ADHD/Grad School | ADHD Information

I agree that everyone who attends grad school should persue a degree in major for which one has a passion, but this is especially true for the ADDer since we are prone to losing focus and impulsively pick up other subjects that we find momentarily interesting.

When I started college, I declared as a business major with a goal of getting an MBA.  I knew that as an MBA, I'd be able to find work anywhere and be able to demand a decent salary.  After a few courses and getting some mediocre grades, it was clear that, although I could do the work, I had no interest in business.  I had always heard that one should do the work that one would even if one were not paid to do it.  For me, that work is politics.  I absolutely love it.  In fact, I follow politics the way other guys follow sports and without pay!  So, of course, I changed my major and am much happier for it.  I have no problem staying focused on my studies.  On the contrary, my spouse complains that I spend too much time on my studies.  AS IF!!!

 

I didn't get any long term treatment when I was in undergrad. I was put on Paxil, but discontiued it. I couldn't take being a zombie. Other than that, I honestly didn't feel that I needed any other assistance. I had no trouble paying attention in class. In terms of studying, it did take me maybe a little more time than other students, but it w asn't significantly more.

I did go to my doc within the last couple of months and was put on concerta. I moved quickly through the dosages under it wasn't having an effect on me anymore. I have been taking lots of vitamins and flax seed oil. I have noticed a difference as of late.

I want to go back for my MBA as well and yes...primarily for financial reasons. I don't think that I would have any trouble with the writing in b-school which I believe is more straightforwar than papers in the humanities/social sciences.

 

 

You are correct with regard to the type of writing required in an MBA program (marketing plans, etc.).

If you like the subject matter, you should be able to do just fine. I think an MBA is also nice in that you do have a variety of coursework (Accounting, Marketing, Economics, Business Law, Finance, etc.). It keeps it interesting.

Make sure that you have the rest of your life arranged with regard to how everything else will get handled while you are in school. I attended an executive MBA program (worked full-time and went to school at night). But all I did was work and school, my wife handled everything else for me.  

I agree with those who have already stated earlier, pursue only if you have passion in it. I first learned that in college, when I entered as a computer science major thinking that was for me. I had a difficult time wanting to continue. I eventually switched majors and graduated with a degreee in the arts. Upon graduation, I landed a position in publishing (doing graphics production) and still doing it a decade+ later.

But as you mentioned for financial and other reasons I was feeling like I was running into a ceiling. I too considered an MBA, but was hesistant since I don't like number crunching (details). By coincidence I ended up enrolled in a Business Writing course at a well-known local university that offers continuing education. I completed that course and felt it helped my self-esteem and decided to continue with more courses. (Regarding writing papers, that is not my forte either. So I eventually owned up to my weakness and retook an undergraduate class on research and writing. That helped my later courses.) I did this for 3 years along with work and just completed a certificate in Administration and Management.

I never planned to get that certificate just fell into my lap. It kept me focused, learning, and what I now realize --structure outside of work. Though I'm still at my current job, I am proud to say the courses helped keep my head above water and maintain/improve my self-confidence. I encourage you to do something similar. Though I hail from a college town and have options to education, since you are hesistant about writing papers, could you take a course on writing papers first to alleviate some of your fears? Or enroll in an MBA related class before forcing yourself to commit to the program?

James,

Sounds like you have many choices and are being pulled in many directions on what to do next (commute, job, relationship, etc). I did have a long commute as well --1 hour and 20 minutes each way (though mainly by public transportation) so I used my creativity and played my energy at its best by studying on rides to and from work or napped to be more alert in class. It was not easy, and sometimes I barely scrapped by and almost lost it. But after taking that first business writing class 3 years ago, and subsequently after completing each class, I knew it was something that really made a difference in my life and that I should continue with. After 3 years I am currently enjoying receiving my certificate and having something tangible!

I did not see it as taking away from my social life. I continued to hang out with current friends and the positive is I made new friends/life through taking the courses. Yes there were some changes/adapting but not complete overhauls overnight. Life afterall is how we choose to live it and how we build upon it!

Good luck.

Going for an MA in Journalism.

Cheeky

What are you going for by the way?

[QUOTE=Jade39]I agree with those who have already stated earlier, pursue only if you have passion in it. I first learned that in college, when I entered as a computer science major thinking that was for me. I had a difficult time wanting to continue. I eventually switched majors and graduated with a degreee in the arts. Upon graduation, I landed a position in publishing (doing graphics production) and still doing it a decade+ later.

But as you mentioned for financial and other reasons I was feeling like I was running into a ceiling. I too considered an MBA, but was hesistant since I don't like number crunching (details). By coincidence I ended up enrolled in a Business Writing course at a well-known local university that offers continuing education. I completed that course and felt it helped my self-esteem and decided to continue with more courses. (Regarding writing papers, that is not my forte either. So I eventually owned up to my weakness and retook an undergraduate class on research and writing. That helped my later courses.) I did this for 3 years along with work and just completed a certificate in Administration and Management.

I never planned to get that certificate just fell into my lap. It kept me focused, learning, and what I now realize --structure outside of work. Though I'm still at my current job, I am proud to say the courses helped keep my head above water and maintain/improve my self-confidence. I encourage you to do something similar. Though I hail from a college town and have options to education, since you are hesistant about writing papers, could you take a course on writing papers first to alleviate some of your fears? Or enroll in an MBA related class before forcing yourself to commit to the program?

