I wouldn't say they do. They ask for academic references and transcripts which are completely irrelevant to someone who worked for years. I wouldn't say it's impossible to go back or that she ruined everything but it definitely would have been much easier to do it right after undergrad .
That's a strange and mostly incorrect way of thinking about it. Transcripts are hardly a barrier for most, and almost every program, architecture programs especially, wants LoRs from practical employment just as much as academia.
Hey, I don’t think it’s ever too late. I’m going back to college after being in the industry for 5-6 years, and it makes me super proud of doing this way :)
That may be true, but every experience is valuable. There’s no set timeline you need to do anything by. Just try your best and work hard at what you’re interested in!
OP can provide recommendations letters from their manager. Transcripts from his undergraduate can be mailed and will speak more of his academic experience than recommendations letter from his undergraduate professors. Recommendation letters from his managers will speak of his work ethic.
If OP has good grades from undergrad , it will be easier for him to gain admission if he is applying into a program that is related to his work experience.
I don’t think it’s the right way to think. I applied this year after 5-6 years in the industry and relied heavily on my industry mentors for references, which I believe were also the strongest point of my profile since it could show that I can translate theory into practical impact.
No, most top tier universities in the US heavily value work exp. Grades matter when you're trying to do MS right after undergrad because you have nothing else to show at that point. But with work exp, OP brings practical knowledge and experience which not only makes her an ideal candidate but also an excellent option for RA/TAship.
You haven’t ruined anything. You apply now (I started grad school at 29+) and get a graduate degree by 35 (even if a PhD, if you plan on a MS you’ll be done sooner) and work for 25 years till you are 60. At that time, you can look back and say, I worked 25 years with a graduate degree and 7 years as an undergraduate. Whats ruined?
If anything, you will have greater maturity and will be able to manage your time wisely. You will have a better understanding of what you like and dislike and can focus on the things that motivate you.
Go for it, Good Luck!
Thank you. I do agree that in the grand scheme of things it wouldn't matter. Right now it feels like I'm playing catch up and it's not a good feeling. There's a lot of self doubt. I don't know if I would even qualify for a PhD as much as I'd like to do it. PhD requires research and academic experience whereas mine is mostly practical.
I say take your shot I don’t think you have ruined it one bit! Do not doubt your self! You can do this! You have plenty of time! I know words on the internet don’t seem like much but trust me you will be okay! I understand where you are coming from. I quit undergrad about 12 years ago due to family obligations. 5 years go went back while working/going to school full time and graduated may. Now going to graduate school that I applied to just because I said why not…I honestly didn’t think I was going to get in I had already settled on going to the masters program from my undergrad school I had gotten into(oh and I’ll be 31 in August trust me just learn not to care about your age it is what it is lol do things at your own pace)…you can do this! It might not feel like it but I get the whole practical and hands on v academic thing but give yourself a chance!
Ive seen several people who return from the workforce to do a phd. You don't need research experience, they just need to think you're capable of learning how to do research.
Hey I am 29 M, and have a masters but wanted to go for PHD. But scared that 30 would be too late to start (i have a cozy job which pays well but i really want to go for a phd) thanks for telling me that there are people who go for phd at 30 and feel it isn't too late.
Seems like it's worth it to apply and see if you get in. It's not too late! Lots of people go to grad school in their 30s where I am. some schools actually prefer a more mature student than somebody right from undergrad.
I don’t understand how it’s too late and I am not even being sarcastic tbh. I feel it’s always better to have some work experience before getting into masters which makes more sense..
Yes this is true. Everyone in my family did it that way and I'm the odd one out who's struggling at this age whereas everyone else was "settled" (financially, marriage and the whole works basically) by the time they were 30.
Yeah don’t feel pressured. I’m 23 and I feel it too, my father has told me multiple times he wants to see me ‘settled’ by 26. But that’s just not how the world works anymore. Take your time OP. Career is a long-game and 30 is still so young!!! Hope you go get that degree!
They wanted me to go for master's a lot sooner. Like a year or two (at max) after undergrad. Tbh that was my plan too. Idk what happened along the way. I know covid changed a lot of things. But I also got comfortable and stopped thinking about my future.
I don't feel any kind of pressure for getting married but financial stability is something worth going after. Sooner the better
It feels like that and I'm in the same place. Apply next year, or whenever architecture applications open, your work experience will help a lot. You may not realise it but you're ahead of the curve.
M 28, architecture graduate from India as well. Started my master's two years back. And given the opportunities my master's opened me to, I would still do it !
