Yahaira LeeFirst of all, I want to start with CONGRATULATIONS!! You have officially been accepted to a graduate program and that is not an easy feat. You should be incredibly proud of yourself and all of your hard work up to this point. Now it is time to get your stuff together…it’s GAME TIME! No matter the graduate program you are in, it will require your attention, time and effort. However, always remember that it will be worth it. I want to share some tips that will help you survive any type of graduate program. I promise that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, even though it is very difficult to see right now. For me, going to graduate school and completing my doctorate degree in chiropractic school was the most challenging thing, academically speaking, I have ever done in my life. School was always somewhat ‘easy’ throughout my life and I enjoyed it. However, chiropractic school was difficult for me. Looking back, I think I would have approached things differently knowing what I know now. So, I have compiled a list of 10 helpful tips that I wish I had known for surviving graduate school.
1. Manage your time well – This is such an essential tip because naturally starting a new program you will be very overwhelmed. So much information will be thrown at you and at times the schedule can be rigorous with a ton of projects due and exams to be taken. There will be times when you are in class all day and then have to come home to study or work on projects. It is vital that you manage your time well and schedule out specific times for certain activities such as studying, exercising, napping, etc.
2. Figure out what type of learner you are quickly & hone into that -It is no secret that everyone learns and absorbs material differently…and guess what, that’s okay. You need to find what works best for you. I realized that I had to change my study habits once I entered chiropractic school from undergrad. I will be honest, cramming material is not the best approach in grad school. Some people prefer to re-write their notes, teach others, talk it out, utilize flashcards, quiz each other, or just read over their notes over and over. The sooner you know what technique suits you, the better it will be for you to be successful in your program.
3. Always stay hydrated with water and not just coffee – I cannot stress this enough! Your body needs water to function. I never drank water when I was in undergrad and I am not sure how I survived to be honest. Dehydration can lead to headaches and feeling fatigue. It is recommended that you drink at least half of your body weight in ounces. For example, let’s say you weigh 140 lbs, then you should be drinking a minimum of 70oz a day. I know that sounds like a lot at first, but throughout the entire day, it really is not that much. I recommend that if you are exercising it is important to increase that amount slightly.
4. Exercise – It is vital that you move as much as possible. You will spend a lot of your time in class sitting and then you will have to study or spend time working on projects. Recently, the pandemic has forced us to spend more time sitting and working from our computers. While I am very thankful for our computers and technology I have realized that all of this sitting was negatively impacting my body. Personally, exercise alleviates my stress and anxiety. Even if you take 30 mins out of your day to go for a walk or get a quick workout in that’s all you need. I know it may seem impossible to take 30 mins out of your busy schedule, but like I mentioned it before schedule a specific time for this. Your body and mind will thank you later for it. I promise you that!
5. Get rest– Now I know this is extremely hard to do, but it is a must! Your body needs rest in order to repair itself. I know when we are in undergrad most of us could pull all-nighters, myself included, but grad school is a different beast. I would recommend that you at least get 7-8 hours. Sometimes staying up super late studying might not even be worth it. I know that there were times where I would stay up super late and not retain any of the material I was trying to study. It is best to get some rest and then continue your studies.
6. Eat healthy – This can be a tough task to accomplish while in grad school, but it is definitely helpful. You want to make sure that you are fueling your body properly so that you have enough energy. I find that it is easy to meal prep if I just make more of whatever I am eating for dinner so I can have that for lunch the following day. Not only does meal prepping save time, but also money. Making healthy snacks is also a better option than snacking on junk food that will make you sluggish.
7. Take breaks when needed – It is important to take study breaks especially during midterms and finals. Schedule that time out where you enjoy watching a show/movie, enjoy a nice meal or just do something fun. This will help you reset and not burn yourself out. Also, enjoy your breaks especially when you have time off from school. Make sure to use that time to spend with your family or friends and decompress from the rigorous schedule you just experienced.
8. Review notes weekly and actually pay attention in class – Make sure to master the info not just to pass the class, but actually learn the material long term for boards and your overall knowledge. Pay attention in class and try to keep up with reviewing material that you learned weekly. I know that can be difficult when having to study for a million tests and complete several projects/assignments, but that brings me back to managing your time well.
9. Don’t be afraid to go to your professors for help – They are there to help you understand and navigate through the difficult topics. I can’t emphasize this enough; especially now that I am on the other end of this. I work as a part-time faculty clinician at our local chiropractic college and I love it when students come to me for help. I prefer the students come to me with questions when they are unsure on how to do something then completing assignments incorrectly. Don’t be intimated by having to ask questions or for help.
10. Speak with an upperclassman in regards to advice or any suggestions for the program – Upperclassmen are going through the same program as you and they can offer tips and tricks that can help you get through the program. They can also provide insight on what some of the professors expect from you, what books to buy and what activities to get involved in. But keep in mind that you have to find what works best for you. Take it all in and then decide for yourself what suits you better.
I am wishing you all the best of luck in your future educational endeavors! I know that you will do an amazing job in your graduate program. Stay positive, stay focused and work hard! You got this!
XOXO,
Yahaira