placement exams

[raspberrydagger]

Hi

Comments

[bananera]

There are many, many days left before Monday (I have a big exam that day too, so shut up, it's true!!); the rest will fall into place with time. You may have a horrible semester now and then, which will give you a better idea of how much you can realistically put on your plate (haha, no really).

[latvianchick]

Breath in. Breath out.

You'll be fine.

[raspberrydagger]

what is this "breathe" that you speak of?
:) thanks.

[kontzel]

My experience was that my first semester was rough and there were times I had no idea how I would make it - get all the readings done, all the papers written, etc. Then as time went on, I discovered ways to improve my work, organize my time, and other things. I learned to scan/speed read things. I learned to budget my time better. I learned how to consider different approaches to papers, etc. in the back of my mind while doing other stuff. Don't get me wrong - I still get overwhelmed at times. However, I have found ways to balance *most* of the things I really want to do and accepted that some of the others will need to be on hold for awhile.

[raspberrydagger]

But is it crazy insane ALL THE TIME? Do you feel like you are trying to sprint for 5 years and that's the way it is?

[kontzel]

That hasn't been my experience thus far. Once I started to get myself into a groove, I've felt very busy and occasionally stressed, but I've learned how to get it all done. It doesn't feel crazy insane all the time, but it does feel busy. I have certainly had enough time to make good grades, be encouraged in my writing and individual research interests, and maintain a reasonably healthy social life. It can be done. ;) It's busy and a lot to do, but it can be done.

[raspberrydagger]

busy is fine, but is it busy with the sense that if you put one toe out of line you are freaking screwed?

[lostreality]

"then there are days when I'm like, crap, what have I gotten myself into? I don't have original research ideas, are you kidding? "

i'm about to start my 6th year of grad school, and am halfway done with my dissertation, and I still have these thoughts.

[raspberrydagger]

so then why are you still doing it? if it's so insane and you are in your 6th year what keeps you from bailing out?

[chasbrown]

It's the golden handcuffs.

[lostreality]

the knowledge that I can and have actually done it I guess...and the knowledge that I have anxiety issues and probably a touch of impostor syndrome. And also talking to other graduate students and realizing that pretty much everyone feels exactly the same way, and the few who don't tend to generally be arrogant douchebags.

And I didn't say that it was insane, just that I doubt myself frequently. :) It's really not that bad after your first semester or so.

[fezabel]

I have no idea. I start school next week and I start a new semester at work as well. (I have a full time job as a lab manager.)

If you find out, let me know!