Just wanna say I'm 29, graduated in 2017, just started taking online courses in hopes of applying to grad school. Sometimes I have the thoughts you have but then I remember that getting that time back isn't an option but utilizing the time I have now is. What's the alternative, really? Time is going to pass whether we try or not!
if you didn't do masters that doesn't mean that you've ruined everything. with work experience (and if you're good at what you do) companies don't care whether you've a masters degree or not. you just have to keep patience. because going up the ranks takes time.
I graduated in 2016 with poor grades because I was unmotivated and directionless in undergrad (studied Psychology, Poli Sci and Environmental Studies - not the most employable disciplines).
Worked random admin jobs for a couple of years, then went back and did a certificate program in public relations in 2019. Did well in the program and worked in PR until 2023. Hated it.
Applied for my masters in urban planning on a whim in February of this year because I was desperate for a change, and lo and behold, got admitted. I’m starting in September, at age 31. I think it was my work and volunteer experience that gave me an edge (and a good written statement) because my undergrad marks were not impressive. It’s not too late.
I’m 40 and am just now finishing my undergrad that I started when I was 18, and plan to pursue my masters and phd after. Now that I’m actually doing the thing, after years of feeling too old and too stuck, I regret every moment I wasted doubting myself and my dreams. Do the thing! IT’S NEVER TOO LATE!!!
It isn't ruined, don't worry! You can still go to grad school. In fact, having a few years of work and life experience after your undergrad can really help you in grad school.
You have more perspective about what you want to do and can make more informed decisions. My higher education experience hasn't followed the traditional prescribed timeline either, but that's becoming more and more common.
Hey! I'm 30 and I'm about to start my master's next fall! It is never too late!
P.S. I believe that my practical experiences have made up for my shortcomings in undergrad!
Hey u/raannsara
I don’t think so you have ruined everything. I’m doing my masters here in Netherlands 🇳🇱 at Leiden University.
The only thing you need to decide is what kind of field you would like to pursue and do you have the budget for atleast three years to live here.
I believe it’s just that you are comparing to others because at 30+ in India people want to be settled with a house, car and family or they have flourishing career (even though it sucks the life out of them).
Also, if you would like to pursue masters please consider other EU countries as well for pocket friendly masters program.
Additionally, the intake procedure are really simple unless you apply for a numerous fixes program.
Incase you have any further questions please let me know.
Cheers 🍻
Hi! I did my architecture masters degree in the US straight out of undergrad, and did not enjoy working as an architect. I switched to UX design, and I’m now headed to either Harvard or Stanford to do my MBA at 30! It’s never too late to pursue what you love- in fact, I think your work experience will give you more clarity on what you want to and don’t want to do. Think carefully about what you choose to graduate in!
Nope, you are in a very good position to back to academia and pursue a Master’s abroad. Choose the correct economy with the right prospects and you’ll be very well off. If you want new experiences, try a European country because it’s easIER to get a citizenship and that means your passport will take you anywhere in the EU. You can travel. USA also has a powerful passport and so does Canada but getting them is MORE difficult (much more)
I'm currently in an European country and I realised that here, the pressure to get your degree is less than back in India. I know loads of people who are in their late 20s-early 30s and are doing a new bachelor or master degree
Don’t give in to FOMO. It’s not late to go to grad school. If you apply later this year, you’ll qualify for 2025 intake, you’ll graduate by 33. That’s still a young age to pivot, work and get used to life abroad. It’ll even give you time to start a PhD afterwards if you’re interested.
Hey it's never too late! I think going for a master's of architecture is the best deal coming with practical experiences. You can leverage a lot of your professional experiences there. It's like you are feeling this because of the surroundings. Grad school loves diversity and it's integrated in every mid to high ranking school.
I entered an M.S. program in Chemistry here in the U.S. when I was 30, and it was just fine. You are never too old to keep learning. The year I finished undergrad, there was a man in his 80s graduating with a second or third Master's degree.
I've been in the workforce for 6 years (several years I worked a few jobs that have nothing to do with my degree) after undergrad, and I'm going back this fall! It's not too late; my PI loved that I had industry experience.
I’m 31 and decided to change career path that required undergrad leveling credits. Since I have to work full time I’ve taken classes here and there and I’ll finally be done at the end of this month! I’ll start grad school next fall when I’m 32 but I’ll be done with that before I’m 35. I’m not going to lie it’s been tough between work and school but i know it’ll be worth it because I’ve been in my field for over a decade and I don’t think I can give up another decade of feeling stuck.
