Anyone in/gone to grad school?

[ihy138]

I'm sure tons of you have.

I'm in the midst of it now. Any advice if you've been through it? I'm having trouble accepting the fact that I might not get A's on everything and I'm causing unnecessary stress to myself.

 

[slg47]

I'm sure tons of you have.

I'm in the midst of it now. Any advice if you've been through it? I'm having trouble accepting the fact that I might not get A's on everything and I'm causing unnecessary stress to myself.

what field are you in? experience varies greatly by field!

 

[Clairitek]

I got my PhD in mechanical engineering in late 2010. I spent 5 years there and definitely had moments of "What the hell am I doing here?" I am so glad I stuck it out and honestly I don't know a single person who has finished grad school and didn't feel that same way.

As for grades, I'm not sure what advice to give you to move past worrying about perfect besides telling you that my grades in school were far from perfect but I currently have a job that I love. In fact, it's the exact job I hoped to land after finishing school! I think my GPA was somewhere around a 3.4 when I finished.

 

[ihy138]

I'm sure tons of you have.

I'm in the midst of it now. Any advice if you've been through it? I'm having trouble accepting the fact that I might not get A's on everything and I'm causing unnecessary stress to myself.

what field are you in? experience varies greatly by field!

Should have added that, sorry! I am getting a Master's in clinical social work...hoping to be a licensed therapist in private practice someday.

 

[ihy138]

I got my PhD in mechanical engineering in late 2010. I spent 5 years there and definitely had moments of "What the hell am I doing here?" I am so glad I stuck it out and honestly I don't know a single person who has finished grad school and didn't feel that same way.

As for grades, I'm not sure what advice to give you to move past worrying about perfect besides telling you that my grades in school were far from perfect but I currently have a job that I love. In fact, it's the exact job I hoped to land after finishing school! I think my GPA was somewhere around a 3.4 when I finished.

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I think I'm putting more emphasis on the grades than the experience and what I'm actually learning. Good to know you don't need a 4.0 to land your dream job.

 

[ame]

I'm sure tons of you have.

I'm in the midst of it now. Any advice if you've been through it? I'm having trouble accepting the fact that I might not get A's on everything and I'm causing unnecessary stress to myself.

Yep. I actually regret it immensely because I priced myself and educated myself right out of many jobs I'd like to have been able to have. I also never really used it.

My advice besides being ok with not getting an A, is to take one night a week off from studying or thinking about school, if not two or three. IF you can. You have to allow yourself to enjoy life. Watch tv, go out with friends, surf the net. Something. Immersing myself it in just made me miserable. It is a lot of work, a lot of money, time, serious sacrifice but it can definitely be worth it.

 

[anne_h]

I'm doing an MBA right now. Part-time, in addition to working full-time. The experience may be different for people who are studying full-time.

Definitely in my class there are a few people who are trying for all As. Personally, I have three kids and a spouse who also works full-time. So needless to say, "all As" is not a goal I am interested in pursuing. That would be too demanding for the amount of time I'm willing to devote to studying, along with everything else in my life.

Don't stress yourself out. Here's how I look at it... we are there to learn, to improve ourselves. Grades do not really matter after graduation (well, in my cohort at least, most of us have management career experience already). It's how you evolve in your professional skills and as a person that counts.

What field are you in btw?

Hope this helps!

Anne

 

[ihy138]

I'm sure tons of you have.

I'm in the midst of it now. Any advice if you've been through it? I'm having trouble accepting the fact that I might not get A's on everything and I'm causing unnecessary stress to myself.

Yep. I actually regret it immensely because I priced myself and educated myself right out of many jobs I'd like to have been able to have. I also never really used it.

My advice besides being ok with not getting an A, is to take one night a week off from studying or thinking about school, if not two or three. IF you can. You have to allow yourself to enjoy life. Watch tv, go out with friends, surf the net. Something. Immersing myself it in just made me miserable. It is a lot of work, a lot of money, time, serious sacrifice but it can definitely be worth it.

