2 answers
Cadence
Student
Hillsboro, Missouri
2
Questions
Updated
184 views
What steps have you all taken to prepare for graduate school? #Spring25
I am about to wrap up my undergrad and I would love to get some tips about how to prepare for the next phase of life. #spring25
Login to comment
2 answers
Sasha Planchon
Marketing & Strategy
7
Answers
Marlborough, Massachusetts
Updated
Sasha’s Answer
Congratulations on nearing the end of undergrad! That’s such an incredible milestone and achievement—you should be really proud of how far you’ve come. If you’re planning to jump straight into a grad program, there’s not a ton you need to do to prepare, other than making sure you carve out some time for yourself in between. You’ve been deep in academics for years, so if you can, give yourself a break. Step away from the books for a few weeks (or months!) and let your mind reset. If you’re still considering your next steps, I personally found it really valuable to take a few years off between undergrad and grad school to work and get some real-world experience. That route isn’t right for everyone or every field, but for me, it made a huge difference. Seeing how the concepts I’d studied actually played out in the workplace gave me perspective—and even case studies—I could bring back with me when I eventually did go to grad school. It made the whole experience more meaningful and relevant. Whatever path you take, trust yourself—you’ve already done amazing things.
Dheeraj P
Software Engineer
5
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Dheeraj’s Answer
It's amazing that you are thinking ahead ! — that mindset will carry you far! 🌟
Here are some practical steps many of us have taken (and you can too!) to feel ready and excited for grad school:
- Reflect & Refresh: Reflect on what we’ve learned, and remind ourselves why we’re pursuing grad school. Your “why” is your anchor. 💡
- Build a Support System: Reached out to current students, alumni, or mentors to hear their experiences. It’s super helpful to have a few people in your corner for advice, support, and even venting when needed.
- Sharpened Skills: Brushed up on academic or research skills — especially writing, presentations, and time management. It doesn’t have to be intense, just small steps to feel confident!
- Get Organized: Create a system to keep track of deadlines, paperwork, finances, housing, and to-dos. Future-you will be so thankful!
- Prioritized Wellness: This one’s BIG. Started building healthy routines — sleep, meals, movement, mindfulness — because grad school is a marathon, not a sprint 🧘🏽♀️
- Stayed Curious: Read articles, join forums, listened to podcasts in your fields — not to get ahead, but to stay inspired and excited about what’s to come!
You’re on the brink of an amazing journey. The fact that you’re asking these questions shows you're already on the right path. You've got this — and there’s a whole community cheering you on!
Here are some practical steps many of us have taken (and you can too!) to feel ready and excited for grad school:
- Reflect & Refresh: Reflect on what we’ve learned, and remind ourselves why we’re pursuing grad school. Your “why” is your anchor. 💡
- Build a Support System: Reached out to current students, alumni, or mentors to hear their experiences. It’s super helpful to have a few people in your corner for advice, support, and even venting when needed.
- Sharpened Skills: Brushed up on academic or research skills — especially writing, presentations, and time management. It doesn’t have to be intense, just small steps to feel confident!
- Get Organized: Create a system to keep track of deadlines, paperwork, finances, housing, and to-dos. Future-you will be so thankful!
- Prioritized Wellness: This one’s BIG. Started building healthy routines — sleep, meals, movement, mindfulness — because grad school is a marathon, not a sprint 🧘🏽♀️
- Stayed Curious: Read articles, join forums, listened to podcasts in your fields — not to get ahead, but to stay inspired and excited about what’s to come!
You’re on the brink of an amazing journey. The fact that you’re asking these questions shows you're already on the right path. You've got this — and there’s a whole community cheering you on!