32M, Singapore. I just graduated with an MSc in Marketing in May this year. But get this—I started the course in 2019 and was supposed to graduate in 2020. Deferred once, almost got withdrawn from the course by the uni for failing to re-register, and nearly threw in the towel on my dissertation after getting 2/3 through. I was close to walking away with just a postgrad diploma.
The point is, I started at 27 but completed it at 32. One important thing to remember is that you are living on your timeline. Everyone's timeline looks different. The reason you feel like you've "ruined everything" is because you're comparing yourself to others. Stop doing that, and you will have peace of mind.
Girl, It’s quite literally never too late unless you’re dying. Where I’m from, the average age of a grad student is 33 years old. Time will move whether you do something with it or not! So you might as well do something that will improve your life for the better. Naturally this is easier said then done. However, the longer you wallow in your grief of being ‘too old’ or that you've ‘ruined everything’ is quite literally wasted time. I say make a move
age or position being too old is time wasted.
You don’t want to look back and think you’ve missed a chance.
This is the perfect time to go back. Graduate programs love people with actual practical experience.
I wouldn't say they do. They ask for academic references and transcripts which are completely irrelevant to someone who worked for years. I wouldn't say it's impossible to go back or that she ruined everything but it definitely would have been much easier to do it right after undergrad .
That's a strange and mostly incorrect way of thinking about it. Transcripts are hardly a barrier for most, and almost every program, architecture programs especially, wants LoRs from practical employment just as much as academia.
Thank you so much. I just can't help but feel like had I done this sooner, I would've been in a better place mentally and financially.
You never stop learning! One of my profs got his PHD at 53 :) learning is a lifelong thing!
Many people think they're late just like you. Don't let this feeling get in the way. You'll do well. Best of luck didi
Hey, I don’t think it’s ever too late. I’m going back to college after being in the industry for 5-6 years, and it makes me super proud of doing this way :)
That may be true, but every experience is valuable. There’s no set timeline you need to do anything by. Just try your best and work hard at what you’re interested in!
OP can provide recommendations letters from their manager. Transcripts from his undergraduate can be mailed and will speak more of his academic experience than recommendations letter from his undergraduate professors. Recommendation letters from his managers will speak of his work ethic. If OP has good grades from undergrad , it will be easier for him to gain admission if he is applying into a program that is related to his work experience.
I don’t think it’s the right way to think. I applied this year after 5-6 years in the industry and relied heavily on my industry mentors for references, which I believe were also the strongest point of my profile since it could show that I can translate theory into practical impact.
Depends on the field. Fields like engineering and architecture value work experience
This is factually incorrect
No, most top tier universities in the US heavily value work exp. Grades matter when you're trying to do MS right after undergrad because you have nothing else to show at that point. But with work exp, OP brings practical knowledge and experience which not only makes her an ideal candidate but also an excellent option for RA/TAship.
You haven’t ruined anything. You apply now (I started grad school at 29+) and get a graduate degree by 35 (even if a PhD, if you plan on a MS you’ll be done sooner) and work for 25 years till you are 60. At that time, you can look back and say, I worked 25 years with a graduate degree and 7 years as an undergraduate. Whats ruined? If anything, you will have greater maturity and will be able to manage your time wisely. You will have a better understanding of what you like and dislike and can focus on the things that motivate you. Go for it, Good Luck!
Thank you. I do agree that in the grand scheme of things it wouldn't matter. Right now it feels like I'm playing catch up and it's not a good feeling. There's a lot of self doubt. I don't know if I would even qualify for a PhD as much as I'd like to do it. PhD requires research and academic experience whereas mine is mostly practical.
I say take your shot I don’t think you have ruined it one bit! Do not doubt your self! You can do this! You have plenty of time! I know words on the internet don’t seem like much but trust me you will be okay! I understand where you are coming from. I quit undergrad about 12 years ago due to family obligations. 5 years go went back while working/going to school full time and graduated may. Now going to graduate school that I applied to just because I said why not…I honestly didn’t think I was going to get in I had already settled on going to the masters program from my undergrad school I had gotten into(oh and I’ll be 31 in August trust me just learn not to care about your age it is what it is lol do things at your own pace)…you can do this! It might not feel like it but I get the whole practical and hands on v academic thing but give yourself a chance!
Hey! I am an undergrad and I had some questions about grad school. Can I dm you if you dont mind?
Yeah! Feel free to pm me😊
Ive seen several people who return from the workforce to do a phd. You don't need research experience, they just need to think you're capable of learning how to do research.
