Today marks my first day of classes for my second attempt at grad school.
I never thought I would earn my bachelor’s. But once the reality set in, I started thinking about grad school. It eventually became an idea I was determined to do. Not for a career path, but for myself.
However, it didn’t go well the first time. There were lots of factors that played into it, such as my job at the time. It was hard to let go of this dream I created for myself. But, I wanted to go back.
Here are ways to know you are ready for grad school.
You have a goal, and it’s not avoiding adult life
This is something you hear a lot from grad students. And like others, I ignored it. I wasn’t going to grad school to avoid being an adult, I did have a full-time job. But I was going without a goal.
I didn’t know what program to do so I settled. I started my MBA. Even though I switched my bachelor’s degree from business to psychology because I didn’t like it. Because of this, I had no passion for the program. And I never wanted to learn the martial. Which made it much more challenging.
If you are going to grad school, make sure you have a goal in mind.
When the admissions counselor asks why you chose this program, do you have an answer? With my current program, I can tell people why I chose it and what I want to do afterward.
You aren’t reacting to the unknown
This goes along with making sure you have a goal. Are you reacting to the fear of graduating, or is it something else?
For me, I was reacting to my grad school plans changing.
When I switched my degree from business to psychology, I found a grad school program I wanted to complete. I moved across the country to finish my degree so I could apply to a Sports Psychology program. I was even lucky enough to find a spot in one of the undergrad classes the program director was teaching.
Then the first week of classes started. The professor didn’t show and we later learned he was sick and retiring. This also meant the grad program was put on hold for a few years. But I didn’t know this until the deadlines for other grad programs were two weeks away.
Instead of waiting a few years to apply (which would have meant I started now), I decided to panic apply to a different program. So I applied to the Clinical Psychology and School Psychology program.
I managed to get recommendations and my application together in the weeks before the deadline. Then I was interviewed for the program. But after months of waiting for the results, I didn’t get in.
I was crushed. Not one, but two programs didn’t work out. So after a few months of being depressed, I reacted. I applied to the MBA program that started in two weeks.
Because of my reaction, it not only was a program I didn’t like, but it was a program not even in my field. I had no goal. I ended up dropping out and spending a ton of money to take classes that don’t even count toward my current program.
By reacting, you run the risk of spending thousands of dollars on classes or a degree you won’t use.
Or like. You might end up like me and in a program that isn’t even in your field. Making it harder to complete assignments that ask about your experience.
Give yourself time to think and process what you want to do. Grad school isn’t a rush. While social media makes it seem like everyone is going to get their master’s right away, so many of my classmates have been working for years.
You have the time and a support system
This one is obvious. It helps keep you on track and grad school takes a lot of time.
What was hard for me, was learning who my actual support system was. At the time, I had a job that claimed it was perfect for grad students. But that wasn’t true. While there was lots of empty time, it wasn’t enough to focus. There were always distractions or interruptions. It also felt like I was being judged by my coworker. They didn’t agree with my studying at my desk.
This was also true for my grad program. While they claimed to be for working adults, it was still a full-time thing. I would spend 30-40 hours a week studying and still be behind. The only part that was for ‘work adults’ was the assignments asking how concepts related to what we did.
Sit and talk to the people who are going to support you.
When I wanted to apply to grad school again, I constantly talked to my roommate about it. It affects a lot of your life. My roommate had concerns after the last time didn’t go well. For her to be a good support system, I also had to make sure I was a good roommate.
Before applying to grad programs, make sure you have the time it takes.
Research how much time is recommended for studying. Maybe even start part-time. I went to the program website and looked at how many hours are recommended for studying. Then I joined student groups to see what they said.
Also, talk to your program advisor and discuss your concerns. I mentioned how I struggled with the last attempt and how I wanted to start part-time. She not only supported the idea, but she asked for ways she could support me.
Being ready for grad school makes a difference
I wish I had listened to the people who told me to wait. Instead, I was stubborn. Which just leads to a bad experience. This time around I feel better prepared. Make sure you are ready before you make the investment.
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