Welcome to the wonderful world of grad school where sleep is few and readings are plenty. Honestly, I have never read so many journal articles before coming to grad school. Like I have-nope, scratch that-BOUGHT sooooo many textbooks but yet I spend most of my time reading journal articles…
Anywho. *steps off soapbox* I graduated in May from undergrad and now I’m a first-semester grad student.
Quick Facts:
- Graduation Year: 2020
- Program: M.S. Speech-Language Pathology, Full-Time (not distance learning/online)
- Clinical Interests: Adults – Neurologically-Based Communication Disorders
- Ideal Setting: In-patient Rehabilitation
Despite going straight through, it’s still taken me half a semester to get in the swing of things and feel grounded. Procrastination is a bi-something lol. Don’t get me wrong though, yes I am tired and do get overwhelmed sometimes but I really enjoy my program and don’t regret going to grad school.
Remember, nothing worth it comes easy and if it’s easy then it’s not worth it.
Grad school is a completely different ballpark from undergrad, some good some bad, but I’m learning what I am really interested in and passionate about so I don’t mind the bad days.
If you’re considering applying and/or going, do it. The sooner you start, the sooner you will be finished. Also, I thought I would help you out by noting the biggest differences I noticed from that undergrad life.
How does grad school differ from undergrad?
- I spend all of my time in one building. Lol, it’s sad but true. My bus drops me off and picks me up right in front of it. Fun fact: I only know my building and the library (which is right beside it) on campus. All of my classes are in the same building (which is a blessing because that’s less walking) but I also don’t get to participate or even know about things occurring on the main part of campus. I mean at this point, can I really even call myself a student there?
- I actually enjoy what I’m learning. I touched on this a little before but honestly, I can’t stress it enough. There are no general education classes in grad school so all of your courses are specific to your discipline, which I personally enjoy. No more art history or literature classes. No shade though.
- Group projects, discussion boards, and readings oh my! This is all my life has consisted of. What is a paper? Maybe this is just specific to my program but I don’t get assigned papers. There’s a lot of group discussions and group projects.
- You actually have to read. LOL not that I didn’t read in undergrad, I just definitely have to read now and know what I read.
- What are student orgs? I have no spare time (or energy). Just run me my degree, please.
- Your classmates (commonly referred to as your cohort) are more diverse. Your cohort may consist of people of all ages and from all backgrounds, meaning they may be starting a career or changing their career.
I wanted this post to serve as an introduction to this realm of Twenty. Under this category, I will be sharing tips for getting accepted into grad school, as well as my journey to become a Speech-Language Pathologist. This area may seem like it’s primarily for my speechies, but there is something for non-speechies too (we don’t discriminate).
If you have any specific questions or topics you would like me to cover, just shout it out down below and I’ll be sure to discuss it. Also, for all of my graduate students share your thoughts on your experience so far and what ways you noticed it’s different from undergrad (reach one, teach one). Until next time!
Forming and Wandering,
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