Kickstart on Solid Foundation

Success is in the details. Professors have expectations. Graduate students should expect to be challenged. Prime your thought processes by thoroughly reading your syllabus! Listen intently as your professor reviews the syllabus on the first day of class. Don’t get blindsided by the extensive end-of-course project or paper. Note what each assignment entails. Mark all due dates on the calendar! In graduate school, deadlines are deadlines.

Micro-tip

Typically, classes have repetitive assignments that run the course length. Keep your eye on the clock the first time you complete this assignment. How long did it take? Now, you can accurately plan your time commitment on the calendar. Don’t forget to consider your responsibilities outside of graduate school. Add those to the calendar as well.

Worried About Writing?

It’s no secret that graduate school requires critical thinking, which is showcased through writing. No need to fret! Thomas University’s Learning Commons offers writing tutors. Remember that graduate school requires a B minimum to pass each class. If writing is your kryptonite, don’t procrastinate. Go back to square one. Take yourself through the complete writing process: pre-writing, drafting, editing, revision, and publication.

Check your rubric and the assignment directions before, during, and after your writing. When you finish, forget about that paper for a few days! Pick it back up near the turn-in date and do another round of revisions. Perceive that your work is done well. Then, click submit and enjoy the satisfaction of hard work washing over you.

The Horror of Plagiarism

Graduate school involves research and synthesis writing. Do yourself a favor and learn what constitutes plagiarism to include APA rules. Cite the author and then cite some more. Use TurnItIn. Turnitin is a resource for students to check for plagiarism before submitting their papers. Professors will also use TurnItIn to check for originality.

Under the Table Tip

Stay away from the citation generators if possible. Save your grade by using your APA 7th Edition Manual. Do the work yourself.

Networking

Connect with your classmates. Be the person to start the group text. Graduate students appreciate mental and emotional support from one another. Everyone brings different and pertinent skills to the

group. Who’s the expert in the class where you have weak points? Pair up! Benefit from opposing strengths. As you add your new buddies to your Facebook, remember LinkedIn. Years from now, that buddy from graduate school may be the person who knows a workplace opportunity. LinkedIn is more than just a tool for networking. Members can gain credibility for skills through feedback and showcase their professional expertise in a like-minded forum.

Own Your Dork!

Not everyone obtains a graduate degree for the same reason, but if the course content deepens your passion and drive, let your professor know! Inspired students inspire professors. We all have the same universal needs, so uplift your professor by conveying that the class is meaningful. Create that rapport. Tell your professors how much you appreciate them.

Budgeting

Thomas University prides itself on being one of the most cost-effective universities in Georgia. TU offers financial aid and several scholarship opportunities. Research your options and make sure to complete all steps on your FAFSA. Keep an eye out for emails on your loan status!

Update Your Tech

Graduate school requires up-to-date operating systems, processors, hard drives, and memory. Count on it…Your computer will inadvertently ramp you into a frenzy, freezing five minutes before an assignment deadline. Alleviate the technology headache and invest in a computer update if needed. Don’t forget about anti-malware, anti-virus, and spyware scanners to keep your computer running smoothly. Save your progress and invest in a secondary backup system.

Side-Tip

Embrace the save. Save your work in the cloud. Save it in Word. Save it in Google. Go save crazy! You’ve heard the story, or unfortunately, it has happened to you… Don’t lose your hard work or your grade.

Utilize Your Resources

Do you need a class at a particular time or day? Advice on your academic path? Reach out to your academic advisor. Don’t just email them. Call them! Their job is to assist you in tackling your academic goals.

As a private institution, Thomas University supports Veterans, both active duty and National Guard and Reserve members, through career transitioning services. Email military@thomasu.edu or call (844) 558-5409 for more information.

Refresh Your Professor

In graduate school, professors take painstaking time to provide high-quality feedback for your academic growth. Pay attention! Honor their expertise by applying the feedback to your following paper. Show your gratitude by not making the same mistake.

The “why do I need to know this” adage doesn’t exist in graduate school. Students learn content and critical thinking simultaneously. This means the skills you develop apply to everyday life in all contexts. At Thomas University, you will learn from some of the GOATS (greatest of all time)! Thank them by bringing your best energy to class!

Take Advantage of the Career Center

Thomas University offers a Career Coach to help you land that dream job aligned with your degree. Not only does the Career Center help you write a sublime resume, but it also provides personality assessments leading you toward a thriving career. Check out the Career Center here!

Why You Should Choose Thomas University for Your Grad Degree

If you are looking for a transformation assisted by professors and a community that supports your success in graduate school, it’s time to become a Night Hawk.

Education that engages, empowers, and transforms.

Ready to advance your career with a graduate degree? Check out our available graduate programs and get started today!

The post Tips and Tricks for Success in Graduate School appeared first on Thomas University.

The fixed mindset, or the belief that people are stuck with the amount of intelligence they are born with, should be exiled. Average, decent, and mediocre are not self-defining words in the vocabulary of a growth-minded graduate student.

Think on this: No one could debate the human body was created to evolve. Wouldn’t it be absurd to tell the body, “Do not grow taller!” The brain is the body’s control center, believing anything other than “I can learn” contradicts the brain’s function.

