Juggling Graduate School Applications and Coursework
Applying to graduate school is a difficult task. Completing these applications can become especially stressful for students who are planning to attend graduate school straight after earning their bachelor’s degree. These students must simultaneously figure out and submit their applications to schools while also completing their undergraduate coursework. Here are some helpful tips that are useful to consider in alleviating any stress.
Do your research (early on):
If your plan is to go into graduate school right after your undergraduate studies, it is crucial that by around September or October of your senior year of college, you already have a short list of schools you plan to apply to. This does not have to be a final list, but can just be a few schools you are strongly considering that have the program(s) you want and are in your preferred geographic areas. It is important to find out if the schools you are interested in require the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) so that if you need to take the GRE before applying, you can find the time to study for it.
Letters of Recommendation
When doing research on graduate school programs, keep track of which schools require a letter of recommendation and how many they require. That way, by the beginning of your senior year of college, you can reach out to your preferred professors and see if they are willing to write this recommendation for you. It is better to give professors ample notice of deadlines so that they can plan when to start your letter. Some professors may provide you with a document where you paste the school-specific information in and can add any additional relevant personal information that they can highlight in their letter. Asking early on for letters also gives your professors more time to speak highly of you and your abilities to be successful in a graduate program.
Know your deadlines
Before you stress out about any syllabus assignments that are due in December or January and may coincide with an application deadline, get a calendar. It is in your best interest to record all important dates – schoolwork and deadlines – so that you can implement some time management into your schedule and lessen your stress.
Coursework and grades
Remind yourself that you are earning grades in your academic courses, and not on your applications. Therefore, it is important to not neglect your schoolwork while completing applications. Consider putting an hour of time aside a day, or as often as you would like, that can be purely designated for graduate school. This way you will be able to prioritize your schoolwork and then designate some time for your future. Keep working hard and try not to slack off.
Breathe
Once your applications are submitted and professors’ recommendations are in, it is time to breathe! No matter what happens, your future is bright, and you have so much ahead of you. If you stay prepared and flexible, everything will work out. Keep succeeding in school and maintaining your work ethic.