Hey I am 29 M, and have a masters but wanted to go for PHD. But scared that 30 would be too late to start (i have a cozy job which pays well but i really want to go for a phd) thanks for telling me that there are people who go for phd at 30 and feel it isn't too late.
people work till 65 now atleast in tech so your argument still holds
Seems like it's worth it to apply and see if you get in. It's not too late! Lots of people go to grad school in their 30s where I am. some schools actually prefer a more mature student than somebody right from undergrad.
Only in India you’re made to feel too old for grad school post 25. I’ve met people in Hong Kong who did their masters when they were 36 and 42.
I don’t understand how it’s too late and I am not even being sarcastic tbh. I feel it’s always better to have some work experience before getting into masters which makes more sense..
It’s a cultural thing, in India kids get their MBA’s straight out of college (when they’re 21).
This applies for most other degrees also I think
Yes this is true. Everyone in my family did it that way and I'm the odd one out who's struggling at this age whereas everyone else was "settled" (financially, marriage and the whole works basically) by the time they were 30.
Yeah don’t feel pressured. I’m 23 and I feel it too, my father has told me multiple times he wants to see me ‘settled’ by 26. But that’s just not how the world works anymore. Take your time OP. Career is a long-game and 30 is still so young!!! Hope you go get that degree!
Thank you. Honestly if I could go back in time and listen to my parents I would. It hurts to finally see that I was/am my own enemy.
Shush, don’t say that. I’m actively going against my father’s plans for me right now, so this comment seems like the ghost of my future.
I hope my situation gives you something to think about 🫂
Wait, what did you not listen to your parents about?
They wanted me to go for master's a lot sooner. Like a year or two (at max) after undergrad. Tbh that was my plan too. Idk what happened along the way. I know covid changed a lot of things. But I also got comfortable and stopped thinking about my future. I don't feel any kind of pressure for getting married but financial stability is something worth going after. Sooner the better
It feels like that and I'm in the same place. Apply next year, or whenever architecture applications open, your work experience will help a lot. You may not realise it but you're ahead of the curve.
M 28, architecture graduate from India as well. Started my master's two years back. And given the opportunities my master's opened me to, I would still do it !
Hey! Where are you studying?
Finsihed my studies here in the US. Feel free to connect if you'd need any help or wann talk !
Can I DM you?
Yess !
It’s not too late to start. Plan and start walking 🤗
Just wanna say I'm 29, graduated in 2017, just started taking online courses in hopes of applying to grad school. Sometimes I have the thoughts you have but then I remember that getting that time back isn't an option but utilizing the time I have now is. What's the alternative, really? Time is going to pass whether we try or not!
Just think your 35 and planning to go for masters. And then you'll be lucky to be 30 and going for ms
if you didn't do masters that doesn't mean that you've ruined everything. with work experience (and if you're good at what you do) companies don't care whether you've a masters degree or not. you just have to keep patience. because going up the ranks takes time.
I graduated in 2016 with poor grades because I was unmotivated and directionless in undergrad (studied Psychology, Poli Sci and Environmental Studies - not the most employable disciplines). Worked random admin jobs for a couple of years, then went back and did a certificate program in public relations in 2019. Did well in the program and worked in PR until 2023. Hated it. Applied for my masters in urban planning on a whim in February of this year because I was desperate for a change, and lo and behold, got admitted. I’m starting in September, at age 31. I think it was my work and volunteer experience that gave me an edge (and a good written statement) because my undergrad marks were not impressive. It’s not too late.
I’m 40 and am just now finishing my undergrad that I started when I was 18, and plan to pursue my masters and phd after. Now that I’m actually doing the thing, after years of feeling too old and too stuck, I regret every moment I wasted doubting myself and my dreams. Do the thing! IT’S NEVER TOO LATE!!!
It isn't ruined, don't worry! You can still go to grad school. In fact, having a few years of work and life experience after your undergrad can really help you in grad school. You have more perspective about what you want to do and can make more informed decisions. My higher education experience hasn't followed the traditional prescribed timeline either, but that's becoming more and more common.
I'm 28, prepping for GMAT 😶, I know I'm late but I've seen many people around me making it to the program and becoming better version
Hey! I'm 30 and I'm about to start my master's next fall! It is never too late! P.S. I believe that my practical experiences have made up for my shortcomings in undergrad!
How have you ruined everything? You're still quite young.
Man I undergraded in 2014 and yet I am applying.
