20. And Now I’m Stressed

21Nov2009 Filed under: Careers and Transition Author: AkirahWyatt

This morning I went to an open house to learn more about the grad program I hope to start next fall. And now I’m stressed. In order to qualify for merit scholarships, I need to apply by January 1st. That means I need to write a personal statement, compile three letters of recommendation, request my college transcript, and fill out the online application this month.

How did I let this all slip my mind???

I want to blame it on the holiday season, but considering the fact that the holiday season has hardly started yet, I can’t. I think it’s mostly because I didn’t feel so strongly about this program until this morning when I went to the open house and met some of the faculty. Now that that’s all out of the way, I feel very anxious to get the ball rolling. I’m pretty confident that this program will be a great fit for me.

But like most things in life, if I want it, I’ll have to work for it. So I guess I better get crackin’.

Let’s just praise the Lord I don’t have to take the GRE’s.

Have any of you applied for grad school? Feel free to impart any wisdom.

graduate-school

4 Responses to “20. And Now I’m Stressed”

Julie
November 23rd, 2009 at 1:08 AM

Girl, I know it seems stressful, but you have a whole month to get everything done. Write everything out in a list according to priority (recommendations being first) and get them done. Check, check, check. You CAN DO THIS You’re gonna be great! xoxo
TOPolk
November 24th, 2009 at 12:46 AM

Make a checklist of all the things you need to do and keep it somewhere you look often. Whether it needs to be physically on your desk, part of your Google Docs, or part of your blog, do it. A month and some change is plenty of time to get everything in order. Go for broke!
Latoya Watson
December 20th, 2009 at 2:19 AM

First, get you recommendations in order; provide a resume to everyone who is sending a recommendations. Double check to make sure that they are received.

For your personal statement, remember that is more involved than the college essay. You must articulate why you are good fit for that specific program and vice versa. Mention a faculty member you are interested in working with.

Finally, get funded. You really shouldn’t pay for grad school unless it is an MBA or professional degree. You can look for a research assistantship w/in your department or look for something outside of your field (Hall Directorships, Grad Assistant in Research Centers, etc.)

Good luck!
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January 7th, 2010 at 1:51 AM

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