By Emily Winters
Before we get into our list, you may be wondering, cherished reader, what makes studying as a graduate student different from studying as an undergraduate?
Many of the things on this list might seem like a repeat from your undergraduate years, but remember, you’re a different you now, and professors will expect different things from you. You will also have to exercise different parts of your brain for more synthesis, more big picture AND more of the smaller picture at the same time.
Many of the things on this list are influenced by my own time as a graduate student studying history. While the subject matter may differ - and differ quite a lot at times! - some of these tips will be helpful across disciplines, even into science or math.
After all, if there’s one universal fact of graduate life, it’s spending hours a week doing assigned readings and synthesizing what we’ve read!
And now - without further ado - onto the list:
1.) Make strong connections with your classmates, professors, advisors, and other staff at your school. For example, my classmates got together to discuss the week’s readings before the class, or even better, brainstormed our paper topics together! Also, as a history graduate student, university librarians are a huge help! Heading to the library not only gives you access to reading materials or printers, but great minds that are always happy to help.
2.) Similarly, utilize your school’s resources! This includes tutoring services or other student help offices like the Wellness Center. These can provide you spaces for conversation to discuss difficult topics, plan out papers, or seek mental or physical healthcare. It’s important to be open about your needs, and this will help you get what you desire from your program!
3.) Take advantage of helpful online resources, including citation machines like those offered at Purdue Owl (https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/resources.html), or search databases like https://www.worldcat.org.
4.) Use time management skills! This is no doubt a familiar tip from your undergraduate years. Some effective time management skills are making sure to get plenty of sleep, and resting your brain in between study sessions. The Pomodoro method is one way of practicing this. Try to study in twenty minute bursts, with five to ten minute breaks in between! During these breaks, grab a healthy snack, go for a walk around the block, or hop in the shower! This time will allow your brain to process the information you studied more effectively, as well as keep you interested in your work!
5.) READ EFFECTIVELY. We’ve all heard the phrase “read like a grad student.” But what, exactly, does that mean? Firstly, this means not reading every word. If the material is written correctly, you should be able to get the main idea at the beginning and ending of chapters and sections. If you have more time, read the topic and end sentences of paragraphs. Another study tip for effective reading is using the SQ3R method. This stands for SURVEY, QUESTION, READ, RECITE, and REVIEW. This identities the steps to take before reading (survey and question) and the steps for after you read (recite and review). Visit this link for more information on this method, visit:
6.) Take effective notes while you read! Perhaps this means using a note-taking template to organize your thoughts, or perhaps this means annotating and highlighting on the page itself! In whatever way you find most useful, be sure to take notes. This will help you with recall during class, and ensure more accuracy if you’re called upon to defend your answers! Be sure to reflect on the author’s main idea and supporting arguments, as well as any useful direct quotations AND THEIR PAGE NUMBERS. There’s nothing worse than having to scramble for page numbers to properly cite your sources.
That’s all she wrote! Six helpful tips for succeeding in graduate school. Any questions? Drop a comment below or reach us at learningcenter@camden.rutgers.edu.
RUTGERS CAMDEN RESOURCES FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS:
For writing assistance:
Gaylene Gordon
Graduate Writing Assistant
856-733-0696
For grant writing and fellowship application assistance:
Deborah Lynam
Graduate Research & Grant Assistant
(856) 225-6149
For tutoring:
SCHEDULE ALL ABOVE APPOINTMENTS VIA RAPTOR CONNECT.
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