BA/BS To MA/MS: Annette’s Declassified Master’s Program Survival Guide

By Annette Addo-Yobo (2021-2022 Diversity Liaison)

Congratulations, graduate! You have achieved a huge milestone, and you’re ready to move into the next phase of your life: graduate school. You have accepted admission into your dream program (or, at least a program you’re happy with) and are ready to make some next steps. You are probably excited, hopeful, and motivated, but you may also be feeling a lot of anxiety and worry about this transition. Don’t worry! As a second year Master’s student (who did their first year in the middle of a global pandemic), I have several tips, tricks, and advice on how to survive the transition, and how to succeed in your first year.

I have accepted admission into my program. Now what?

1. Complete your admission checklist. This may include confirming your financial aid, meeting with your advisor to register for classes, submitting final official transcripts and other important documents, and registering for orientation. 
2. Start applying for housing, QUICKLY! Whether you choose to live on campus or off campus, housing gets filled up quickly, especially around April and May soon after admission decisions. Have some options, take tours (if available), and start reaching out to cohort members if you are looking for a roommate. 
3. If you are interested in conducting research, begin reaching out to potential mentors for Graduate Research Assistant positions. Prepare and/or update your CV and begin thinking about your research focus.
4. Attend orientation! This is a great opportunity to connect with students in your cohort, hear from graduates and upperclassmen in the program, and meet professors and advisors. Orientation will also outline your curriculum, program expectations, student organizations, and available scholarships. 
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Today is my first day. I’m excited, but I’m nervous that I won’t do well in graduate school.
I have been there, and many other graduate students have. You’re not alone! There is pressure to succeed, as your classmates are coming in with incredible academic experiences just like you. Here are some ways to ease those worried feelings:

1. Find a mentor and/or become close with your academic advisor. They will help to guide you through any difficulties as you go through your graduate curriculum. 
2. Make friends with students in your cohort! You will most likely see these students in all of your classes. Get to know them, spend time outside of classes, and form study groups with them! Having support from students who are going through the same academic journey can be very beneficial and can reduce the pressure. It’s nice to know that others are feeling what you’re feeling. 
3. If possible and if needed, seek a therapist. Graduate programs can be mentally taxing. The average master’s student in psychology is taking 9-12 hours per semester, along with employment as a Research Assistant or a Teaching Assistant and involvement in organizations. Some students are also balancing all of this with family life. Taking care of your mental health is of utmost importance. You can seek therapy on campus with the campus counseling center or use an outside source if you have health insurance. 
4. ENGAGE IN SELF-CARE! I cannot stress this enough, but life is all about balance. Your life cannot and should not be fully immersed in school. Self-care can be as simple as taking a 20-30 minute nap after class, doing a face mask once or twice a week, making a Target run to the home decor section (my personal favorite), or going for a night out with your classmates. 

What are your final 3 tips to survive graduate school?

1. Get involved! Join campus organizations and national organizations (Hint Hint: Join AP-LS!). This is a great way to not only learn more about the field of psychology, but also gain opportunities to attend and/or present at conferences, win scholarships and grants, and make meaningful connections. 
2. Keep a planner/calendar. This has saved me thousands of times throughout my graduate experience. There are so many projects, assignments, and events to keep up with. Disciplining yourself to update your calendar/planner will really go a long way 
3. Enjoy and take in this new season!!! Being in graduate school is an AMAZING achievement. Take it all in! You are here, you are valued, you are worthy of being in your program, you can do it!

GOOD LUCK WITH GRADUATE SCHOOL! YOU GOT THIS.