Oct
25
Prepare yourself for Graduate School
Filed Under grad school
Amber Smith asked:
As you consider going back to graduate school, one of the best things you can do is prepare yourself. Make sure that you are ready to deal with the challenges of school, and more than that, know that you understand how to deal with the challenges when they arise.
Get a Mentor
First things first, get a mentor. Particularly if you are going to be getting your doctorate, you need a mentor. Try to find a professor in your program or a former graduate of the program to mentor you. Not only can they encourage you through the rough times, but also they’ll have a working knowledge of the program that will be invaluable.
Learn How You Learn
Most of us have never taken any type of learning assessment, even though it is one of the most beneficial things any student can do to improve study skills and raise grades. Before classes begin, visit the career center and ask them to give you several learning assessments. Once you have taken the assessments, either you or the counselor will score it, and then you can go over the results together. The counselor can then provide you with study strategies that fit your learning style. All schools have someone who provides this service, almost always for free, and they tend to be part of the career counseling office.
Create a Calendar
When you start back to school, you will need to have a comprehensive calendar that lists all your assignments and when they’re due so that you don’t get behind or forget a project. If possible, begin playing with calendars before you start school so that you can find a calendar that will really meet your needs and help you keep up with events in all areas of your life.
Wait to Buy Your Books
Okay, this is a don’t, but it is important. Many students, particularly returning students, rush out to buy all the books they need as soon as possible. The truth, though, is that most classes either don’t use the recommended books or a specific teacher may never test from the required book. Wait until you start the class to find out what you really need, or at least talk to someone who has already taken the class first. There’s no need to waste money on books you don’t need, and if you can find them on Half.com, you’ll save a boatload.
Relax
Before starting graduate school, especially if you’re going to go full time, take a short vacation. Even if it’s only a weekend away to rest, find a way to relax and rejuvenate. Graduate school can be tough, and it may be a while before you have another chance to take some significant time for yourself to relax. Do it now, and you’ll be fully prepared for graduate school.
Lorraine
As you consider going back to graduate school, one of the best things you can do is prepare yourself. Make sure that you are ready to deal with the challenges of school, and more than that, know that you understand how to deal with the challenges when they arise.
Get a Mentor
First things first, get a mentor. Particularly if you are going to be getting your doctorate, you need a mentor. Try to find a professor in your program or a former graduate of the program to mentor you. Not only can they encourage you through the rough times, but also they’ll have a working knowledge of the program that will be invaluable.
Learn How You Learn
Most of us have never taken any type of learning assessment, even though it is one of the most beneficial things any student can do to improve study skills and raise grades. Before classes begin, visit the career center and ask them to give you several learning assessments. Once you have taken the assessments, either you or the counselor will score it, and then you can go over the results together. The counselor can then provide you with study strategies that fit your learning style. All schools have someone who provides this service, almost always for free, and they tend to be part of the career counseling office.
Create a Calendar
When you start back to school, you will need to have a comprehensive calendar that lists all your assignments and when they’re due so that you don’t get behind or forget a project. If possible, begin playing with calendars before you start school so that you can find a calendar that will really meet your needs and help you keep up with events in all areas of your life.
Wait to Buy Your Books
Okay, this is a don’t, but it is important. Many students, particularly returning students, rush out to buy all the books they need as soon as possible. The truth, though, is that most classes either don’t use the recommended books or a specific teacher may never test from the required book. Wait until you start the class to find out what you really need, or at least talk to someone who has already taken the class first. There’s no need to waste money on books you don’t need, and if you can find them on Half.com, you’ll save a boatload.
Relax
Before starting graduate school, especially if you’re going to go full time, take a short vacation. Even if it’s only a weekend away to rest, find a way to relax and rejuvenate. Graduate school can be tough, and it may be a while before you have another chance to take some significant time for yourself to relax. Do it now, and you’ll be fully prepared for graduate school.
Lorraine
