Advice for New Graduate Students

After an arduous application process, starting graduate school is easy as pie, right? Wrong! If you're reading this you probably feel at least a little bit of trepidation over your new status as graduate student. Beginning graduate school marks a new stage in your educational and career development. It's exciting- and scary! What can you do to reduce your anxiety and prepare yourself for the new school year? Prepare. It's really that simple. Learn about the journey you are embarking on. Then work on the skills you'll need to succeed.

Graduate school is different from college. It is more demanding and requires a greater level of commitment. Whether you learn the material is up to you - much of graduate work is an independent solitary endeavor. In graduate school learning is no longer rote. Success requires analysis and a deeper level of comprehension.

On the first day of class you'll learn all about the class, something about the professor and may have an idea of what's in store for you. Put each class syllabus in a safe place as it's the guide to your course If you haven't already, buy your textbooks. Get organized early. Write your schedule and dates for tests, papers, and other assignments in your calendar.

One of the best things that you can do to ensure your success is to read ahead of class. It provides you with a background of knowledge so that you can understand the lecture and participate in class. Learn how to record what happens in class. Good note taking skills ensure that you don't forget important material. take notes in class -- recording what happens in class is important. Most classes that you take will require that you write a paper. Most student s find it easier to identify topics for their papers if they keep a simple record of their reading and ideas. Many scholarly articles and texts are available online. Begin early, create a task list, and you will be off to a good start. Remember that good time management skills are important to your success as a graduate student, but you may not always feel like working. When you're feeling sluggish, work in small bursts and you'll make a surprising amount of progress. Finally, be sure to make time for yourself and note that these admonitions, it is possible to work too much. As in other areas of life, moderation is key to a happy and successful career as graduate student.