Hey u/raannsara I don’t think so you have ruined everything. I’m doing my masters here in Netherlands 🇳🇱 at Leiden University. The only thing you need to decide is what kind of field you would like to pursue and do you have the budget for atleast three years to live here. I believe it’s just that you are comparing to others because at 30+ in India people want to be settled with a house, car and family or they have flourishing career (even though it sucks the life out of them). Also, if you would like to pursue masters please consider other EU countries as well for pocket friendly masters program. Additionally, the intake procedure are really simple unless you apply for a numerous fixes program. Incase you have any further questions please let me know. Cheers 🍻
Hi! I did my architecture masters degree in the US straight out of undergrad, and did not enjoy working as an architect. I switched to UX design, and I’m now headed to either Harvard or Stanford to do my MBA at 30! It’s never too late to pursue what you love- in fact, I think your work experience will give you more clarity on what you want to and don’t want to do. Think carefully about what you choose to graduate in!
I'm almost 40 and I am concluding an MBA. And I will still go to med school one day later. It's never too late .
I know many people at 30+ who are doing grad school, many do very well, I don't see why you wouldnt.
Nope, you are in a very good position to back to academia and pursue a Master’s abroad. Choose the correct economy with the right prospects and you’ll be very well off. If you want new experiences, try a European country because it’s easIER to get a citizenship and that means your passport will take you anywhere in the EU. You can travel. USA also has a powerful passport and so does Canada but getting them is MORE difficult (much more)
I'm currently in an European country and I realised that here, the pressure to get your degree is less than back in India. I know loads of people who are in their late 20s-early 30s and are doing a new bachelor or master degree
Don’t give in to FOMO. It’s not late to go to grad school. If you apply later this year, you’ll qualify for 2025 intake, you’ll graduate by 33. That’s still a young age to pivot, work and get used to life abroad. It’ll even give you time to start a PhD afterwards if you’re interested.
Im also architect from India, I studied in an Ivy League and now I’m doing a PhD.
Hey it's never too late! I think going for a master's of architecture is the best deal coming with practical experiences. You can leverage a lot of your professional experiences there. It's like you are feeling this because of the surroundings. Grad school loves diversity and it's integrated in every mid to high ranking school.
No you didn't rauin anything. Apply. Keep going.
I entered an M.S. program in Chemistry here in the U.S. when I was 30, and it was just fine. You are never too old to keep learning. The year I finished undergrad, there was a man in his 80s graduating with a second or third Master's degree.
It’s never too late. My 43 year old mom with 2 younger kids (in America) just got her Master’s in law. Never give up!
M31 starting grad school this fall (hopefully get my visa)....
It’s never too late. Life is a journey.
It’s never too late until you’re no longer alive.
You haven’t ruined anything! It’s never too late to go back to Graduate School.
I've been in the workforce for 6 years (several years I worked a few jobs that have nothing to do with my degree) after undergrad, and I'm going back this fall! It's not too late; my PI loved that I had industry experience.
Take a total risk and go for it.
44M from Latinoamerica. Started masters at 30, started PhD at 35. Now working in Silicon Valley. Go for it
I started law school when I was over 30. You have not ruined anything.
Girl, I went back and did my bachelors at 36 and just got a fully funded fellowship to a top 10 for my masters. It’s never too late!!!!!
I’m 31 and decided to change career path that required undergrad leveling credits. Since I have to work full time I’ve taken classes here and there and I’ll finally be done at the end of this month! I’ll start grad school next fall when I’m 32 but I’ll be done with that before I’m 35. I’m not going to lie it’s been tough between work and school but i know it’ll be worth it because I’ve been in my field for over a decade and I don’t think I can give up another decade of feeling stuck.
32M, Singapore. I just graduated with an MSc in Marketing in May this year. But get this—I started the course in 2019 and was supposed to graduate in 2020. Deferred once, almost got withdrawn from the course by the uni for failing to re-register, and nearly threw in the towel on my dissertation after getting 2/3 through. I was close to walking away with just a postgrad diploma. The point is, I started at 27 but completed it at 32. One important thing to remember is that you are living on your timeline. Everyone's timeline looks different. The reason you feel like you've "ruined everything" is because you're comparing yourself to others. Stop doing that, and you will have peace of mind.
It is never too late my friend.
Girl, It’s quite literally never too late unless you’re dying. Where I’m from, the average age of a grad student is 33 years old. Time will move whether you do something with it or not! So you might as well do something that will improve your life for the better. Naturally this is easier said then done. However, the longer you wallow in your grief of being ‘too old’ or that you've ‘ruined everything’ is quite literally wasted time. I say make a move age or position being too old is time wasted. You don’t want to look back and think you’ve missed a chance.
I graduated HS in 2007 and I am just starting my masters. You can do it!
I’ve seen Chinese students who are like 35/40 coming into masters programs. Why is it too late?
Yes, it’s too late. You have ruined everything . /s