Grad/Professional School
 

I did a search ;) on this topic, as well as asked a moderator for posting advice...I decided to post a seperate thread b/c no one is replying in the "Grad Sisterfriends" Thread (which makes sense b/c some of you are members who also went or ar currently in Grad school)...On to my question:

1.) To all of you that are in Graduate or Professional School (or have completed graduate or professional school), what advice would you offer those of us that are still in undergrad in terms of getting prepared for it???

Please include:
*What you did in undergrad to prepare for grad school (helpful tips, etc.)
*The type of program you are studying or intend to study
*Dual degree holders: did you do them concurrently or seperately? What do you advise?
*What you plan on doing w/ this degree(s)
*Your current occupation (if you don't mind)
*The institution of attendance (once again, at your own discretion), including a description on the atmosphere, dynamics, etc. of the school and surounding town/city

By the way, I am interested in obtaining a M.P.P. (Masters in Public Policy) or a M.S.W. (Masters in Social Welfare or Social Work) and a J. D. (Juris Doctorate, which is a law degree) either concurrently or separately...But I'm not really sure what I want to do with these degrees...:confused: I need direction

Thanks a bunch,
SNS

I graduated out of the Public Policy department with a MPA (Public Administration (HC Admin). I thought HC admin was the ticket. IT IS if you are...:rolleyes: And I am not ____ or ___. :D

I'm not using the degree at this time, but I had been told that getting on the Federal Registry is not a bad idea.

Interning with State or Local, even Federal government agencies.

In light of the 9-11 incident, I don't think that I will EVER seek employment with ANY government agency. I don't think it's safe. I LOVE my stint with Education. :D

I do have Sorors/friends who do have Master degrees in PA and are working for (to name a couple) the Federal Government (Dept of Defense) and a local government agency.

You might want to get into politics a little, after graduation. I"m not saying to vie for an office, but politicians like mayors and governors will need public policy people in their camp, so to speak. That's an avenue for you as well.

Now, when talking about Social Work, that's wide open.

Good luck!

You saaaaiiiiid....
 

law school! You didn't say anything about a MPP! I am pursuing grad school right now, and I want my MA in Public, Policy, & Management, or a MPA (which one depends on my past work experience and my current career). OSU doesn't have a Non-Profit Mgmt major, so this is the closest thing to what I need. I've looked over the course descriptions, and I can't wait to apply what I learn to opening my non-profit. I need 3 pre-reqs that I didn't take in undergrad: statistics, American Govt, and microeconomics. So that's a tip, if you haven't taken those, take 'em, lol.

I'm going to start my application process at the end of this week, or early next week. Clearly, lol, I don't have any advice for you, I just wanted to share! :) But I'm looking forward to the responses in this thread.

I think I can offer some advice. I finshed my MBA about a year and a half ago. In terms of getting prepared, I think the most important thing is to make sure that you're getting a degree in an area that you really want to work in. I orginally considered getting a Ph.D. in Psychology and after wasted application and test fees, I took a year off and went for the MBA.

Preparation: I think that GRE/GMAT test preparation is really important, I found the classes to be helpful.

Program Type: Decide what type of program do you need, a working evening program or do you prefer to continue as a full-time day student. I opted for the evening program, housing cost in the Bay Area require me to work. But, if I had to do it again, I would have chosen the more traditional route.

Using the Degree: I want to work in Human Resources Management. Unfortunately, I keep being told that I'm not "seasoned" enough.

Current Job: Totally unrelated to Management or Human Resources, I'm a Project Coordinator for an area hospital.

Location of Grad School: California State University, small, commuter school. Nothing at all like my Alma Mater in Illinois.

Last Word: Be careful with concurrent degrees, especially if one of them is Law, it's really tough and you have to be SUPER committed to make it work. Best of luck to you! :)

Schoollll....
 

Well, Lawd knows I have had enough of school...the last 10 1/2 years of my life, I've been in school in some shape form or fashion (This is for my degrees as well as 2 licenses).

As far as a joint program....it depends on the school and if you have the time and money to dedicate. I have a MBA and JD, but I did them separate. I suggest (personally), if you are desire to get a MBA and have a business undergrad degree....get with a good company that is willing to pay for it and go part time. That way you will get some work experience and the degree while going to school for free. Most of the better schools require that you have 2-5 years worth of work experience for an MBA. However, there are several good part-time programs out there.

As far as preparation...scores are vary important on the GMAT/LSAT and etc. So dish out a little extra cash for those prep courses! These days, a lot of people have 4.0's and 3.8's. Those scores could be what separate you from getting into an Ivy League school versus as state school (which is not bad....just in case you were striving for one of the ivy leagues).

