About Graduate School

Taking an Online Class? Read These 3 Tips

2009-07-08T21:26:04Z

Have you ever taken an online class - one that is taught over the Internet? I'm teaching a couple of online courses this summer and I've found that new students are often anxious. It's a whole new way of learning - without face-to-face contact. Lack of eye contact doesn't mean that online learning is ineffective. However, you need to be prepared and take an active role in order to ensure that you learn what you need. Here are the three most important things that you can do as an online student to ensure your success:

1. Log into class often. Log in to see the professor's announcements, but also to keep up with the online discussions and other activities. An Internet class requires that you do a lot of reading. Log in often so that you don't fall behind.

2. Ask questions. There is no stupid question. Really. If you have a question about how the course work, at least a handful of other students will have the same question. Also ask questions about the material. If you're unclear about something in the readings and the lecture or discussions haven't helped, ask. In an online class the students have a big role in determining the pace of the class and what is covered. Ask questions.

3. Read before participating. If your online class includes a forum or discussion area in which students are to post and converse with each other, be sure to read before posting. When a student posts without reading, it's obvious to anyone who has read - and irritates students and instructor alike. I've students email to complain about others. It happens. Don't be that student.

Juniors: Prepare for Graduate Admissions Now

2009-07-06T12:56:33Z

Don't wait until you're a senior to think about applying to graduate school - often that's too late! Students who are most likely to be accepted to graduate school amass experiences and develop skills over the college years. Reserve your senior year for preparing your applications, not filling in holes in your experience. If you're about to begin your junior year of college, take some time to learn more about what you can do now to improve your odds of getting into graduate school later.

How to Prepare for Comps

2009-07-01T14:08:52Z

The prospect of studying for master's or doctoral comprehensive exams can be overwhelming. Cramming all there is to know about a field into your mind and being able to discuss it at a professional level is a huge accomplishment. So where do you begin? Here are some guidelines for preparing for comps.

Why Change?

2009-06-29T20:23:55Z

Many prospective applicants to graduate school, ask: "Should I apply to the same university and department where I earned my undergraduate degree?" You certainly can, but do you want to? Graduate study entails expanding your horizons - intellectually and socially. Maybe a new start with new professors would help you enter this new phase in your education and life with more motivation. Novelty is exciting. Also, maybe you'll learn more when you meet new professors. You might be exposed to faculty with different perspectives, different pet theories, and different research interests... Faculty who simply are different. New and different are good. Embrace change - or at least honestly consider it.

Summer Tips for Graduate School Admissions

2009-06-27T11:27:24Z

Fall is admissions season, but you can do a lot of leg work and preparation now to ensure that you're ready to apply to graduate school. Here are 5 things that you can do now to prepare for graduate school admissions.

A Simpler FAFSA

2009-06-24T15:18:30Z

If you've ever completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you know that it's incredibly long, tedious, and just plain confusing. Many students and parents find the form difficult to complete and skip questions, enter incorrect information, or make other errors that jeopardize students chances for aid. No longer! The New York Times reports that the Obama administration is simplifying the form by eliminating many redundant questions (20% of all questions!) in next years form, available in January 2010. Learn more about the FAFSA.

Tackle the GRE Verbal Section

2009-06-23T08:51:26Z

The GRE is dreaded by most applicants to graduate school, myself included. But remember: an advanced college student has the skills to perform well on the GRE, a more advanced SAT course. Particularly on the Verbal Section, if you've read throughout college and worked to expand your knowledge, you should be in good shape for the Verbal Section of the GRE. That said, preparation and good use of strategies always helps. Try these.

Reward Yourself.....and Don't Beat Yourself Up

2009-06-19T19:13:44Z

Appealing as it might be, you are not a robot. Why appealing? Robots are so efficient! When it's time to work, they work. When it's time off, they stand immobile, staring into the distance. People don't work like that. You will have good work days and bad work days. Some days the words will come quickly, the writing will flow, and you'll fly though your tasks with time to spare. Yesterday I was that person - I completed my to-do list and more. Today? Nope. Recognize that energy and work ebbs and flows. Don't beat yourself up when it's a bit slow. However, don't slack.

So what do you do on those days when the words aren't coming and tasks aren't being completed fast enough? Put your time in. Use the timer trick. But also reward yourself for sticking with your tasks. When it's time for a reward, set your timer for a short break (no more than 15 minutes) and then do whatever interests you. Read blogs, play a short video game, answer email, or, better yet, step away from the screen to rest your eyes and stretch your legs.

About Comprehensive Exams

2009-06-17T18:44:04Z

When I started grad school, I was pretty clueless about what I had gotten myself into. I knew I'd take courses. And write a dissertation, whatever that was. But I didn't know that I'd have to pass comps. Many students are surprised to learn that passing all of their classes isn't enough to advance them to the status of doctoral candidate, permitting them to begin their dissertation. Instead, it's the comprehensive examination that serves as the gatekeeper to the doctoral dissertation and often the master's thesis as well.

Stay Fresh

2009-06-15T15:53:17Z

For most of us, the semester has a rhythm. It gets busy, yes, but our days are predictable and coursework, meetings, and other responsibilities provide structure. What happens when you remove the structure? Many of us find ourselves working independently, often at home, during the summer. Certainly there's the potential to get off track and lose time. But today I want to talk about the flip side of that problem: Working too much. Is it possilble to work too much? You bet!

What are the signs of working too much?

Not taking breaks
Working all waking hours
Working at night
Never turning your computer off
Missing meals
Not showering until evening
Being constantly exhausted

Why is working too much bad for you? To make light of it: You'll fry your brain! Without taking regular intervals of time off you'll ultimately be less productive. Schedule breaks. Schedule an end time for each work period. And stick to your schedule. You may not want to stop when you're on a roll, but it will be easier to get in the groove again later if you stop half-way through a task. Follow your schedule and also take time off - at least one day off each week. You'll be mentally fresh and ready to do some of your best work. Taking time off is not slacking - it's healthy. It took me a long time to learn that!