So, why do we give up when stress overcomes willpower? Unfortunately, human nature dictates choosing the least resistant path. We indulge in our impulsive inclinations. Let’s be honest, if you quit school, the chances of you re-enrolling are slim.

Growth mindset is the hero! Growth mindset swoops in and reminds the overwhelmed student to keep the end in sight. Without it, failure is predictable.

How I Developed Growth Mindset 

I slowly developed a growth mindset. Before, I lived in the comfort zone breeding negative self-talk and laziness. When a wise person I trusted encouraged me, I realized my limiting beliefs were excuses. I was scared to fail or even try.

Somewhere, I let insecurity creep into my mind and erase the truths my grandmother fostered in me as a child. Thankfully, the encouragement debunked my self-concept, and I baby-stepped into the learning zone. With corrections and small successes, my eyes opened to the truth; I was my enemy. I reshaped my thoughts and began to dream.

I found when my days were going great, I could easily maintain a growth mindset. But, when my days were difficult, I leaned back into a fixed mindset.

Here are some tips I use to stay in a growth mindset!

Ten Tips for a Growth Mindset

Tip 1: Check Your Inner Circle.

Think about the people you spend the most time with. Do they respect your endeavors and commitments? Do they cheer you on? Or, do they keep you out late when you should be studying? Surround yourself with like-minded people when feasible.

Tip 2: Manage Your Time. Don’t Let Time Manage You.

Protect your time from social media distractions. Don’t get sucked into the reel rabbit hole…again! The assignment deadline is on the calendar. Reduce mental burnout and stress by scheduling your time.

Try this experiment: Write down every task you do during the day and how long the task takes. You will be surprised to find how much time is eaten with texting, dishes, driving, hygiene, and other mundane engagements. Now that you have an idea of where your time goes, adjust your schedule to fit in your schoolwork. Give yourself a little wiggle room. Don’t be too rigid!

Tip 3: Eat Genius Foods. 

Research confirms that certain foods increase mental clarity and focus. Try to incorporate avocado, olive oil, salmon, eggs, kale, dark chocolate, blueberries, and dark greens into your daily diet. Do you have a looming assignment ahead? Eat them all and watch your brain speed through the work!

Want more details on how foods enhance your thinking? Check out Genius Foods by Max Lugavere

Tip 4: Get Eight Hours of Sleep. 

Dreaming allows the subconscious to step in and sift through the conscious thoughts of the day. Sound sleep can coax your brain to create new ideas and find solutions. Not to mention you will wake up with energy!

Wanna throw a little exercise into the mix to increase oxygen flow to your brain? Play music when you wake up and dance to your three favorite songs.

Tip 5: Hydrate Your Brain. 

Within the first hour of waking up, drink at least eight ounces of ice-cold water. Cold water triggers your metabolism and can act like caffeine by releasing adrenaline. Now your brain is alert. Continue drinking water throughout the day for optimal concentration and memory.

Want super fuel for a growth mindset? Add lemon to your water. Potassium from the lemons increases blood flow to the brain. Your brain will reward you with happier thoughts and your energy will spike.

Tip 6: Erase Fear With Gratitude.

Is that case study, research project, or major paper causing you anxiety? Take a deep breath. Try asking yourself what you are grateful for and watch the spirit of fear ease away as you meditate on thankfulness.

Tip 7: Shut Down the Lies. 

You are tired, hungry, and overwhelmed. A little voice whispers…give up. The work is too hard. Just give up. We tend to believe little lies we tell ourselves, but you do not have to. Self-assess what your brain and body need. Refuel and push forward.

Tip 8: Take a Shower.

The skin is the largest organ in the body. Sometimes, the only cue to renewing your mindset is a satisfying scrubbing with soap to rid your body of daily toxins.

Tip 9: Make Room For Unpredictability. 

Life can be plain unfair and unsettling. Have positive support in place ahead of time. How about writing yourself encouraging notes…just a couple words. Hide them in your textbooks and drawers. A nice surprise is headed your way. After all, maintaining a growth mindset means you are your best friend.

Tip 10: Visualize the End Game.

Imagine yourself walking across the graduation stage with the degree in your hands. See yourself accepting the job offer from your new boss. Always keep the visual in the front of your brain. Then, take manageable steps through the finish line.

Why I Chose Thomas University

Thomas University’s mission statement underscores the faculty valuing student’s individual capabilities to achieve personal and professional transformation. I wanted professors to dig up the strengths that I did not see. I needed professors to place the right pencil in my hand, so I could erase the weaknesses. Thomas’ status as a regionally accredited, private institution with a small student-teacher ratio appealed to my need to learn directly from my professors and to collaborate with classmates.

I also learned that the university was a Christian, nonprofit entity which translates to service-minded people promoting the better good. As an army veteran’s wife, I wanted a university which supported active military, veterans, and their spouses formulated to fit the classroom teacher’s work and home schedule. All facets compounding defined Thomas University as the clear choice.

Educators never stop learning; check out Thomas University’s available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

The post The Importance of Growth Mindset in Graduate School appeared first on Thomas University.