How I did it: I can't believe I'm done. Graduate study has become such a huge part of who I am. I went in headfirst and gave it everything I had, even though there were days, weeks, and months, even, when I wanted to drop out so very badly.

Lessons & tips: You can cruise through without much trouble, but what's the point of getting a degree if you aren't smarter, more skilled, and more employable when you're done? To get the most out of a MA program:

• Work in your department. Tutor, TA, grade papers, be a department secretary, whatever. Grad school isn't just an education; it's networking. You want to get to know people and you want them to know how you work.
• Seriously though, tutor or TA if you plan to go into academia. You will learn so much about both how you teach and how you learn.
• Write a thesis. You will graduate a much more intelligent, experienced, and qualified person.

Resources: My husband, beer, and coffee.

May 28, 07:48PM PDT | 1 comment | 4 cheers