What to Expect in Transition to Graduate School
Here we have identified some of the major differences between undergraduate and graduate school. These will be particularly relevant if you are beginning graduate school soon after completing your undergraduate education. These differences are not necessarily good or bad, but being prepared for them can help make the transition to graduate school easier.
Undergraduate vs Graduate Coursework
Most of the courses you take in graduate school should be relevant to your program, research, and future career goals, preparing you to be an expert in your field.
- Course Load: Graduate students typically take 2-3 classes per semester, compared to 4-6 as un undergraduate.
- Topics: Tend to be more niche in their topics and comprehensive in their approach.
- Assignments: Tend to be more research based, demonstrating a student’s far reaching understanding of the course material. Assignments are often less structured, demanding student responsibility and time-management to stay on top of the material and deadlines.
- Class Size: Tend to be smaller, and can focus more on in class discussions. It is even more important to come to class prepared and ready to engage with the course content.
Work-School-Life Balance
Graduate school is a challenging yet rewarding journey, requiring students to sustain rigorous academic commitment, and research for several years, while maintaining a life at home. It is crucial during this time to develop a healthy work-life balance to support both your physical and mental health.
Some tips to develop and maintain this balance include:
- Prioritize time management
- Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life
- Practice self-care
- Seek support
- Socialize and network with your peers
- Learn to say no
Not every graduate student may find these tips helpful, or you may find different tips are helpful for different periods of your graduate schooling. What is important is to remember their goal: to maintain your physical and mental well-being while pursuing a graduate degree.
Mentorship
Mentors for graduate students can come in different forms. A mentor can act in many ways to support graduate students, incuding as an advisor, tutor, sponsor, supporter, expert, and role model.
- Faculty: Many faculty in graduate school act more like colleagues than authority figures. They are interested in your research and are great resources for research questions. They can provide both personal and professional advice transitioning into, and out of, graduate school.
- Senior Graduate Students: Senior graduate students can also be great resources, and can speak on many issues differently than faculty mentors. Seek out students who can provide guidance on navigating the department and program, while also supporting your personal growth and development.
As a new student, you may feel you do not have access to any senior graduate students to ask for advice. MEGA is your resource to connect with other graduate students in the department. Please feel free to contact any executive committee member, and we will either try to help you or identify another student who can.