By Panagis Dionysios Malik Evangelatos
1. Believe in Yourself and Your Readiness
During orientation, professors will introduce themselves, outline the program, and you’ll meet your cohort. The experience and credentials of the faculty — and the scope of the program — can feel intimidating at first. To be successful, you need to give the program your best, and that starts with believing in yourself and trusting that you belong there.
2. Purchase Required Materials Early
Buy all required materials, including textbooks, as soon as possible. Waiting until the semester is underway can put you behind quickly and add unnecessary stress when coursework ramps up.
3. Commit to Daily, Consistent Work Time
Dedicate a set amount of time every day to reading, writing, or planning. The workload can feel overwhelming if you put it off, but doing a little each day reduces anxiety and allows you to actually enjoy — and benefit from — the program.
4. Plan Ahead — This Is Not an Undergrad Program
This isn’t the kind of work you can leave until the night before. Many assignments require feedback from colleagues and administrators at your school site. That process takes time and coordination, so planning ahead is essential.
Panagis Dionysios Malik Evangelatos 