Nearly 10 years later, I'm here to tell you that grad school is a challenge, but it's manageable. Succeeding in grad school entails learning new skills and enhancing self-discipline. Over the next few weeks, we'll explore issues critical to success in grad school: understanding the difference between grad school and undergrad, getting organized, managing time, reading the literature, and beginning a research program.
This week, we explore the transition to graduate school. How is grad school different from undergrad?
At least in PhD programs, grad school is not merely a series of classes. Sure you'll take classes during the first couple of years, but your later years will emphasize research (and you probably won't take any classes during those later years). The purpose of grad school is to master your discipline through independent reading and study.
Apprenticeship
Model
Most of what you
learn in grad school will not come from classes, but from other activities, like
doing research and attending conferences. You'll work closely with a faculty
member on his or her research. As an apprentice of sorts, you'll learn how to
define research problems, design and carry out research projects to test your
hypotheses, and disseminate your results. The end goal is to become an
independent scholar and design your own research program.
Grad
School is a Job
Approach
grad school as a full-time job; it's not "school" in the undergraduate
sense. If you soared through college with little studying, you're in for a big
culture shock. The reading lists will be longer and more extensive
than you've encountered in college. More importantly, you'll be expected to read
and be prepared to critically evaluate and discuss it all. Most grad programs
require that you take imitative for your learning and demonstrate commitment to
your career. Remember that no one will hold your hand and walk you through. You
must provide your own motivation.
