I am going to Grad school as soon as I finish college and I was wondering will it still be as fun as Undergrad, or will it be all work and no play? I enjoy being on my school's dance team and was wondering if Grad students are still involved in the same activites as they were in undergrad. I mean I am only going to be 22 when I go to Grad school and am not ready to stop having the fun I had in Undergrad, so I just wanted to know for people who went to Grad school. Did you still have fun? Party? Play sports, etc...
2006-10-07 04:31:03 · 6 answers · asked by Shaki 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Well excuse the hell outta me ANGELA. Obviously someone is not too much of a happy camper. What the hell is wrong with you?! I'm sorry if my question offended you but damn, its hilarious to see someone get so ticked off at a simple question. By the way you don't know me so don't assume that you do. Grow up and don't get so angry over a question. You would think you would be mature enough to answer the question withoust trying to put someone down. Damn. Guess I was wrong.
2006-10-07 16:20:16 · update #1
Grad school is meant to get that advanced degree to open the door to promotional opportunities in one's chosen career.
In your case, you seem to be looking for a place to hide so you don't have to be out there in the world paying your own way like the rest of us.
Get a job and perhaps you'll grow up and take some responsibility for yourself!
2006-10-07 04:37:21 · answer #1 · answered by Angela 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I am currently a first year graduate student studying Physics, working towards a PhD. What I say may or may not apply to other disciplines, but is probably a pretty good approximation for the sciences at least (and certainly Physics).
The short story is that it's a lot of [home]work. I spend *at least* 20 hours a week on homework, 10 hours a week in class, 8 hours a week in TA duties (I actually have a pretty easy TA assignment this semester requiring little or no grading and such). So at the very least it's a full time job, not counting any studying for exams, or ignoring the fact that sometimes homework takes 30 hours a week and not twenty, and assuming you have light TA duties (at our department, you're supposed to spend anywhere up to 20 hours a week on those).
So, it's a rough schedule, though if you really like what you're doing, it's not so bad (I like Physics, so it's tolerable for me). As to time for partying or extracurriculars, I suppose it depends very much upon your time management skills. If you are able to get yourself to start homework assignments and such immediately (e.g. not procrastinate), and manage your time *very* wisely, then you could very well still engage in extra curriculars. If you're not so good at this (like me and I suppose most of the other grad students I work with), then it'll be tougher.
Of course, what I've described is just a first year's perspective. Starting in the second and certainly the third year, what you do shifts from classwork to research. Right now, I'm not the best person to ask about that, but from what I've heard the schedule during that period is a bit more flexible, even though you are certainly expected to put in lots of hours.
Of course, in the end, the answer to your question lays in whether you like the subject you are studying. If you do, then you can and most likely will enjoy grad school, despite the schedule. I certainly am not fond of the hours, but I still really like the experience. If you are going to grad school but aren't very interested in what you are studying, then it won't be so much fun, and it would be a bad idea to go. If you are looking for a place to hide from the real world, so to speak, grad school isn't really it. You'll work just as much and just as hard as in a full time job, and most likely will get paid much less. So if you want free time, might as well get a decently paying job so that you'd have more money to enjoy your time with.
2006-10-07 04:56:04 · answer #2 · answered by DAG 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It's harder than undergrad in terms of the work, and what is expected from you. Anything below a B+ in grad school is not great. So be prepared to work hard.
What I found fun about grad school is that you really tend to bond with the people in your program because you all have common interests and are all there because you really feel strongly about the subject you chose to study.
I remember great discussions with my classmates over pitchers of beer at the local bar after classes. It was fun in an intellectually stimulating way, we had a great time and were really all "into" what we were learning.
Good luck, have fun, and study!
2006-10-07 04:43:00 · answer #3 · answered by Lee 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I did have fun in grad school. But I'd taken the time to first practice what I've learned in college. A lot of things discussed in grad school are derived from practical applications. Also, many of my classmates were already working. Having productive relationships with people from different backgrounds definitely helped me to cope with life in grad school. Not too much sports though, but a lot of parties!
2006-10-09 18:38:07 · answer #4 · answered by Redhawkphl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you won't have as much time. You will have a little bit a free time, but it won't be like undergrad. The exams never stop. In Grad school, you have to study all the time. No more cramming. Cramming will lead to failing.
2006-10-07 08:53:29 · answer #5 · answered by Lea 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Graduate school is serious business. It is not the party time you had in UG world.
If that is what you are looking for don't waste your time or the schools time.
Have fun but be safe and be smart!
2006-10-07 04:34:20 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