[/QUOTE]

Wow I just did the same thing:) I took a business writing course just last semester at a local community college. I did well on all the papers except for the last one..a group project..which really wasn't my fault. There was a bossy person in the group who took over..and she wasn't following directions..and I pointed it out to her..and she stuck to her guns..we ended up getting a low C on the paper because of it

I want to enroll in a research writing class. It is just very difficult for me to put a great deal of time into anything with my schedule. Due to the extended commute, I am basically gone for almost 13 hours a day..makes for a very long week with very little time left over for me time..and my gf is demanding as well..:) I h ave been looking for a new job as of late..one much closer to home so I can focus on other things.

I try to take at least one business class per semester to learn business basics..I was a poli sci/econ major..I decided not to go to law school late in my academic career or else I would have changed to business.:)

 

 

Grad school's been a pain without medication but I've managed to scrape by with 3.0s. I'm trying to get medicated since organization and concentration is so important.

Cheeky

I am considering going to grad school, and I am very scared to take the plunge.   I was diagnosed with ADHD during my freshman year of college. Looking back through my elementary and high school days, it was apparent that I had it. I was always losing things, forgetting things, and my mind was always somewhere else.  My parents called me the absent minded professor. However, since I was identified as gifted, I don't think the teachers in my school realized that it was possible to be gifted and have ADHD.   I made it through my college years with very little trouble, despite being in a fraternity. I graduated with high honors and in 4 years.   However,one thing I struggled with throughout my college career was research papers in which I had to find my down direction. INow I am considering going to graduate school, and I am scared to death about writing assignments. I realize I should have gotten help back during my undergraduate years, but I was too afraid to ask.  I realize that most undergraduate institutions are LD friendly, but I am afraid most graduate school professors won't be as accomodating.. Am I incorrect in that assumption? Would they be willing to help a grad student as much as an undergraduate student?   My primarily problem is lack of focus and direction when it comes to writing longer, research papers. I don't have any problems with the writing process when given specific instructions..However, I think I get into trouble when I am not given direction. Any thoughts or comments?    Thanks for the responses. I think one of the main problems is that I was too afraid to ask for help. At the time, I didn't want to even admit to myself that I had ADHD..let alone admit it to one of my professors. I thought that they would think less of me if they knew about my disability   I also was very impulsive when it came to assignmentsI would not plan anything out. I would just want to get it done and over with, and so I would start writing with very little planning or forethought..by the seat of my pants.   And Latina ADD, that is one of my problems also. I can't stay focused on a subject. I will think that I want to do a paper on one subject, and then I will get bored with it and move on to another one. There are so many things that interest me that I have a hard time choosing just one.   I may try to go to a smaller school to start out with..to get someone who may mentor me.  I need to do something different. I am not happy with what I am doing now. I am bored to tears working in working in a claims department. I recently interviewed for another position at another company, and I didn't get the job because I was told that I was "too bright". They thought that I would get bored and move on quickly.    

Hey James,

Let me ask you a couple of questions:

#1 - What field of study will you be pursuing?

#2 - Is it something you are really passionate about?

If this is in an area of study you feel lukewarm about and are just doing it because you think you can get a promotion or something of the sort, it may be a tough chore. In my opinion (and mine only), unless it is a program that realy excites you, don't waste the time and money.

HOWEVER: If it is something you can really get into and that you have a burning desire to study, you should be able to hyper-focus for a couple of years and succeed. Most graduate programs require a good bit of research and writing. But if it is something you feel very strongly about, you can get into it and do a great job!

Are you getting any treatment (counseling, ADD coaching, meds)? If so, were you also getting treatment as an undergrad?

By the way, I had no trouble at all getting my MBA. The rest of my life was chaotic (as always), but I was able to hyper-focus in on my goal. I made myself obbsessive about completing my degree. I did not know I had ADD at the time.

 

I am an addhder and I just got my masters degree.

I think the key is that you go into a program that you are passionate about.

The great thing about grad school is that it is very focused and you don't have to take a lot of bs/core classes that you could care less about.

 

 

My sister got a dual masters degree and she has all the symptoms of ADHD but was never diagnosed. She found a professor to act as mentor to her and it made a tremendous difference. He would help her target the topics she should write about, then encourage her to do them.

It was a tough experience for her but she managed and you can too if you want it badly enough. In a grad program, the class sizes are much smaller (unless things have changed). I think that helped her as the instructors had more time to encourage and help each student.

Please don't let fear keep you from following your dream. Joyce Meyer has a saying that I keep as my motto: "So you're afraid? Then do it afraid, but do it!" You will be amazed at what you are capable of if you develop self discipline (which you already have or you wouldn't have gotten this far) and stay determined.

I wish I could offer more concrete advice but I know finding a mentor made all the difference for her. He became her advisor and once he knew she cared, he went all out to help and encourage her. I'm sure you can find a mentor who cares enough to help you!

I also was considered "gifted" when i started 1st grade, so they placed me in the advanced class. I did good unless I was not given guidlines to follow. Sometimes the teacher would say, pick a subject of your choice, than act it out, write about it ( 1st grade, i guess i should say "print") just do something creative with it. Thats where the problems started. I was interested in so much, i could never get started! But when told what to do i had no problem..

I knew something about me was different. My mother always said i was to smart to make stupid mistakes, leave projects unfinished or wait until the last minute. Also i was always misplacing stuff, forgetting, and as you said, my mind was always somewhere else.

I went to tech school to become a ins. biller & coder. Graduated with honors. But i had to take English and write alot of papers. I tryed to clear my overworked brain by what ever subject came in mind, i just ran with it. That usually worked. However I can't help you with your question about LD friendly, but i would think they would beable to work with you since tou came this far. Thats just what  think. Hope I'm right

Best of luck