- This topic has 3 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 9 years ago by jennifer.
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October 26, 2015 at 3:00 pm #86135JaslynParticipant
Hi everyone,
I am currently in the thick of applying to graduate school. I’ve put in so many hours to study to take my GRE test (at the end of this week!) and to go through the difficult process of writing my statement of purpose and requesting letters of rec. It’s been incredibly exhausting, and I think the hardest part for me is making sure that I keep my insecurities and self-doubt at bay, and hold on to my inner strength and confidence. I’d love and appreciate any moral support to help give me the energy to keep going and finish strong.
If you’re also applying to graduate school, just know that I will be rooting for you in spirit!! You got this…. we got this! and it will be all worth it in the end once we receive those acceptance letters. Stay positive, your hard work will pay off!!
October 26, 2015 at 9:09 pm #86165Maria MangoParticipantJaslyn,
You’re doing a great job so far, keep going I know you can do it!!! I’m finishing my undergraduate now and I’m applying for jobs (something that is totally outside my comfort zone) so I know how overwhelming this all may seem.
Even when you’re feeling really insecure and doubtful, just remember to keep putting one foot in front of the other, do the best you can do in that particular moment, and focus on your goal. And remember to take good care of yourself (i.e. eat well, exercise,and get lots of sleep), its all too easy to give in to self doubt and insecurities when you’re tired and eating poorly.
It really helps me to write my goals up on a white board when I’m feeling stuck. It just keeps me focused to see them written down.
Best of Luck,
M
October 27, 2015 at 3:46 am #86182MochaBParticipantHi,
Congratulations! You are on a wonderful path and I wish you much success. If you dont mind, I’d like to share a few things I’ve learned:
I finished my Master’s Degree a few years ago, and now I’m working on my doctoral degree.
When I applied to grad school, I contacted the chairperson of the programs that interested me and requested a meeting. This helped me to learn about the culture of the program and whether or not it was a good fit.
When I was earning my Master’s, my father-in-law got sick and passed away, my husband became physically and mentally abusive, I was in two bridal parties, I lost my job, and I ran away into a homeless shelter for abused women. I thought I’d never be able to finish grad school so I told my school I wanted to cancel classes. One day, after talking to my mom and a therapist, I realized that I wanted to have something to show for my time. I also wanted to accomplish a goal. My whole life, I’d never really set a goalband achieved. I was fortunate, but not very proactive. I didn’t want to quit (which was something I was very good at doing). I ended up asking my advisor how I could make up the work I missed and graduate on time. A few people said it was impossible; well, I ignored them, and I ended up completing everything and graduating in two years.
1) Contact the chairperson of your program prior to applying. Have a meeting. That way, you will be more than just a GRE score.
2) Look at what’s required of you and be realistic. See how it fits into your work and personal schedule. Don’t feel guilty if you are too busy to go to the mall, movies, etc. At the same time, take time for fun.
3) Remember, there’s nothing that you can’t do. You are never too old, too young, too anything. Make the time you have count.
Congratulations on beginning such a wonderful journey.
October 27, 2015 at 10:45 am #86228jenniferParticipantHi Jaslyn,
I am in the same boat with you! I am also applying for graduate school. Luckily my program of choice does not require the GRE, but it is nerve racking to say the least. It took me a long time to write my statement of purpose also, it’s not easy and I kept tweaking it. I wish you lots of luck in this journey. I agree with you too, that keeping self-doubt and insecurities at bay is the hardest part, that inner critic can really hurt us at times. But as you said WE GOT THIS! And with perseverance we can accomplish any goal!
Good luck on the GRE!!
Jenn
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