RE: Grad Student Support Thread (Full Version)

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karlie -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (8/29/2008 3:47:44 PM)

quote:

True, but then you get to the end and you wonder where the time went!

I've been at it for so long, I know where the time went. Right around my eyes! [:o] I started about 7 years ago, but was only going part time at first. But, it started going faster when I picked up the pace. It's hard to believe I'll finally be graduating this year. It's hard to get too excited about that though, since I have 2 years in my masters program left.



ShallbeRebuilt -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (8/29/2008 6:14:03 PM)

Hi, everyone;

Just came over here to report that I took the French CLEP today...missed getting 8 hours credit by 3 points. I am disappointed that I only received one semester's credit after all that work. Still...I did manage that much.

shallbe



shawke -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (8/29/2008 9:13:43 PM)

Bummer you didn't get full credit, Shallbe. How exactly are the credits determined when you take the CLEP? I plan on taking one and want to be prepared.

quote:

Aint DAT the truth!! It seems our whole lives begin to revolve around courses!

I know, Michelle! Without anything to do right now, I'm not sure what to do with myself. I may have to resume my nightly strolls around the neighborhood.



JustJeannie -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (8/29/2008 10:18:19 PM)

It's amazing what you find when you stray from your normal threads/folders! I never thought about looking in the college folder, because well.......I'm not "college"-aged. I am kinda glad all my classes are online this semester. Last year, I felt so old compared to some of my classmates. I mean in the lounge, they're all talking about what level they got to on Guitar Hero......my SON talks about that stuff. (Although I TRIED to play....[8|])

Anyway, good to see some familiar names and that you all understand where I'm coming from when I start stressing.........this is definitely a new SUB'd thread.



karlie -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (8/29/2008 10:22:47 PM)

quote:

Last year, I felt so old compared to some of my classmates. I mean in the lounge, they're all talking about what level they got to on Guitar Hero......my SON talks about that stuff.

LOL! I know what you mean. My youngest daughter is 20, and we're actually at the same college together although different majors. I feel like the mom of every class I am in, because they are all her age. There are some students my age, but not many! I'm used to it now, so it never bothers me.



JustJeannie -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (8/29/2008 10:35:32 PM)

I guess that helps keep us young! My daughter's friends say I am the "Coolest Mom on the Face of the Earth". She HATES that...[8D]



ShallbeRebuilt -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (8/29/2008 10:43:17 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: shawke

Bummer you didn't get full credit, Shallbe. How exactly are the credits determined when you take the CLEP? I plan on taking one and want to be prepared.




The way the credits are done is different depending on the particular test you are taking and the institution's policies.

The way my college does it, you take the foreign language test one time. Depending on your score, you get a certain number of hours awarded. But the foreign language tests are a little bit different bird, I've been told, than say, your every-day American Government test. So check with your institution.

As far as taking the test again...I think I'm allowed to take it again in six months. IF I could spend the amount of time studying that I did this summer, I could probably ace it in that length of time...but I can't. I have to go to real school and work for the next six months. Of course, one thing to consider is that I was so very close...but is it worth the effort? Right now I'm looking at all my options.

There are French classes at an institution in a city about an hour from here. They are T-Th and the lab is included. That would work with my schedule. However, it would still mean going to school 5 days a week...three to my regular institution, 2 to French. It would necessitate also applying to this other institution (I have FIVE...no, now SIX transcripts...that gets expensive!)...yadda. So I have an email in to the foreign language professor at my institution to explore options before I make any decisions about how to fulfill this requirement. Could be he'll suggest I go ahead and keep studying then take the test again in six months.

I only missed the perfect score by 11 points. I suppose it's possible that a second attempt after more study really would result in complete success. I just don't know if I can do that, work, and go to school, too.

shallbe



debilyn -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (9/2/2008 10:38:36 AM)

Shallbe, It sounds as if you'd really like to retake the test, but don't feel you have the study time available. Is that right?

This seems somewhat similar to my "math" issue this summer. I couldn't fit in the study time nor the class time to refresh myself for college algebra. My decision came down to what worked best for me at the time. I've decided to take history courses this fall and spring, take the "review" class for a refresher next summer, then take the college algebra course for credit next fall. Kind of a bummer for me, cause I hate to "waste" credit hours on a course that won't help me with my major, but I know that I couldn't just go straight to the class because its been soooooo long since I actually had to think about algebra equations, negative v. positive numbers, integers, etc.

I pray you'll have the wisdom to make the best decision for you.

