Starting grad school

[Harmonics]

I was accepted into grad school for the second time (different location) this week. I had to back out before I got started the first time because I moved across country to take a job. I just graduated with my bachelors last year as a returning student. I am excited and nervous for this new chapter in my life. It seems hard to believe that all this is really happening to me!

 

[Swift]

Congratulations! You're kicking *rse!
Wishing you all the best with your next chapter!

 

[littleoc]

Congrats!!!! That's really awesome!!

(Any tips for getting into grad school in general?)

 

[Harmonics]

Congrats!!!! That's really awesome!!

(Any tips for getting into grad school in general?)

As far as getting into grad school, you want to have good relationships with those who you will need to write references. I was lucky in that I love learning and got along well with my undergrad profs. (They tend to like returning students because we have been through more and usually know how to be organized and meet deadlines.) You also need to develop your writing skills if you have not already. There is so much writing that must be done in grad school. Over the last 25 years, research papers have become longer and much more in-depth. You can use your local community college if this is an area that needs developing. They have writing centers with trained students and faculty that can help you improve as needed. Volunteering in the field you want to enter is looked on favorably in applications and can also lead to scholarships.

 

[LuckiLee]

Congratulations!

 

[Freida]

That is wonderful! Congratulations!!!

 

[hithere]

Congrats!

 

[D.Duck]

Do you know if a Masters is terminal or do you plan to go for a Ph, D,? Just the Masters can be absolute fun where you really get to try new things and treated as an adult.

The Ph. D. is more serious form the get-go and you'll be kept busier doing your work and your advisors and maybe teaching, or research depending what you want to do. It's incredibly rewarding, though. When you finish you'll develop a cadre of lifelong friends and colleagues too.

 

[Harmonics]

For this field, the Masters is terminal. You can go on, but in this field it is not considered the norm. But you never know...I do like learning...so I might be one of those who decides to eventually go for the doctorate. One degree at a time, however!