Sorry to hear that about your experience. I'm on board with the one day off a week...need to start doing that. I do give myself a few hours here and there of pricescope time (like right now). I should probably try to actually the house as well...

I'm doing an MBA right now. Part-time, in addition to working full-time. The experience may be different for people who are studying full-time.

Definitely in my class there are a few people who are trying for all As. Personally, I have three kids and a spouse who also works full-time. So needless to say, "all As" is not a goal I am interested in pursuing. That would be too demanding for the amount of time I'm willing to devote to studying, along with everything else in my life.

Don't stress yourself out. Here's how I look at it... we are there to learn, to improve ourselves. Grades do not really matter after graduation (well, in my cohort at least, most of us have management career experience already). It's how you evolve in your professional skills and as a person that counts.

What field are you in btw?

Hope this helps!

Anne

Thanks for the advice (and can I just say, kudos to you on juggling all of that). I am not yet married, no kids, but I do work full-time in addition to the program. I feel like I don't really have an excuse to not get A's. But you're right, it's not about the A, it's about learning. I'm in a clinical social work program. I do hope to get a PhD one day, so I feel that grades are a priority in my case.

 

[anne_h]

Thanks for the advice (and can I just say, kudos to you on juggling all of that). I am not yet married, no kids, but I do work full-time in addition to the program. I feel like I don't really have an excuse to not get A's. But you're right, it's not about the A, it's about learning. I'm in a clinical social work program. I do hope to get a PhD one day, so I feel that grades are a priority in my case.

Thanks!

Good point, if you want to study further beyond, I can see why grades do matter, that makes sense.

Personally, I think you are in a great position to focus on your studies, in terms of no dependents. Some days I wish for that, would make the juggling much easier!! lol

Even so, I agree with a PP about taking at least *some* down time to relax and recharge. I know if I don't, I get very stressed and cranky! lol

Anne

 

[NOYFB]

I'm sure tons of you have.

I'm in the midst of it now. Any advice if you've been through it? I'm having trouble accepting the fact that I might not get A's on everything and I'm causing unnecessary stress to myself.

what field are you in? experience varies greatly by field!

Should have added that, sorry! I am getting a Master's in clinical social work...hoping to be a licensed therapist in private practice someday.

I'm an LCSW (got my MSW in 2006) and remember all too well the days of grad school and wondering how the hell I was going to get through it. You WILL get through it, trust me. You just have to set your mind to it. It's not all about the A's. It's about the knowledge you acquire along the way. Your future employer won't care what your GPA was as long as you have the knowledge and skills to do your job effectively.

I'm so happy to see a fellow social worker amongst PS. Let me know if you have any questions along the way.

 

[ihy138]

I'm an LCSW (got my MSW in 2006) and remember all too well the days of grad school and wondering how the hell I was going to get through it. You WILL get through it, trust me. You just have to set your mind to it. It's not all about the A's. It's about the knowledge you acquire along the way. Your future employer won't care what your GPA was as long as you have the knowledge and skills to do your job effectively.

I'm so happy to see a fellow social worker amongst PS. Let me know if you have any questions along the way.

YAAAY! I'm so thrilled to see another sw as well! Do you mind if i ask what population you work with? I currently work in addictions and like it so far.

Anyway, thanks for your perspective. I think I know on some level that the degree really speaks for itself. I'm simply harder on myself than anyone else.

 

[mayerling]

I'm sure tons of you have.

I'm in the midst of it now. Any advice if you've been through it? I'm having trouble accepting the fact that I might not get A's on everything and I'm causing unnecessary stress to myself.

I had the same problem. I left undergrad top of my class and when I entered grad school I was one among tons of people who were top of their class. Needless to say I was not top of my class in grad school, and it caused me a lot of stress. I ended up accepting that I just wasn't as good as some other people, but still good enough to complete the course and continue to do a doctorate.

