Grad school-advice

[Link]

Hi everyone

 

I know there have been some threads about dropping out of grad school. So I guess I have to ask, what is grad school like? I'm thinking about doing my masters in something I'm really interested in so I THINK i would like it. The only reason I ask is because I don't know what grad school is like besides the research component. I have done an NSERC and liked my time in my lab. But in grad school, do you have class, exams? how many classes per semester? Any advice would help.

[itsalwayssunny]

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[The Mist]

Poster above me gave a great summary. Excellent post hitting on all the relevant points. I dont think the importance of a good fit with your supervisor can be emphasized enough. This is someone who will become a mentor, and will ultimately write you what can be your strongest and most personal reference. Keep in mind that, unlike most students applying out of undergrad, you will have the luxury of a long-term affiliation with someone senior who can attest to your personal as well as academic/professional atributes.

 

You may find that your project consumes more of your waking hours than just those you spend in the lab. Research, by its nature, does not come with an instruction manual, and you will therefore find occasions when you will spend excessive time turning a problem over in your head, trying to figure out which subtle clue or pathway you missed. In this way, it can be harder to separate your academic endeavors from your other pursuits. Although this is fine for those grad students who aspire to an academic career, you will need to continue to pursue ECs and volunteering. Trying to find and maintain a balance can be difficult at times.

 

Additionally, I would recommend hunting down Newfie Mike and reading through a few of his old posts. He came through my school and, unlike myself, went west for both graduate and medical school. He has written many insightful posts that would be worth reading as both a prospective premed as well as a prospective graduate student.

 

Finally, ensure that your ugrad GPS stands competitively on its own. An M.Sc. is a nice to supplement an already competitive application, but it will not make up for a weak foundation.