5 Tips for Graduate School from a Graduate Alum

Graduate school is a unique experience, often very different from the undergraduate journey. As an alum, I’m here to share five tips to help you stay organized and thrive throughout your program.

1. Get a Planner
   I can’t stress enough how essential a planner is for graduate school. Whether you use a spiral planner, desk calendar, phone calendar, or a reminders app, staying organized is key to success. I’m enrolled in three courses, and I use both a spiral planner and a whiteboard, color-coding each class. Every Sunday, I map out what’s due each day of the week. First, I write everything on my whiteboard, then I break down assignments by day to make sure they’re done on time.
    
2. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
   Next, try not to procrastinate. If you have a 10-page paper due at midnight, waiting until the day of to start can add unnecessary stress. While some people work well under pressure, starting early will usually make the process less overwhelming.
    
3. Create a Work-Life Balance
   While maintaining a work-life balance can be challenging in some programs, it’s important to set time aside for yourself. Working around the clock shouldn’t be the norm. My advice is to complete as much as you can during the week so that you can keep your weekends free to enjoy hobbies, family, or time with friends.
    
4. Consider an Assistantship
   Taking on an assistantship (graduate, teaching, or research) has been one of the most valuable parts of my graduate experience. I had no prior experience in higher education, and my graduate assistantship has provided critical skills that will be helpful in my career. Plus, it looks great on a resume when you start applying for jobs and offsets the cost of your degree.
    
5. Make Connections in Classes
   Graduate class sizes are often much smaller than undergraduate ones, making it easier to create strong connections with classmates. Instead of lecture halls with hundreds of students, you might find yourself in a group as small as six. In my three courses, the largest class size is 28—which is considered big for graduate school! You’ll likely see the same faces in multiple courses. Building these connections can ease stress, as you’ll have peers who understand the challenges you’re facing.

Graduate school can be challenging, but with the right tools and mindset, it can be one of the most rewarding things in life. By staying organized, finding balance, building connections, and tackling assignments ahead of time, you will be setting yourself up for success.