Schools: DU/IL State/Vandy

Good luck to you! Like someone before me said. Make sure you pick a field you like. Its nothing like wasting your good money on a useless degree! And make sure you research that field....many markets are saturated now.....just because you got the degree doesn't mean that you are going to get a job in that field!

sugarnspice i guess we have a few things in common ;) . happydays91 thanks for the advice. :D

To The Top We Go!!
 

As I stated in another thread, "Vacation Time is Over!" So, let's get bakc to "work", shall we... :p

I would love to see more replies to this thread, and I'm sure many of my other Sister- or Member-friends would too... :D

As I said, I am working on my PH. D. So I don't know how much of this information will be helpful in applying for other programs.
A good statement of purpose is essential. Start working on that now and having two or three readers (including one who is up on grammar) who will give you valuable critiques does not hurt.
Cultivate relationships with several professors so that when it comes time for those letters of recommendation, you will have several people to turn to who know of you and your activities. The more your professors know about you, the better the letter will be.
Apply to one or two safe schools. These school might not be your first choice, but they are the ones that you will certainly get into. Therefore, if things don't pan out with your top choices, you will still have the option of continuing with your education.
That's all I can think of right now.

With some few exceptions such as medical or dental school - I strongly discourage anyone from going directly to graduate school. Get some work/life experience first - even if it is just a year or two. I earned a law degree about 8 years ago and am starting an MBA now with an employer paying for it - stacking up degrees is useless without the experience to go with it - I say that not only as someone going on her third degree, but as someone who routinely reviews resumes and interviews people and a page full of degrees doesn't usually get you past the first mark with me. As for law school, if I had to do it again I would have majored in history as an undergraduate student. Law school wasn't in my plans so I didn't "prepare" for it per se, but the best study tool I had to catch up was my nephew's 6th grade social studies book!!

I need assistance...
 

I've decided to work on my doctorate. :rolleyes:

If anyone knows of any schools that have great programs (Education programs), please let me know. I am willing to RELOCATE. :D

Re: I need assistance...
 

From what I understand, my university has a very good education department. I believe it is top 25. I will e-mail you the web address. Let me know if you want me to forward any other information.

i am reviving this thread b/c i have some questions.

for those of you who are in graduate school how did you prepare for the gre and/or gre subject tests? i'm considering taking a class, but dropping a G on kaplan or princeton is going to put a hurt on my budget.

has anyone taken those classes and had it be worth the money?

has anyone not taken classes and found alternative ways to study, and still been successful?

Well, I am currently in grad school. I took the GRE off of my own knowledge. I bought the test prep book and studied little by little everyday. I made about a 950, but I really wasn't concentrating. I had graduated Saturday and took the GRE on Monday. I wasn't into it. It was good enough to get me into my grad school. I am not a "class" kind of person, nor do I have the money. I just don't see the rationale behind someone teaching me how to take a test. I am currently perparing for the LSAT. Many lawyers that I know have provided prep test materials to me. They even told me that the classes were a waste.

The only way that I would take the class is ONLY AFTER I have taken the test WITHOUT assistance first. That way you can see a correlation between the two. If you take the class prior to testing, how would you know if you did well by your own merit or not? Even then, i would still be skeptical. If your scores don't go up, you don't get a refund, so what's the point?

Just study on your own, try your best, and pray. :D

Maybe someone sees differently....

Re: Schoollll....
 

Great advice, I was told to work for two years. So far I have been working for 5 months and I am beginning to look at graduate school differently. Now, I am less :confused:and:mad:

In regards to the LSAT, the goal is to take that test only once and get a good score that time. The LSDAS averages your test scores so if you do okay the first time and great the second time, the score that gets reported to the schools will only be good. Additionally, I read that when there is drastic improvement in standardized test scores, admissions officers tend to assume that the lower score reflects your actual ability and the higher score was just a fluke.

I plan to take the prep course for the LSAT and the GMAT. I look at the money as an investment into my future. And, it doesn't hurt that I have a hook up and will be getting my class at a DEEP, DEEP discount.

*What you did in undergrad to prepare for grad school (helpful tips, etc.)

My undergrad degree is not the same as my graduate degrees. My advice to you, in your undergrad years, is to be well read and be really passionate about what you plan to do your graduate work in. If not, the whole graduate school experience becomes a drag REAL quick.

*The type of program you are studying or intend to study

I have a MS and a Ph.D. in Communications. My MS had a Radio/TV emphasis ( I wanted to be Cathy Hughes before she was Cathy Hughes, LOL). My Ph.D. focused on Broadcasting Law. Enjoyed both degree programs and learned quite a bit.

*What you plan on doing w/ this degree(s)

Still want to own a radio station. I will get there one day, just you wait and see

*Your current occupation (if you don't mind)

Director of Communications/ Media for nonprofit. Using all of my degrees just about everyday!

*The institution of attendance (once again, at your own discretion), including a description on the atmosphere, dynamics, etc. of the school and surounding town/city;) ;)

Undegrad was upstate NY, some diversity in the town and school. Perfect blend. The most ideal place for me as an undergrad. Private university.

My master's program was in a small town, because I wanted to own a station in a small town. Since I had never lived in a small town, I thought attending school in one would help me out. The university was not very diverse and the town was very "seperated." The called me a Yankee for goodness sakes; let it go people...we have progressed. The town basically existed because the University was there. The students made up the place. Oddly enough, I enjoyed my 2 years there and have a real affection for the faculty there. I still keep in touch with them. However, the town was too small and too country for me. Public university.

Anyhoo, my doctoral program was in a town that called itself progressive- umm, I think not. Ideal for studying and focusing on research. Not much in the way of social oppotunities. The city supported the university in everything and the residents claimed the school as their own. Little too much emphasis on athletics for me. Major source of jobs: food service industry (e.g. Mickey D's, Taco Bell, Burger King, Chilis, etc.) If you worked for the university you were rich, if not you were SOL. Was offered a teaching position and would have been living high on the hog had I stayed. But there were NO eligble black men, so I had to bounce. Public, land grant, university.

I know that part. I think that I should have mentioned that I was only referring to the GRE prep courses. That was my bad.

I hope that you do well on the LSAT. I am not going to invest in the prep course. I just don't see the point of it. I had a friend that took the course and there was hardly any improvement between her scores (she took the test twice). Even though the two tests are hardly the same, I took the Praxis this past year and scored 2 points lower than the max without prep classes and all that. I feel that it is all in my head. When I practice alone and focus, I am good to go.

Do your thing, future Esq. :D Let me know how you make out.

I HAVE GREAT NEWS!!!!!!
 

HEY GC'ERS:


I JUST WANTED TO TELL YOU GUYS THAT I GOT INTO GRADUATE SCHOOL. I WILL BE ATTENDING EASTERN UNIVERSITY STARTING MAY 30 TO PURSUE A MASTERS IN NON-PROFIT MANAGEMENT.

I AM VERY EXCITED!!! IT IS AN ACCELERATED PROGRAM AND I WILL FINISH NEXT DECEMBER 2004.


SO I AM RESUMING MY ROLE AS STUDENT AGAIN!! WISH ME LUCK!!:D

Re: I HAVE GREAT NEWS!!!!!!
 

Congratulations and good luck! :D

Re: I HAVE GREAT NEWS!!!!!!
 

Congrates!!!!:D :D I wish you the best of luck and keep us updated!!

Re: I HAVE GREAT NEWS!!!!!!
 

COntrats to you, Gurl!!!! Doing Big Thangs!!!

thanks but YOU NEED TO E-MAIL ME OR CALL
 

:p :D :)

THANKS!!! Ms Sugar and Spice!!!!

how have you been??

Re: Re: I HAVE GREAT NEWS!!!!!!
 

thanks!!!!!:D

I didn't know that so many of you all were pursuing degrees in Public Administration, Public Policy, and Non-Profit Management. I too will be entering graduate school as a candidate for an MPA degree. Its interesting that many of you suggested working before pursuing a degree. My suggestion would be to find programs that have some sort of cooperative education program so that you have an internship for the duration of your graduate studies. This way you can get the best of both worlds. Of course I wouldn't know what employeers would prefer, but it seems like a good option.

Good luck Darling;)

I took the Princeton Review and KNOW it was worth every penny! And the way you know you are improving is you take liek ten LSATs under actual conditions (wake up 9am, go to place, sit in cramped desk, with official timer-man staring you down) during the course of the class. I went from a 153 diagnostic (about 68 pecentile) to a 162 for my final PR test and a 165 on the real thing. I jumped from the 68% to 93%. I would reccomend PR to anyone and I didn't even do ALL of the homework.

The reason taking the practice tests under actual conditions matters is because it makes a HUGE DIFF. I have a friend who studied on her own. She was making 172 consistenly while testing in her house, however when she took the real LSAT, under real condiditons she made a 152 or something like that. Imagine had she taken a class- she could be IVY bound by now.

