Build a support system. Grad school is a time of incredible personal and professional growth, but it can also be challenging and intense. It is important to care for your mental and physical health. Eating well, exercising, talking regularly with a support system of peers and mentors, and engaging with the broader community outside the university are ways to support your overall well-being.
1. Active Reading and Annotation
Move beyond passive reading by engaging critically with texts. Create summary sheets that synthesize main points and your analytical thoughts for easy review. Find ways to reflect on your learning through formal and informal writing.
2. Strategic Time Management
Graduate studies require sophisticated time allocation. Use time-blocking techniques to dedicate specific hours to different activities: research, writing, coursework, and personal time. Set realistic goals and get help in setting them. One of the most challenging aspects of a research- or project-based degree is maintaining motivation and focus when there are few near-term deadlines.
3. Form Study Groups and Research Communities
Collaborate with peers in your program to discuss complex concepts, share resources, and provide mutual accountability. Brainstorming with other students and faculty is a great way to solve a problem you’ve been struggling with or get a fresh perspective on your project.
4. Develop a Personal Knowledge Management System
Create a robust system for organizing information using tools like EndNote and Zotero. Develop consistent methods for cataloging sources, taking notes, tracking ideas across projects, and building a works cited database.
5. Use Higher Order Thinking Skills
Think about thinking. Ask yourself if this information is useful. How does one thing relate to another? Don’t just take notes in a linear fashion. Explore connections, make associations, and understand the bigger picture through mind mapping, concept mapping, or non-linear note taking.
6. Integrate Reading and Writing into Daily Study
Read deeply both within and outside the core disciplines informing your work, learn the diverse ways that people frame and address research questions, and reflect on what is or is not relevant to your own work. Write regularly, even when not working on formal assignments. Keep a research journal to process ideas, maintain writing momentum, and develop your academic voice.
7. Seek Feedback and Mentorship
Actively pursue feedback from professors, advisors, and peers on your work and study approaches. Schedule regular meetings with your advisor to discuss progress and challenges. Join writing groups or workshops where you can share drafts and receive constructive criticism. Use office hours and academic support services to clarify concepts and improve your understanding.
I would like to thank Dr. Anne Beaudreau of the UW School of Marine and Environmental Affairs for sharing her advice on study skills for graduate students.