History class has been very interesting. We're looking at cultures and the growth of civilizations up through the 1500's in the fall class. Spring will be a continuation of world history through modern day. My prof is a very interesting person. He obviously expects students to be on their toes and keep up with readings. He doesn't teach from the book, but uses the book as a resource for additional info. You could possibly take his course and never use the book, but you'd miss a lot of background that he expects you to know from your reading. He teaches the highlights not the details, but he tests on both. So far, his lectures have been fascinating.



rgod -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (9/11/2008 2:03:11 AM)

Hi everyone!

I'm embarking on my thesis and just emailed the schedule to my advisor. Graduate school has been very good for me in many ways - I've grown a lot and I feel like a totally different person than I was last year. One thing that I have a tendency to do is overwhelm myself with too many things. My advisor had to tell me to scale my project back. I'm glad he did that - otherwise I'd bite off way too much. I have a tendency to do that, then I'm stressed because I can't be perfect, then I neglect all of my support systems, I slack off from my time with God, depression hits and it is a downward spiral. [:o]. I don't want to do that again - it takes to long to come back up again. So, I'm trying to work on being balanced up front, which is difficult. This might be something I always have to battle - and I might just need to schedule in slack periods in my life so that I remember to enjoy it!

I finally found a church, which is great. The thing I like best about it, is that they encourage you to serve in one ministry only. I've been to so many places where they work you to death if you are willing and have weak boundaries (used to be me). The teaching is really really good and there is a lot of love there. I've also been blessed to find a small group fellowship of women that is also very welcoming. I finally feel like I'm starting to make friends here, which is absolutely wonderful - and I'm trying to cultivate those relationships. And I'm being so much more careful with my relationship with God as well. While I definitely have my moments, I feel much better this year than last.

I hope the semester is going well for everyone!



ShallbeRebuilt -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (9/11/2008 7:47:03 AM)

quote:

Shallbe, It sounds as if you'd really like to retake the test, but don't feel you have the study time available. Is that right?


It's not just study time: if I decide to retake it, it will be too late in next semester to sign up for courses if I don't make it. That will move my graduation date.

And update on this: I finally dug up the head of the foreign language department. Found out the reason that he hadn't bothered to answer my email is that he is about to retire and really just couldn't care less what happens to me and my degree. In addition, he informed me that my institution would no longer be providing french classes.

So now I'm wondering what next?

My advisor is aware of the issue and is talking with the dean to see what might be the best course of action.

[&o]

rgod; I'm learning some of the same lessons as you. I'm an overachiever as well, and just recently have realized that very, very soon I will have many less resources to allow me to indulge that sin...my children are growing up and moving away, and the reason I've always been able to do so much is that we work at stuff around here as a team. I've realized that I need to quit relying on them so much: they need to follow God for their own lives. So I will have to be more careful in apportioning my time, too.

I'm so glad you've found a church. I would appreciate prayers for mine. I have one, but am becoming discontent there for various good and scriptural reasons: nevertheless at this time I cannot leave.

shallbe



rgod -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (9/11/2008 11:04:37 PM)

Shallbe -

I will definitely pray for you concerning the french class situation and about you finding a church as well. I'm sorry to hear about your dean, but your advisor sounds helpful. I will also pray for you concerning overachieving and balance. I know from experience (as I'm sure you do as well) that it is a very hard thing to break [:@].

rgod



Grace-N-Mercy -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (9/15/2008 11:11:55 AM)

quote:

I only missed the perfect score by 11 points. I suppose it's possible that a second attempt after more study really would result in complete success. I just don't know if I can do that, work, and go to school, too.


Shallbe, how are things going with the French class? Is your advisor still working on the issue?

quote:

So, I'm trying to work on being balanced up front, which is difficult. This might be something I always have to battle - and I might just need to schedule in slack periods in my life so that I remember to enjoy it!

Rgod, glad you're enjoying the grad school experience. I know I am! Balance is the key to grad school. It's something we have to learn because we will need it in our careers. As our careers become busy, we have to remember what we learned in school... balance!

I had a rough weekend in that I didn't get much school work done at all and frustrations just kept mounting up. Balance? Yep, it's tough.



rgod -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (9/15/2008 2:07:35 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Grace-N-Mercy

I had a rough weekend in that I didn't get much school work done at all and frustrations just kept mounting up. Balance? Yep, it's tough.


I'm sorry to hear about your weekend - but I hope that since it is fairly early in the semester that it won't impact you too much. Balance is tough - I definitely had that problem even when I was working full time. I think this is a common prayer for all of us as students [8D].



Grace-N-Mercy -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (9/15/2008 2:25:56 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: rgod

quote:

ORIGINAL: Grace-N-Mercy

I had a rough weekend in that I didn't get much school work done at all and frustrations just kept mounting up. Balance? Yep, it's tough.


I'm sorry to hear about your weekend - but I hope that since it is fairly early in the semester that it won't impact you too much. Balance is tough - I definitely had that problem even when I was working full time. I think this is a common prayer for all of us as students [8D].


