Old man on campus

[ucould2]

congratulations on the next new mile-stone of your life

....and with three kids and work....

:grinthumb ....sure wish there was a way I could move to this prospectus as all the positions here in Australia seem to go to cashed-up immigrants......not that there is any-thing wrong with that ( cash-cows or immigrants ), but when I left school it was free to attend University as mature-age student :blackeye:

 

[red1776]

Hey thanks ucould

but when I left school it was free to attend University as mature-age student

What changed with the system there?

 

[ucould2]

What changed with the system there?

Universities apparently needed to become more sufficient in a cash-flow sense like the US colleges and less like the "European standard" of York or Cambridge where the prestige of a place of study alone has marketplace value ( traditional learning status-quo )
<-Degrees can cost up to and easily exceed AUS$80,000.
<-Qualifying process where you're required to gain acceptance merits \ points.
<-Eight points (from 4 subjects) must be gained in one semester calculated into hours-32 to 48 hours/week.
<-Then hold down a job to pay rent and buy texts which may not actually be related to the desired degree.
<-After qualifying you may be allowed a student loan if you didn't declare bankrupt trying to get together the points required for entry :suspiciou

 

[ravisunny2]

44 years, hardly qualifies you as as decrepit, red1776.

But with three kids, you have your work cutout for you.

Good luck.

 

[red1776]

44 years, hardly qualifies you as as decrepit, red1776.

But with three kids, you have your work cutout for you.

Good luck.

Its the three kids that qualifies me (at times) as decrepit
Thanks Ravisunny

 

[SNGX1275]

Good luck. As someone else said above, being older is probably an advantage, you might not be able to learn as quickly, but the discipline you'll have to do the work is greater.

I started my PhD in Geology in August 2008 at the age of 28. Just passed my qualifying exam a few weeks ago so I got moved up from 'accepted into the PhD program' to 'PhD candidate'. In 2 semesters I have to pass my comprehensive exam, and then hopefully a year later I'll have my degree. Being older than I was when I got my Bachelors in Geology, I do feel it has helped, my grades are much better now. But I still lack motivation more often than I should... But I only worked for 4 years before starting my PhD and my savings account is looking pretty bleak, I'm ready to get this done and start making some real money - so I can have enough to retire before I'm 80.

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

I'm currently in my last year of studies and I'm doing a B.Sc. in EE, with a concentration in Communications & DSP; I have one summer session and a full semester to go.

It'll be hard to finish it all in two years methinks; 2.5-3 is possible, but 2 is only possible if you're intensely focused, which is difficult given your responsibilities. The hardest courses (IMHO) are the ones dealing with stochastic calculus, electromagnetics and signal processing (esp. Fourier & Z-domain transforms; solutions are often 2-3 pages long). Everything else is pretty easy and straightforward.

Also, don't forget to take elective courses in your area! (I've taken one each in microelectronics and power electronics; the first one is highly recommended for your intended specialization)

Good luck, and I hope I didn't put you off! =P

 

[LookinAround]

Sounds like kudos are in order, as well, for both SNGX1275 and Rage_3K_Moiz so :grinthumb :grinthumb (one for each)

 

[red1776]

Sounds like kudos are in order, as well, for both SNGX1275 and Rage_3K_Moiz so :grinthumb :grinthumb (one for each)

Actually Look, I consulted Moiz quite a bit for direction on course study and what to expect earlier in the year. he was of great help.:grinthumb

... and I think SNGX has more degrees than a thermometer...thank you! i will be here all week!

 

[fairytale00]

good luck for you !

 

[ravisunny2]

@red1776

So how are you studies coming along ?

Boy, you are an early riser.

It about 5:10 am at Minnesota ?

 

[red1776]

It about 5:10 am at Minnesota ?

Hi ravis,
It is, ....don't remind me

Well in my first semester I went B-B-A, so I guess I am getting on okay. The fall semester started, and with 14 credit semester and three kids, its going to be the real test....I feel like I have been drug through a knot hole as it is.

 

[ravisunny2]

14 credits + kids + Techspot.

That's quite a load.

All the best.