Is it ever too late to go to graduate school?

Laid off after more than a decade in the corporate world, a reader asks, "At 42 years of age, is it too late for a career in science? I stayed with the job for it's fantastic pay. That's over and I've always wanted to make new discoveries. Is it too late to go to graduate school?"

The quick answer is no. It’s never too late to learn new things and carve out a new career path. But it's not as easy as it would be straight out of college or a couple of years in the working world.

First, what are the graduate program's requirements? Particular major, coursework, experiences? Carefully consider your background and skill set. Do you have the basics? If not, what can you do to enhance your application. You might take classes in statistics, for example, or volunteer to work in a faculty member's lab.

Second, your application. Rock the GRE to ensure that you're well above the average GRE scores and any listed requirements. When it comes to recommendation letters, there are a variety of options, but be sure to get some from your employers as they have a current perspective of your work habits and skills.

Third, know what you're getting in for. It's not glamorous and not always interesting. Graduate school is hard work . You'll be broke. A research assistantship and fellowship can pay for your tuition and offer a small stipend but you're not supporting a family on it. Think about how you'll manage your family responsibilities. That said, there are many students who combine grad school and family quire successfully.