 

[ihy138]

I'm sure tons of you have.

I'm in the midst of it now. Any advice if you've been through it? I'm having trouble accepting the fact that I might not get A's on everything and I'm causing unnecessary stress to myself.

I had the same problem. I left undergrad top of my class and when I entered grad school I was one among tons of people who were top of their class. Needless to say I was not top of my class in grad school, and it caused me a lot of stress. I ended up accepting that I just wasn't as good as some other people, but still good enough to complete the course and continue to do a doctorate.

Same here. I did very well in undergrad. Now, I'm in grad school at the same institution and I feel it IS harder and the people in my class are all very smart. It's hard to accept. I'm glad you were able to make peace with it.

 

[dani13]

I worked on my master's while working full time, finished in '06. Its a very very stressful time Don't think I could ever do it again, it was very difficult, so I understand. Just keep going and all you can do is just try your best!!!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Grad school was the most rewarding time of my life. Sure the program has it's moments and writing a thesis required dedication--but you might find yourself well suited for it's challenges. I did. And receiving (earning rather) scholarships was icing on the cake.

Grad school can be fun--and you meet great classmates, are able to network and perhaps you'll find a special facet of your program that is very interesting for you and you can find work in that "specialty". I'm rooting for you!

cheers--Sharon

 

[NOYFB]

I'm an LCSW (got my MSW in 2006) and remember all too well the days of grad school and wondering how the hell I was going to get through it. You WILL get through it, trust me. You just have to set your mind to it. It's not all about the A's. It's about the knowledge you acquire along the way. Your future employer won't care what your GPA was as long as you have the knowledge and skills to do your job effectively.

I'm so happy to see a fellow social worker amongst PS. Let me know if you have any questions along the way.

YAAAY! I'm so thrilled to see another sw as well! Do you mind if i ask what population you work with? I currently work in addictions and like it so far.

Anyway, thanks for your perspective. I think I know on some level that the degree really speaks for itself. I'm simply harder on myself than anyone else.

I don't mind at all. I'm at a management level in a long term acute care hospital.

 

[AGBF]

I'm an LCSW (got my MSW in 2006) and remember all too well the days of grad school and wondering how the hell I was going to get through it. You WILL get through it, trust me. You just have to set your mind to it. It's not all about the A's. It's about the knowledge you acquire along the way. Your future employer won't care what your GPA was as long as you have the knowledge and skills to do your job effectively.

My second master's degree was an MSW . I have been on Pricescope long enough to be able to tell you the user names of at least ten other women-I think probably 15- who like Lil Misfit and me are licensed clinical social workers. We also have other licensed counselors like RisingSun and Ph.D psychologists like Dreamer posting and of course psychiatrists. I can only exhort you to learn as much as you can and not worry about grades. I know that that is a tall order: school infantalizes one. It makes one tend to forget s/he is an adult and there to learn important skills with which to help others. It makes one try to please figures one parentifies. But grad schools in social work are crying out for Ph.D. students and a Ph.D in social work will not do anything for you except allow you to get a full-time university position if you want one anyway. Not many people want them! My advice is instead of getting A's, try to become sensible while you are still in school. (That was not a slap at you...it was just a general comment on the state of the profession). Sensible, wise social workers are very hard to find.

Deb/AGBF

 

[zoebartlett]

I have an M.Ed. and I loved grad school. I went full time and worked part time though, so I'm not sure what it's like doing it the other way around. As far as grades, in my experience, my friends and I did much better in our grad school program than we did in undergrad. I think this was mostly because all of our classes were ones we were truly interested in. There were requirements of course, but since you immerse yourself in a specific program, you're not likely to take any random courses to fulfill a gen. ed. Plus, for me, knowing I was not going to pursue a PhD, it was the last stop so to speak before I entered my field and made it a career. The other jobs I had had before-hand were just that - jobs. I was more invested in grad school. Grad school is hard work, but you have to take time for yourself. Take at least one day a week if possible where you do something just for fun. Good luck!

