The Waiting Room

I made a decision...I am going for my PhD.

I know what you're thinking. I must be out of my head for considering it. And, I think I blogged a long time ago that I was happy with what I had.

Well....yeah...it's a little from column A and a little from column B.

OK, now for the WTF, with the "W" standing for "why?"

I've been doing this training for a couple of months now and I realized that I love learning. I have learning so many new things that I can implement in teaching and administrative aspects of my job. Some of the information would be quite useful in a doctorate program I plan to pursue. But, the main reason is that I just love learning and trying different things. I can't still or have my mind idle for too long. There so much out there that i want to know.

The great thing about the program I plan to pursue is that I know someone who is in it right now. He has given me some great advice and insight. The program is geared toward those who are working full time jobs in academia, so the majority of people in the program are part-time. So, it is do-able. from that aspect.

Did I mention that my job will pay for 75 % of my tuition? Sweet, no student loan debt. I will just have to budget for the extra cost. Not a problem there.

I had a wonderful conversation with the head of the program. They will consider my prior degrees and apply some of the credits toward the program. So, I will not have to complete all 72 credits. Also, they guide with your dissertation from the beginning.

But, there is one sticking point. I have to take the GRE. I took that ridiculous test 20 years ago. I have a masters and a law degree. Surely, I have proven myself competent enough to do doctoral work.

Nope.

No exceptions?

Nope.

So, guess who is going to be cramming to complete the GRE by January?

Granted, it's only the general exam. I can knock the crap out of the verbal and writing portion. But, the math is a whole different thing. I am not strong in math. I actually made it through undergrad without calculus or stats. I didn't need a stats course for my master's either. Husband has agreed to tutor me. After all, he is a math guru. Dude is an engineer and scored a 720 on the math portion back in the day.

And, all I have to do is score in the 50th percentile. I can do that.

Do they still give you points for taking the test?

Anyway, the next couple of months will be crazy with test prep and applying for the program. Hopefully they will accept me for next fall. My plan is to take a class in the Spring as a non-matriculated student. If I find that work and school is just too much, then I will bail.

Seriously though, I am excited and scared. And, I think this decision confirms that I am truly insane.