Success at the Graduate Level
Success at the Graduate Level
COM 505
June 11, 2012
Preparing for Success at the Graduate Level
Preparing for academic success at the graduate level can be a daunting task. First, one must realize the reason they are in a graduate program to begin with. What goals do you hope to achieve in completing a graduate program? The reasons can be many such as better job opportunities, higher income, or perhaps just for the prestige of earning a graduate degree.
Other reasons could include setting a good example for that of your children or gaining the respect of family and friends. Regardless of the reason, once the decision is made to start a graduate program there must be a goal established in order to achieve success. Setting goals helps the student to make small steps towards the end goal of graduating.
The student must also make any necessary changes in their life to allow for success. A graduate degree program is very demanding on their time. Family and friends must be aware of the student’s needs in respect to being allowed to have alone time to study and work on assignments. Starting a graduate degree program is demanding not only on the student but the student’s family as well.
Spouses and children must understand that their loved one will need alone time in order to be successful. At the same time the student must realize that they still have an obligation to their family and must plan their time accordingly to prevent neglecting any of their family members. Certain leisurely activities may have to be put on hold during the duration of the graduate program.
The student may have to learn the concept of delayed gratification and put off some of the fun activities that they once enjoyed because they had a surplus of time before starting their degree program. The student must prioritize what is most important to them and their family. A balance must be found in regards to spending enough time with family and friends while devoting enough time to their
COM 505
June 11, 2012
Preparing for Success at the Graduate Level
Preparing for academic success at the graduate level can be a daunting task. First, one must realize the reason they are in a graduate program to begin with. What goals do you hope to achieve in completing a graduate program? The reasons can be many such as better job opportunities, higher income, or perhaps just for the prestige of earning a graduate degree.
Other reasons could include setting a good example for that of your children or gaining the respect of family and friends. Regardless of the reason, once the decision is made to start a graduate program there must be a goal established in order to achieve success. Setting goals helps the student to make small steps towards the end goal of graduating.
The student must also make any necessary changes in their life to allow for success. A graduate degree program is very demanding on their time. Family and friends must be aware of the student’s needs in respect to being allowed to have alone time to study and work on assignments. Starting a graduate degree program is demanding not only on the student but the student’s family as well.
Spouses and children must understand that their loved one will need alone time in order to be successful. At the same time the student must realize that they still have an obligation to their family and must plan their time accordingly to prevent neglecting any of their family members. Certain leisurely activities may have to be put on hold during the duration of the graduate program.
The student may have to learn the concept of delayed gratification and put off some of the fun activities that they once enjoyed because they had a surplus of time before starting their degree program. The student must prioritize what is most important to them and their family. A balance must be found in regards to spending enough time with family and friends while devoting enough time to their
References: Dunn, D. S. (2011). A Short Guide to Writing About Psychology (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Longman. Lavelle, E., & Bushrow, K. (2007). Writing Approaches of Graduate Students. Educational Psychology, 27(6), 807-822. doi:10.1080/01443410701366001 University of Phoenix. (2007-2010). Grammar and Writing Guides: Plagiarism. Retrieved from https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/secure/aapd/grammar/plagiarism.asp