Welcome to the start of Stockton’s fall semester; as classes kick off and the semester gets underway, it can be a challenging time for any student. Whether it’s a first graduate level course or a first semester as a Graduate student, and it can be an overwhelming time. Current graduate students and recent alumni share what to expect at this level of education compared to undergraduate studies with recommendations for navigating this change in a curated list “Graduate School Survival Guide.” 

Becoming a Graduate Student. What Now? 

First off, congratulations! Being accepted into Graduate school is a big accomplishment, so take a moment to recognize it, but once the semester has started, what should one expect? In Graduate school, there are different expectations: many programs recognize that the life-work-school balance has changed since graduation, and courses are designed to better accommodate this. Classes are more likely to be online or offered in the evenings, and faculty are often more amenable to challenges related to this balance. 

Graduate students are often regarded by faculty as peers and colleagues. Students and faculty collectively learn together, rather than a student-professor dynamic. Since one is taking career preparation a step further, there are higher expectations of professionalism. While one is still graded and provided with feedback and constructive criticism, courses are often more discussion based. There is more room to explore personal passions in the context of each program with the guidance of faculty.  

When it comes to schoolwork, there are higher expectations for the quality and kind of work. Students will think critically, challenge themselves with more difficult concepts and reading, and express ideas in writing and verbally in class. As an undergraduate student, an assignment may be writing a short discussion post. At the graduate level, a comparable assignment could be writing a two-and-a-half-page reflection paper that comprehensively explores a person’s thoughts on the material or finds a connection between different readings.  

At the Graduate level, there is also the expectation of larger research projects. This could include a thesis, independent study, capstone, and similar works. While this may seem daunting at the start, faculty will guide students through the process. These projects are meant to explore varying interests and questions, and they also become samples of a students’ academic work. This means these projects and can be used in job applications, on resumes, and in applications for PhDs and grants among other opportunities.  

Don’t let these differences intimidate: an undergraduate degree prepares one for this level, and faculty as well as classmates create a learning community with immense support. This also means one can better prepare for the different challenges Graduate school poses.

Advice from a Current Graduate Student

Priya Parikh is a current Stockton University student in the MBA program. When asked what she would recommend for new graduate students, she said, “I would say that learning about the Graduate Assistantship program and networking with faculty and staff members will help you flourish in Grad school! Having these connections and opportunities will help you make the most of your time at Stockton and provide you great mentorship and experience!”

If one is interested in keeping up with the Stockton grad community and hearing more student experiences and their recommendations, follow Stockton Grad Admissions and the Stockton Graduate Council on Instagram and Facebook: @stockton_gradadmissions and @stockton.grad.council.

The Graduate School Survival Guide 

Current Graduate students and alumni recommend 10 key things for an academically and personally successful graduate student experience:

One, stay organized: use a calendar, planner, app, and keep track of assignments, exams, and any sort of deadline. Time management and balance are important. Two, get outside. Whether it’s a quiet bench to study on or a walk around Lake Fred, soaking up the sun will help a student feel grounded. Three, find study spaces to both work and relax, one space being the Graduate Lounge on campus. Tips four and five center on health and wellness, both physically and mentally. This includes taking breaks to be active, eat, hydrate, decompress, and sleep; utilizing Stockton’s Wellness Center is helpful as well.

Tips six and seven recommend that if classes prove to be challenging and networking appears daunting, connect with graduate colleagues and lean on Stockton’s resources. The Tutoring Center, as well as faculty, peers, and classmates, can be a great help, as well as participating in the community through attending Graduate Research Symposiums. 

Finally, tips eight, nine, and ten encourage students to pursue passions and plan for the future, both academically and professionally. Graduate school allows students to hone their craft, follow their interests, and connect with faculty who support these ambitions. If one is interested in a PhD or furthering their career, both Graduate school, faculty, and Stockton’s Career Education and Development Office offer guidance and resources to students. Finally, consistently meet with a preceptor before class registration to create a clear path to graduation and address any questions or concerns. 

Interested in being a graduate student? Check out Stockton University’s Graduate Admissions.