 

[rubybeth]

I have a Masters of Library and Information Science, and I did the program while working 30 hours a week and commuting more than an hour to school two days a week. It was worth it because I believe it helped me land my current job, working in an administrative capacity overseeing patron service and programming. But I would say that my employer cared far less about my grades than they did about what courses I took and my work experience.

 

[bright ice]

I went back for a Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner (after turning 50). My program was all online other than the clinical and I worked full time the first 1 1/2 years (nights) and took off the last 3 semesters because there was so much clinical. I made good grades but not all A's, never made below a B (not much time for anything else). You have to make sacrifices if you want something. It was a very tough program but it was very much worth it. I love what I do and have a wonderful, great paying job.

 

[Dreamer_D]

I have a PhD in psychology. I'm a professor now. Spent 9 years in training post-BA between graduate school and post-graduate work.

Funny, in my graduate school it was basically expected you got A's, A- at the lowest. All the students in our program were A students in undergrad, and in graduate school, they certainly did not expect a normal distribution. But it might be different in professional programs compared to research programs.

 

[slg47]

I have a PhD in psychology. I'm a professor now. Spent 9 years in training post-BA between graduate school and post-graduate work.

Funny, in my graduate school it was basically expected you got A's, A- at the lowest. All the students in our program were A students in undergrad, and in graduate school, they certainly did not expect a normal distribution. But it might be different in professional programs compared to research programs.

I think it is different Dreamer...when I was in Chemistry it was expected everyone got As or Bs (C was 'failing')...now in Education it is As or maybe a B+...B or lower is 'failing'

 

[Dreamer_D]

I have a PhD in psychology. I'm a professor now. Spent 9 years in training post-BA between graduate school and post-graduate work.

Funny, in my graduate school it was basically expected you got A's, A- at the lowest. All the students in our program were A students in undergrad, and in graduate school, they certainly did not expect a normal distribution. But it might be different in professional programs compared to research programs.

I think it is different Dreamer...when I was in Chemistry it was expected everyone got As or Bs (C was 'failing')...now in Education it is As or maybe a B+...B or lower is 'failing'

Interesting. Why do you think that is? Our classes were so small, is that a difference? Most of my graduate classes, and the ones I teach now, have 4 students.

 

[Sparklelu]

I too have an M.Ed in Ed leadership, I hope to be in administration at some point so I am getting ready to start on my Ed Specialist. I got my masters in 3 years while working full time and dealing with 2 teenagers! At the tender age of 50! I was awarded a grant to get the degree so the money I would have spent getting it is allowing me to persue my additional degrees.
I was a mediocre undergrad student, but got all A's in grad school because as a pp stated I was interested in all of the courses! My mom was beyond proud but did ask where was this student back when I was paying for the classes I would like to one day be Dr.Elisateach so she would be very happy. Always wanted a doctor in the family.
I would say what others have said. Relax at least one day we week and really content is so much more important than the perfect grade. When we don't take time to absorb what we are learning, just shove it into the brain, it may not be in the right place for you to recall it when you need it!
Plus as Canuck gal said you will meet a great cohort of colleagues you can network with.
Good luck!!

 

[anne_h]

In my program (MBA), a C or lower is failing. B- is barely acceptable, B is okay, B+ is good and A-anything is really good. Actually, A+ is relatively rare, in my cohort at least. There are a few guys who try though... lol. Personally, I am happy with B+ or better, since I'm only willing to invest so much time, due mostly to having young kids.

Everyone does their individual & group assignments throughout the term, and of course exams... so then grades are calculated based on those. But we were also recently told that the profs & program admins all meet as a group at the end of a term and supposedly ensure that final grades seem to match the students' performance... so I do believe some peoples' final grades are adjusted up or down a little based on that.

