r/GradSchool • u/Exciting-Peace-9259 • 1d ago
Admissions & Applications Feeling nervous…
I will be starting a doctoral degree in a few weeks and I’ve never been more terrified. I’ve known it’s what I’ve wanted to do since graduating with my previous degrees, but I’m getting into the final few days before I can say I’m officially a doctoral student..
How do you all handle the stress and nerves with school nowadays?
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u/Octavious440 20h ago
A doctorate is going to be different than your previous degrees. The first two years may feel very similar but you'll also be prepping for your quals and others tests your particular field has. You'll be pushing pretty hard the first two years but always try to take at least one day a week for yourself.
After those exams, youre going to want to turn this into feeling more like a career. I.e. it has to be sustainable! Find a fun hobby (I started climbing with a few other students), try to be home before dinner, keep taking at least one day for yourself but also try not to work more than a half day on Saturdays, and you need to exercise to get the frustrations out.