How to Prepare For Your First Week of Grad School Making the decision to attend grad school is a big one that will involve some very big changes in your lifestyle as you know it. There are several things to consider prior to signing up, so it’s a good idea to start some planning as soon as you have thought of pursuing grad school. On average, it takes 9-12 months to plan, sign up, and get enrolled in a grad school program. Research Grad School Programs Do extensive research on schools that offer programs you are interested in. Will you have to relocate to attend school, and if you do, then do you have family or friends in the area, and will you need to secure housing? These are all things to consider before making final plans. Once you have found the program you want to enroll in, schedule a meeting with one of the school counselors. They can advise you if there is a waiting list, or if you can plan to enroll right away. Have an alternative school in mind in case your first choice is not available. Compile a list of questions for your meeting with the school counselor, and inquire about housing if necessary. Counselors can usually provide some leads on housing for students. Be sure to research at least 3 schools. You may find significant cost differences, as well as schedule flexibility in case you plan to work in addition to attending school. Related: How to Handle Patients Who Self-Diagnose Plan and Organize You will want to take notes on information as you make your plans to attend grad school. You can use a notebook planner, or better yet, take advantage of apps and computer planning programs. Compile notes on everything that you are told, who you speak with, etc. Using a calendar with your organizational planner, keep track of dates, when enrollment date is, when classes start, class schedules, and what days school is not in session. Having your schedule well in advance will help you finalize plans to attend class, and will show you what hours you would be available to work should you decide to. Prepare Your Family Depending on the size of your immediate family, your return to school can have a big impact on everyone in the household. You will be attending classes, but you will also need ample quiet study time with no interruptions. Reassure children in particular that the end results will be worth the sacrifice now, but expect some resistance from them, since changes are not easy for most children. Prepare financially. Perhaps you can save for a year while working full time, so that when you do go back to school you will have the option to work, not work at all, or to work part time. It will make it much easier for you to make these plans and decisions well ahead of the time you plan to actually start grad school. Related: 5 Ways to Boost Your Patients' Sprits on the Job
As with any big life changing decision, there are a lot of pros and cons that you should go over with any family members that will be affected. Proper preparation can make a return to school go much better, and you will be very glad that you made plans in advance so that you are not finalizing things at the last minute. Going to grad school is an investment in your future as well as the future of your family, so it should be a family effort to ensure things go as smoothly as possible. With adequate preparation and planning, grad school can be a wonderful experience, and will be a big boost to your career. Related: International Nurses Association - What's Your Superpower? T-shirt Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter