How Much Work is expected in Grad School?

Question

I was accepted for Gradschool, and starting my Masters in Information Technology on Jan 8, and im a bit worried. I found out that I have to maintain a 3.0 GPA every semester and an overall GPA of 3.5 to stick in the program. Im taking 8 credits, thats equivalent to two courses per semester. I was going for 12 credits initially. I generally do well on IT courses but still im worried at the high standards. Undergrad was shitty, i did OK but I could have done better. So my question, what should I expect on the grad program? is it going to be back breaking study times? Also Im 23, and im not working full time. Im concerened on interact with older people, as im thinking some of them might have families and more mature. I feel like im a little bit immature and might stick out. I love participating in class, but i dont know if I should filter all my answers to make it sound "professional." Undergrad was real easy for me, i mean I felt like i didnt really do much to get a good grade.

Answer 1

Graduate school requires MUCH more research. Papers are lengthier (typically 15-20 pages at my Uni.) Shoddy scholarship is NOT very well tolerated. NEVER miss class - being a grad student is like being a professional. As for actual course level difficulty, 6000 level courses are naturally the MOST difficult. The professor treats you as an equal in these classes.
Bon Chance,

Answer 2

ALL grad schools expect you to maintain at least a 3.0 average, you can assume that for every credit you are taking there will be 3 -4 hours of work a week plus class time so figure 24-32 hours of reading , studying and homework. Expect to be challenged verbally , so yes make sure your answers and not just pulling something off the top of your head. Grad school is about proving your arguments through research and study. I went to grad school and held down a job and raised a child at the same time, you can do it, but do not expect to coast.

Answer 3

In my experience, Grad School is a LOT more work, particularly in writing papers. I would not worry about being the youngest less experienced one. You can learn a lot from these old farts!! Ha ha! I was 22 and the youngest in my class. While many of them have different interests, they are usually very helpful. Just get ready to write.....A lot, especially if you are required to do a thesis.