Do you think grad school is more stressful than undergrad? Or about the same?

Answer 1

All of my graduate students will tell you that grad school is much more stressful than undergrad, because so much more is expected. Grad students are expected to write much more (and much better), read much more (and analyze it more closely), and to think critically. Excuses for missing classes or deadlines are simply not acceptable -- and there's nowhere to hide. Grad students are in close contact with their professors on a daily basis, and are often acting as teaching assistants or research assistants for their mentors.

However....
In graduate school, students are studying almost exclusively within their field of interest. So the stress that comes from having to take (and do well in) courses outside of your area of interest is considerably reduced.

Answer 2

It depends. Some people who become very stressed out as undergrads do really well as grad students. Having to take such a variety of classes, including those outside your chosen discipline, is probably one of the greatest causes of stress for undergrads. Grad school can be stressful too,however. It is not like taking undergraduate classes. And in fact, some of the classes you are expected to take may have little to do with your undergraduate training. (It is a myth that everyone who enters grad school has adequate prepation for their grad school program.) Additionally, some professors are really caring towards their grad students and some have absolutely no advising (or teaching) skills whatsoever. In general, I've found that poor teachers have been pretty well weeded out in undergrad classes. There's quite a few poor teachers in grad school, however. Some could not survive as teachers of undergrads and some did not do well in the world outside of academia -- so they become college professors or more likely, researchers. Believe me, it's quite shocking once you interact with some of these people. If you can put up with them and are very independently motivated, I would say you will survive the experience. I've also found fellow grad students to be among the most helpful, caring, and supportive of friends. There are "competitive" programs out there (they encourage competition between grad students) but there are also programs out there that encourage cooperation among grad students.

Answer 3

For me it is MUCH more stressful. However, I'm a law student. I'm fairly certain that there are many graduate programs that are easier than their undergraduate counter parts.

Answer 4

For Ph.D. programs, the first two years are typically very stressful, then it is great. Best time ever. At least it was for me.