All graduate students have this in common; we can’t complete the journey alone!
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!