Absolutely!! [:D]

It was just an emotionally taxing weekend and I'm glad it's over!



ShallbeRebuilt -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (9/15/2008 8:25:38 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Grace-N-Mercy

quote:

I only missed the perfect score by 11 points. I suppose it's possible that a second attempt after more study really would result in complete success. I just don't know if I can do that, work, and go to school, too.


Shallbe, how are things going with the French class? Is your advisor still working on the issue?

quote:

So, I'm trying to work on being balanced up front, which is difficult. This might be something I always have to battle - and I might just need to schedule in slack periods in my life so that I remember to enjoy it!

Rgod, glad you're enjoying the grad school experience. I know I am! Balance is the key to grad school. It's something we have to learn because we will need it in our careers. As our careers become busy, we have to remember what we learned in school... balance!

I had a rough weekend in that I didn't get much school work done at all and frustrations just kept mounting up. Balance? Yep, it's tough.


GNM, I have to assume they are still working on the issue, but I'm frustrated because today I got the paperwork from the school for the credit I tested out of...but they want to give me the credit for SPANISH.[:@]

Surely there is some mistake somewhere?!?!?

I have a lot of homework this week!

shallbe



karlie -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (9/15/2008 8:30:02 PM)

quote:

I have a lot of homework this week!

Me too! In the next week, I have five exams, and two papers. All I've done this weekend is study.

I need chocolate.



Grace-N-Mercy -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (9/15/2008 8:38:59 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: karlie

quote:

I have a lot of homework this week!

Me too! In the next week, I have five exams, and two papers. All I've done this weekend is study.

I need chocolate.


I just put some chocolate in the freezer to get me through the week... shall I get you some? [:D]



ShallbeRebuilt -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (9/15/2008 9:01:24 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: karlie

quote:

I have a lot of homework this week!

Me too! In the next week, I have five exams, and two papers. All I've done this weekend is study.

I need chocolate.


Yipes, Karlie! Virtual chocolate coming your way, stat!

shallbe



karlie -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (9/15/2008 9:06:07 PM)

quote:

I just put some chocolate in the freezer to get me through the week... shall I get you some?

Oh yes, please! [:D]

quote:

Yipes, Karlie!

Yea, I'm kind of wanting to strangle the person who thought 18 units was a good idea, but, I like breathing [8D]



rgod -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (9/15/2008 10:53:16 PM)

Especially for all struggling students - virtual chocolates for everyone!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/racheljames/439656167/

Enjoy! The best part? No calories!



eaglelady11 -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (9/16/2008 1:26:53 PM)

hi people, I can now join this group. I start my Masters degree program on Monday. books cost over a hundred dollars. Yikes!

I am hoping to get a couple of classes transfered in for credit, otherwise, I, too am looking at over two years. but it's worth it.

thanks.



ShallbeRebuilt -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (9/16/2008 1:29:14 PM)

Welcome, Eaglelady11...I think you got a great deal on the books. I was blessed that my book bill for this semester was as low as $250.

shallbe



karlie -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (9/17/2008 12:31:52 PM)

quote:

I was blessed that my book bill for this semester was as low as $250

I'm so jealous! I spent $1100 on books for this semester [&:] $700 for mine and $400 for my daughter. Oy.



Grace-N-Mercy -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (9/17/2008 9:38:38 PM)

Oy, book prices!! [:o] Do y'all ever use half.com or other sites to get used books for cheap? This semester, my books weren't that expensive, so I didn't, but last semester I did and saved a bundle.


How do y'all combat mind-wandering?? I was just sitting here reading my assignments, and my mind is taking off from my reading. I work in the field, so I'm always coming up with examples of things I've seen.



karlie -> RE: Grad Student Support Thread (9/18/2008 12:02:43 AM)

quote:

Do y'all ever use half.com or other sites to get used books for cheap? This semester, my books weren't that expensive, so I didn't, but last semester I did and saved a bundle

Most of mine were used. What really hurt me was four of my professors had brand new, hot off the press books, so there were no used ones available. I also had two books for each class and that killed me! I will try to do some online ordering ahead of time next semester, but I usually don't get my loans and scholarship money in until a week before school...that makes it hard to pre-order if I don't want to max out credit card.

quote:

How do y'all combat mind-wandering?? I was just sitting here reading my assignments, and my mind is taking off from my reading.

The only thing that works for me is to me on a time crunch...lol. And to close off all forms of distraction. I sing...so I can't listen to any music with words, otherwise, I sing and stop really paying attention to my work. [8|] I also make sure I am not hungry and have eaten substantial protein just before I sit down for a long study session, and have a little more regularly if it is a long one. I find not letting myself get hungry or relying on junk instead of healty food helps me stay focussed much better.



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