The Biggest Differences Between Undergraduate and Graduate Studies
As you prepare to take on graduate studies, it can be hard to know exactly what to expect. How will your undergraduate experience compare to grad school?
From increased specialization to opportunities to share your work with the world, graduate school will challenge you in new ways.
So, what is grad school like? Here are a few key differences between graduate and undergraduate studies.
You杏吧专区檒l have new standards for success
As an undergraduate, you probably gave a lot of thought to the grades you received on your tests and papers. Expect the grading scale to be different in graduate school. To maintain eligibility, you杏吧专区檒l want to aim for a grade of B or higher.
Your grades are one of many aspects of your success. Beyond individual courses, you杏吧专区檒l be focused on your research, internships, and other activities that will deepen your understanding of the field, strengthen your resume, and advance your future job prospects.
Your faculty and graduate program will also have expectations beyond the classroom, from presenting at academic conferences, passing your comprehensive or qualifying exams, and finishing the degree within a certain timeframe.
You杏吧专区檒l spend more time on fewer classes
In grad school, full-time enrollment usually means taking three classes, whereas in undergrad you may have been taking four, five, or more.
Expect to read more, to write more, and to talk more. For each of your graduate courses, the amount of preparation required for class will increase exponentially.
Discussing your ideas, the assignments, and the readings in depth with your faculty and fellow grad students is critical to getting the most out of grad school.
If you杏吧专区檙e going for a Ph.D., you杏吧专区檒l typically have a few years of coursework, then devote your time to completing research and writing a dissertation. Luckily, there are plenty of
At the master杏吧专区檚 level, you might have the option to do a thesis or to focus on more coursework or a cumulative project.
All in all, you杏吧专区檒l be communicating ideas -- both your own and those of scholars in your field of study -- more than you ever thought possible!
You杏吧专区檒l need to have a plan
Expect graduate school to be less structured than your time in undergrad. You杏吧专区檒l need to and take responsibility for keeping yourself on track. , rather than a distraction.
Remember too that you杏吧专区檒l need the flexibility and resilience to adapt when obstacles arise.
Earning a graduate degree is a huge undertaking, but it杏吧专区檚 completely manageable if you take it one step at a time. Be patient with yourself and steadily work towards your big goal.
You杏吧专区檒l develop close professional relationships
Deepening your knowledge of a particular topic will mean more contact with your department杏吧专区檚 faculty members and peers in your program. As a result, there will be increased accountability and visibility for your work.
In particular, will be important to your success.
Look beyond the books, as grad school is a time for networking and building connections to help you develop your career.
Our will introduce you to the skills, resources, and support that will help you to succeed in graduate school. Complete it at your own pace, and return to it as often as you杏吧专区檇 like.
