Congratulations! You have made the decision to apply to graduate schools, and you got in! This is a big step you have made, and it is completely fine for you to be proud of your own knowledge and ability as a scholar.
Like most students, you might also begin to feel anxious about what happens next. What to expect when I enter the university or lab? How can I succeed in this new environment? How do I make the most out of my graduate experience?
Although the story of success is unique for each and every individual, we have a few advice that might help you prepare for a graduate education:
Believe in yourself
The most important thing is to believe in your own knowledge and ability, believe in what you have fought for and earned, and believe in your intellectual potential. You will probably meet other students who seem smart or fortunate or successful, but everyone tries to put up their best face forward. Believe in your own improvements and learning. Believe that you will succeed. Believe that time will prove you right.
Commit yourself and don’t give up easily
Earning a graduate degree requires time, effort and passion. Think back to your personal statement in the application–what makes you want to go to attend this program or lab? What do you like about it? What do you hope to achieve here? Keep these personal and career goals in mind can motivate you and guide you through tough times.
Look for financial aids and apply by the appropriate deadlines
Paying for grad school can feel overwhelming, but there are many options to ease the financial burden. Try to look for scholarships and grants available to you in your field of study through your university or mentor. Additionally, you can look for work-study opportunities, military benefits, and federal, state, and local financial aids.
Form strong relationships with professors and other students
You will get the most out of your graduate experience by interacting with lots of people. Your professors are conducting research in a field that aligns with your interests, and you will learn about not just the latest research findings by talking with them, but you will have the opportunity to hear their personal stories–why did they choose to become a professor? What was their graduate experience like? What advice do they have to help you succeed in grad school? Similarly, your classmates and lab-mates are interested in the same field as you are, and they can share with you many helpful feedback about your course of study or warn you against certain difficult classes. Furthermore, you should feel free to interact with anyone and don’t limit yourself. In most cases, try to start by introducing yourself (such as your background and why you are interested in your chosen field) and expressing your concerns politely and honestly.
Seek help if you are feeling overwhelmed
Mental health is an important part of a graduate school experience. Universities usually have free resources and services to help you out, and you may schedule an appointment with a counselor to seek professional advice on how to manage stress and other feelings. Counselors are trained to protect your privacy and to help you with the best of their knowledge. You can also seek social support from your professors and classmates, especially since they may have had similar experiences like yours. There are also many online resources and hotlines that you can consult.
You are not alone
Grad school may be particularly challenging for students with disabilities and students who come from underrepresented racial or ethnicity groups. If you need accommodations, you should request them, especially for the comprehensive examinations. Whether you would like to disclose your personal situation and to whom is your personal choice. Other people might have stereotypes but please remember that you are not alone. If you have trouble finding a sense of belonging in your particular program or lab, it might help to try to meet new people and look for groups on social media.
Wish you the best of luck in all of your future endeavors!