anything, it may qualify you for "mature student" status if the schools you're looking at have such a thing and this would give you a number of advantages in that more weight is placed on "life experience" in your application.

As nice as a scholarship is, if you and your family really need money, grad school is generally not a good place to look for it.
 
Well,my brother escaped danger and will go on with his life,even though it will never be the same again.But the worst thing I could do would be to give up my dreams because of what happened to him,he might feel responsible for that.So I will apply for grad school and IF my family can afford it I am going,perhaps I will need to find a way to make some extra money.

Anyway,thanks for the reply and your concern.
I never considered this "mature student" status you mention before.Does someone else think my age could be a problem for some universities?
 
If you were applying to do undergraduate studies in the UK you'd be old enough now to be considered a mature student. Since you're applying for grad school, i'd have thought the only real concern is that your degree took so long, but I'm pretty sure a lot of grad students are much older than 21/22 (i will have spent 5 years at undergraduate level by the time i finish and then could well take a year out before grad school (were i to apply)... that's 6 years, only 2 less than your 8, and i don't think there'd be any problems there)
 

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