Graduate School

[roaminggnome]

So I got into a masters program and have everything I need for it. I even started to read the text books. And now this-the school's website says that my financial aid was rejected. I don't know what they mean by this because two days ago I had the maximum amount of loans available. I voluntarily reduced the amount of the loans for personal reasons now this. The loans were either rejected by the lender or cancelled by the university. I have to wait until Monday to call them.

My PTSD makes me always think of the worst case scenario and I pray it doesn't come true this time. Without the loans I cannot afford the tuition and will not be able to go. I hope that this is not the case.

If I am able to go I don't even know how I will be as a student. Is there anyone else out there pursuing a masters degree? How do you manage to balance your PTSD and the demands of school? The last time I was in college I had PTSD but it was milder. The major event in my life that caused full blown PTSD happened later. How do you study and retain information? I know it's based on the individual but am open to ideas. Thanks!

 

[Misul]

Wow.... that's insane!

I really hope it works out for you. That's terrible on their part. Will be thinking of you...

As for me, I'm wanting to go back to grad school but can't quite yet so I'm trying to study as much as I can on my own so it will be somewhat easier. I'm also worried about handling the course load because the program I want to enter is 24 credits a semester for 4 years. I don't really want to go half time and take 8 years to complete.

Best wishes and do update us when you find out.

Misul

 

[roaminggnome]

Everything worked out with the loans there was a major glitch with the system.

Misul,
I understand completely about studying on your own so it will be easier. That is what I'm doing right now. That's a lot of credits per semester. I will only be a part time student taking 6 credits a semester. It will take three years including summers. And I wonder how I'm going to do it. I hope you go back when you are ready. Best of luck to you.

 

[roaminggnome]

Due to my current circumstances I deferred grad school for a year. Too much was just going on with me right now to go. My heart is slightly broken but it will mend. And I'll be in a better position to attend next year.

 

[roaminggnome]

I don't know what to do about grad school and know that I still have time to decide. In addition to PTSD I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. The problem is will I be well enough in 2 years to do internships and will I be well enough to work after 4 years in order to pay back the loans. Everyone including my therapist is against me going. I'm torn. It's $60,000 + in loans I would need to pay back. Plus the $16,000 I owe in undergraduate loans. Logically I'm thinking of withdrawing from the program because I haven't been able to hold down a job in 12 years and don't know that I can. My heart says one thing and my mind says another.

 

[roaminggnome]

Add another diagnosis and grad school is looking more impossible. I'm diagnosed with four different psychiatric conditions. Now I'm wondering if I even did make it through school would I qualify to get my license in social work?

 

[reallydown]

This really hits home for me. I was going to do grad school but the beast made me nearly drop out of my BA...so I didn't even bother applying. I am not fit for it...yet. But then I wonder if I ever will be. Hang in there roaminggnome. I truly hope you'll be able to get well enough to go. Does your school offer any support/accomodation for situations like this?

 

[roaminggnome]

I've already made the final decision no to go to grad school. There are too many unknowns for me. I'm looking for a job in my former profession-paralegal. After I obtained my bachelors degree I went and got a paralegal certificate. It's a job I know I can do well and make a good living at. My number one challenge is that I'm geographically located between two major cities but not close to commute to either. So I may have to take a job doing something else so I can save up to move closer to a city.

 

[roaminggnome]

I've officially withdrawn from graduate school. I am grateful that I figured this out before classes started and I would have gone $20,000 into debt.