However they do it, I'm fine with it, as I'm definitely learning a lot and getting what I hoped for out of attending. In my line of work (management - private industry), grades don't matter so much. If they did, maybe I'd feel differently.

Anne

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I am in grad school right now working on my master's in clinical mental health counseling. It's a lot of work. I go to an accredited school and it is a 60 hour program with three clinicals. My daughter was only 2.5 when I went back to school. I was also going back in an unrelated field from my previous education/career which probably made it more difficult. From my limited experience grad school is flooded with overachievers. Everyone wants a 4.0. Not everyone gets one. A "C" is basically failing. After two "C"s they can kick you out. I have a professor tell us a "B" is for balance. Somehow I have managed a 4.0 but I think this semester might change that! At this point I would be disappointed to get a "B" b/c I am so close to the end but in proper perspective it is NOT a big deal. I doubt a potential employer will care between a GPA of 4.0 or a 3.8.

PROS: I love being back in the school environment and (for the most part) taking classes I am really interested in. 2.5 years goes by really quickly. I am preparing for a career I will love. I am being a positive example for my child teaching her that it is never too late to go after something you want.

CONS: It is a lot of work and money. It takes me away from my family. I have virtually no free time. APA sucks! I hate exams. The GRE was painful!

For me the pros have far outweighed the cons. I am having a wonderful experience and know it was the right choice for my life. Good luck deciding if it is right for you.

 

[ihy138]

Sorry that I have been so unresponsive! I've been busy writing a paper (irony?). Anyway, thank you so much for sharing your experiences with graduate school. It's really helpful to see that I'm not the only overachiever, but all As may not be all that realistic or a healthy way to look at things...especially when I am supposed to be learning essential skills.

I think i need to find other sources of validation. Grades are fairly subjective, especially with papers.

In my program, lower than a B is failing. Not sure how many it takes for them to throw you out, as I assumed I would not be getting these. I have found that everyone in my class deserves to be there and submits pretty quality work, so the distribution of grades is fairly narrow. It's competitive, for sure.

 

[Bella_mezzo]

I have always been a 3.5-4.0 student and was a 4.0 student in my first masters...but life is different now. I am doing a top-10 MBA program, work full-time in a demanding job, am married, and now have a son. I don't have as much time to study, I don't have the time energy or effort to try and "compete" with the crazy 25 year old whiz kids who live and breathe Wall Street and creative finacial "engineering" and my most recent job was totally unsupportive of me being in school which made things extra challenging...and I had to make my peace with that. I am there to learn and to get the degree. If I get all As, so be it...and if I don't learn everything...well, that's what google is for

My MBA program has a strict distribution of A-C or lower in all core classes...and no more than 30% of the class can get an A or A-...some departments enforce this for non-core classes as well...so in many classes, "B is for business school" is my motto

 

[MissStepcut]

I have always been a 3.5-4.0 student and was a 4.0 student in my first masters...but life is different now. I am doing a top-10 MBA program, work full-time in a demanding job, am married, and now have a son. I don't have as much time to study, I don't have the time energy or effort to try and "compete" with the crazy 25 year old whiz kids who live and breathe Wall Street and creative finacial "engineering" and my most recent job was totally unsupportive of me being in school which made things extra challenging...and I had to make my peace with that. I am there to learn and to get the degree. If I get all As, so be it...and if I don't learn everything...well, that's what google is for

My MBA program has a strict distribution of A-C or lower in all core classes...and no more than 30% of the class can get an A or A-...some departments enforce this for non-core classes as well...so in many classes, "B is for business school" is my motto

Hmm, that's interesting! I was told that top MBA programs are usually P/F and that the business school attached to my law school (Kellogg) was unusual for giving letter grades.

Law school, OTOH, is definitely graded on a curve. Take 200 highly ambitious people and grade them on a mandatory curve, and, well, most people are going to be disappointed. Turns out we are not all special snowflakes.