Question: I am 50, and have been on disability for about 12 years because of arthritis and chronic pain. One knee was replaced and I am going to get the other one done. I feel I could work after that, but what I would like is to be a teacher. Actually, I would never of thought of this except my son, age 27, died about 16 months ago and I feel I will go crazy without doing something. Am I too old? Also, paying for it would be a problem. Can you please give me your opinion? Thanks so much. - Debbie

Answer: Debbie, these are lots of changes to take on all at one time. If you have not yet obtained some counseling for grief and loss, I would recommend that as a first step. Your counselor can also help you with some career counseling to make sure teaching is the right direction for you. This should include some personality and learning style assessment as well. As you know, college is expensive, so be sure of your goal before you spend time and money.

If ready. community colleges are always a good place to start, or re-start your learning after many years, and are also inexpensive. You could start with a couple of classes in child or adolescent psychology and get your study skills back in order to see how you do. You may want to explore the College Level Exam Program (CLEP) offered by the College Board. You can study and inexpensively test-out of some basic college courses. Your local community college counselor can discuss various financial aid options. - Faith

Question: Is there any career benefit to pursuing a degree after age 55? I am a widow with a bachelor's degree in English Literature to which I added secondary certification (this expired several years ago). I have not worked in the area of my education and have been stuck in low-wage, dead end jobs for the past 10 years. I don't have benefits and am barely scraping by on my meager salary, even though I was on the dean's list. I'm still paying on student loans and am beginning to think that I have been duped. - PJPoet

Answer: PJpoet, since you already have a bachelor's degree, I would focus on graduate school for best use of your time and money.  Get some extended career advising first.  Most local community colleges offer this service, even if you are not a student at their campus.  Especially at your age, it is important to have a definite career direction. 

There may be ways you can use your present degree to obtain a teaching job and not need another degree at this time - just to get you a better income. Again, career counseling will help you evaluate your options.  If you choose to enter a graduate program that is different than your undergraduate, you will need some pre-requisite courses.  I know that age is still an issue with employers, but given that baby-boomers may start to retire combined with the lack of skilled workers, companies may start to see the value of older workers and offer flexible work time and conducive work environments. - Faith

Question: I'm 50 years old (but don't think I look it), am building a career management/coaching practice, have 60+ transferable college credits, a state teacher's credential, and a coaching certification. I'm writing a book, and I need to get my bachelor's degree for the necessary $$$ to support my projects. I also have 25 years of industry "portfolio credit" for prior learning, complete with letters of recommendation.

My question: what "re-entry" scholarships are actually available from our current President's programs? Where are they,and how do I apply? I have seven daughters (3 college graduates, one working on her Ph.d), and four adolescents at home (two in middle school; two in high school). I don't think it's reasonable to take out educational loans for myself when I have four daughters coming behind me in search of a "higher education". I live in California, and the economy here seems to be sinking fast! HELP! - Ava

Answer: Ava, there are a few resources for adults to obtain financial assistance to attend a college or university. First, contact the financial aid department of the school you are attending, they have many federal and state resources for funding and will help you complete the "forms" and submit the information needed to receive this funding if you qualify. This would include the resources issued by the President. Additionally, there is a Website called FastWeb which lists the largest number of grants and scholarships for adults. You complete your profile and they will match you with specific opportunities or you can search their database on your own. If you are not attending a college or university, you can start with meeting with the financial aid department at your community college for basic information to get you started, even if you do not plan to attend that school. - Faith

Question: Hello, this is my dilemma! I am 31, and my undergraduate GPA is a 2.2. I want to boost my GPA up to at least a 2.5 in order to teach! (I live in Louisiana.) Do I have to go back to where I received my undergraduate degree to bring up my GPA or can I select any other university? How do I know if they will transfer those credits if I go with another school? - Donald

Answer: Donald, if you desire to attend your original campus, it would be best to directly ask these questions of an academic advisor.  If you plan to attend a new school, contact their advisors for their answer as it may differ with the school. In general, most colleges look at your last 30-60 credits to raise a GPA.  So, focus on your most recent grade.  You may have to repeat courses or continue with courses you have not taken, but you will need to receive As and Bs to pull your GPA score to at least 2.2.  Now that you are older and wiser, you should strive to do your best which may be to work for a 3.0 or higher GPA. - Faith

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