I've been looking for a definition, or even a guideline, for what defines one as a non-traditional student. Since I couldn't find one, I am sending it out to you guys so we can use this post for future reference later.
How long is one typically out of school before they are considered non-traditional?
Does having a child, being married, or both make one non-traditional? Even if they have not spent time out of school?
Does any kind of significant illness, or time out of school due to said illness or family issues make one non-traditional?
For those who do not qualify for URM status, but are still a minority- does that make you non-traditional?
Does being born outside of the country make one non-traditional, even if they are not considered an URM?
Does coming from a certain region make one a non-traditional student?
For those that are younger, but worked steadily through their UG, and graduate with 4+ years of experience in a career qualify as non-traditional?
What other things can you think of, or have you seen, qualify people as being non-traditional?
I know this is a lot of questions, but most of the posts I have seen ask about one specific situation-- I thought it would be cool to get some kind of encompassing post going so people could reference it later (that and I am putting off sleep by distracting myself with TLS).
Cheers!
Non trad student definition? Forum
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MURPH
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Re: Non trad student definition?
Answers in bold.
Old folks rule!OmbreGracieuse wrote:I've been looking for a definition, or even a guideline, for what defines one as a non-traditional student. Since I couldn't find one, I am sending it out to you guys so we can use this post for future reference later.
How long is one typically out of school before they are considered non-traditional? 6 years
Does having a child, being married, or both make one non-traditional? Even if they have not spent time out of school? no
Does any kind of significant illness, or time out of school due to said illness or family issues make one non-traditional? no
For those who do not qualify for URM status, but are still a minority- does that make you non-traditional? no, and non-URM minoritis ask the same damn question too many times
Does being born outside of the country make one non-traditional, even if they are not considered an URM? no
Does coming from a certain region make one a non-traditional student? no
For those that are younger, but worked steadily through their UG, and graduate with 4+ years of experience in a career qualify as non-traditional? no
What other things can you think of, or have you seen, qualify people as being non-traditional? grey hair
I know this is a lot of questions, but most of the posts I have seen ask about one specific situation-- I thought it would be cool to get some kind of encompassing post going so people could reference it later (that and I am putting off sleep by distracting myself with TLS).
Cheers!
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freelancer
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Fri Jul 23, 2010 3:46 pm
Re: Non trad student definition?
definitely a non-traditional student here but how does that help, if at all? (14 years of work experience here)
also, seems like GPA wouldn't weigh too heavily in admissions' decision since it was awhile ago - 3.3 from USC but i can't see them weighing that very heavily unfortunately
be gentle folks - this is my first post
thanks
also, seems like GPA wouldn't weigh too heavily in admissions' decision since it was awhile ago - 3.3 from USC but i can't see them weighing that very heavily unfortunately
be gentle folks - this is my first post
thanks
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MURPH
- Posts: 850
- Joined: Wed Dec 10, 2008 12:20 am
Re: Non trad student definition?
Welcome,
It is unfortunate but true. They look at GPA the same whether you graduated in 1997 or 2010. It also matters very little if you studied nuclear physics or basket weaving. They just report numbers to USNWR and to other rating agencies.
You have a little more wiggle room if you apply early and can somehow get an interview or make an actual impressions but realistically it is straight numbers. They review 6000 apps for about 250 seats. They all claim to read all apps holistically but that is just nonsense. Your numbers will determine almost everything.
I overcame my 2.98 GPA by getting a good LSAT score and relentlessly working the financial aid negotiations. Apply early - that is the only advantage you have left.
It is unfortunate but true. They look at GPA the same whether you graduated in 1997 or 2010. It also matters very little if you studied nuclear physics or basket weaving. They just report numbers to USNWR and to other rating agencies.
You have a little more wiggle room if you apply early and can somehow get an interview or make an actual impressions but realistically it is straight numbers. They review 6000 apps for about 250 seats. They all claim to read all apps holistically but that is just nonsense. Your numbers will determine almost everything.
I overcame my 2.98 GPA by getting a good LSAT score and relentlessly working the financial aid negotiations. Apply early - that is the only advantage you have left.
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freelancer
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Fri Jul 23, 2010 3:46 pm
Re: Non trad student definition?
Murph - thanks for the welcome and the info.
are there any advantages to being a non-traditional student? seems like it may work against me more than in my favor - if so, that blows!
are there any advantages to being a non-traditional student? seems like it may work against me more than in my favor - if so, that blows!
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gymboree
- Posts: 504
- Joined: Mon Oct 12, 2009 11:48 am
Re: Non trad student definition?
Works for you at some school, against you at other schools. Look for class profile stats on their website. Of your list of schools, find those that have higher % rates of students over 30.freelancer wrote:Murph - thanks for the welcome and the info.
are there any advantages to being a non-traditional student? seems like it may work against me more than in my favor - if so, that blows!
And can't say it enough: apply early apply early apply early.
And by that I mean EARLY. November is NOT early. October is barely early. Apply as early as humanly possible. Your transcripts should be in NOW. There's no reason for your recommendations not to be in by September. Work on your essay NOW.
It could make all the difference, and all you need is for it to make a difference at least once.
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MURPH
- Posts: 850
- Joined: Wed Dec 10, 2008 12:20 am
Re: Non trad student definition?
gymboree is right. Apply early. The very first day that they accept applications should be your goal.
You can look up grade inflation for specific schools over the last few decades. That is the main reason it works against you. My GPA (3.08, not the same as my LSAC GPA) at Penn State was just slightly above average for my school and fairly well above average for my major. GPAs are just higher these days and there is nothing that we can do about that.
Some schools do respect work experience, Northwestern is the main example. Apply Early.
You can look up grade inflation for specific schools over the last few decades. That is the main reason it works against you. My GPA (3.08, not the same as my LSAC GPA) at Penn State was just slightly above average for my school and fairly well above average for my major. GPAs are just higher these days and there is nothing that we can do about that.
Some schools do respect work experience, Northwestern is the main example. Apply Early.
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freelancer
- Posts: 6
- Joined: Fri Jul 23, 2010 3:46 pm
Re: Non trad student definition?
thank you both for the info.
Murphy's Law - no offense Murph
:
i can't take the LSAT until December.....i'm having surgery (probably next week....waiting for clearance) and that equals about 3 - 4 weeks of down time according to the docs. (actually IN the hospital)
i have everything but the LSAT done (personal statement, transcripts, LORs, etc.) - i'm going to apply with just that info. and wait for the LSAT score to come in. my understanding is some schools will take that info. and wait for the score to come in and others won't. i have no choice but to apply with what i have (if they'll take it) and hope that a rock solid LSAT score is in my future. at least i'll have 3 full months to devote to studying once all the medical b.s. is out of the way.
i'll be checking in on the forums though.....they won't be able to pry the blackberry from my hands
thanks again!
Murphy's Law - no offense Murph
:i can't take the LSAT until December.....i'm having surgery (probably next week....waiting for clearance) and that equals about 3 - 4 weeks of down time according to the docs. (actually IN the hospital)
i have everything but the LSAT done (personal statement, transcripts, LORs, etc.) - i'm going to apply with just that info. and wait for the LSAT score to come in. my understanding is some schools will take that info. and wait for the score to come in and others won't. i have no choice but to apply with what i have (if they'll take it) and hope that a rock solid LSAT score is in my future. at least i'll have 3 full months to devote to studying once all the medical b.s. is out of the way.
i'll be checking in on the forums though.....they won't be able to pry the blackberry from my hands
thanks again!
