When Work = School

Hi,

I posted on here long ago, and now am back with a question. I am thinking of taking a grad school course(900 level) as a non degree seeking student until I apply for the program that I am interested in this March. The department says that I can go ahead and take an elective course and it will be counted toward my MS program, so I am interested in testing the waters. I have been out of school for almost 5 years, but did well in my undergrad program. How different are grad courses from undergrad? I am nervous about going back and getting in over my head.

Thanks!
Heather

Hi,

I'm working on my second graduate degree. I find that graduate programs tend to have older and more mature students (duh) so the classroom atmosphere is different--people pay more attention, ask more thoughtful questions, show more respect, whine less, cheat less, etc. The level of work expected can also be much higher, though it depends on how demanding your undergrad program was and how demanding the graduate school is.

I think if you did well as an undergrad, you will do well as a graduate student too. Find out the quality and expectations of the graduate program so you know what kind of peers/competition you will encounter in the classes.

Fortunately, working and studying parents are more accepted and understood in a graduate school setting. It's not that teachers cut you slack, but both teachers and fellow students are more likely to have experience being around parents, kids, and just generally the big challenges and formative experiences of life--something I did not find so true in college. I had to take an undergrad class last fall, and the other students literally looked away when they saw my stomach (am expecting third child in two weeks)--like they were embarrassed, disgusted or in denial. The atmosphere in my grad classes is much more pleasant in this respect.

Good luck!

Thank you for your response, that is good to hear. I guess I feel like I have been out forever, but it has only been five years.

Heather