Also, I advise against the "take it first on my own method" because the LSAT is not like the SAT where highest score counts. Your scores are averaged and its really annoying to jump from a 150 to a 166, but have schools consider your score a 158- that pretty much would knock you out of a Top 25- especially when you EARNED that 166. I have heard that some schools ignore your first score if you gain more than ten points, but the official statement from all schools is still "we average scores"- and its not just the schools- LSDAS averages them on the report they send to the school. Its impossible for them to not see your low score.

I got help paying for PR. I went to my school's Department of Multicultural Services, explained my situation and they paid for half. Then, looking for more money I enter an oratorical competition, won third place and got another 300- bam-800! I only had to come of 200 and believe me, for my future, it was worth it!

Look around, be creative. Schools have money to give!


---Oh also let me add. PR does not offer a refund, but if you do all your homework and your score does not improve TO YOUR SATISFACTION you can take the class again for free. And if you see the class pointless to take, all those LSATs under real conditions are not pointles...ever.

FYI
 

Heads up for those of you interested in grad school or if you know of youth who are interested. Please pass this message on.

The Master of Public Administration Program at East Carolina University has a grant from HUD to include slots for African Americans. They are looking for at least five students. They can be recent graduates (traditional) or individuals who have been out of school for a while (non-traditional), but they need to start this fall. This is a two-year program and all funding is provided.
There is a $9,000 stipend for the students and all tuition and fees are paid. If selected they will be called HUD Fellows. Their classes will be at night because they will work as interns in a Greenville agency during the day. Please help find some graduate students to take advantage of this opportunity.

They can contact Dr. Hudson at the following address to apply.
Linda Nixon Hudson, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean of the Graduate School
and Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership
East Carolina University
117-B Ragsdale Hall
Greenville, NC 27858-4353
(252) 328-6012/6013 Main Office
(252) 328-6071 Fax
Email: hudsonli@mail.ecu.edu

This is a wonderful thread - I want to get an MPP and a JD. AKA Ave always has good advice! :)

Re: FYI
 

I am currently in grad school but thinking of changing programs. I'm a very indecisive person. I'm afraid of making a final decision, then 10 yrs down the road realizing that I should have chosen the 'other' choice. So currently I'm back into the research bin as far as what I want to do and what I can do with my career.

My strengths: strong writing skills, strong editing skills, good organization skills, good at working with people, computer proficiency..

weaknesses: not really sure yet, but I think its monotony. Jobs where I'm doing endless clerical duties or anything that is the same, day in day out - that doesn't seem to have a purpose drives me crazy.

I'm so lost! I've researched law, teaching, editing, magazine journalism, you name it, if it has to do with writing I've probably looked at doing that. Reading everyone's grad school plans made me feel even more lost :( . *sigh

Any suggestions?

Re: Re: FYI
 

I'm still in Undergrad but I can tell you how I decided what I want to study in Grad School...The skills you mentioned are pretty universal and go well with just about any profession, IMO...Ask friends, family, and old teachers to tell you what they think are your strengths (not what you should do). Sometimes we tend to not see our assets and downplay them....My advice is to think about what you have a passion for, and combine that with your skills and assets. Like, do you you a strong love for children (Child Welfare or Public Policy), or helping the community (Urban Planning, Non-Profit Mgmt), or a sincere love for the law? You might also think about taking a class in the area of interest or that is like an introduction to the area of interest (like, take and undergrad course at a local college or JC or get in touch with a professor you know well and ask him or her if you can sit in on a class (instead of auditing it and having to pay money))...Also, talk to your professors and people that are doing what you are interested in possibly doing as your career (say, if you are interested in law, attend some Pre-Law programs at a local univerity, where you can meet some practicing lawyers and JD holders or even see if y0ou can sit in and observe a law course). .They can tell you how monotonous the work is in the arena they work in. Lastly, you should also consider that the area that you choose to study does not determine what career you may end up in...You can do a lot with a JD, or a MPP, or a MSW, MBA, etc.

I hope some of this helps.

my advice
 

i suggest that you take a step back and really think about what it is that you want. as you already know grad school is a serious committment. you need to take time to ask yourself some hard question and be honest: what are my future plans next year, 5 yrs from now? how will my advanced degree help me to achieve those goals? why have i chosen to pursue this graduate program? what was my motivation? making the investment now to answer these question will save you in the future. if need be, take a break from school until you have more focus. speak to advisors or mentors, people that can give you honest feedback.

grad school is not for everyone and it might not be a necessity for you in order for you to pursue your goals, but you have to have some clearly defined goals written down.

i hopes this helps some.

what about masters in education? does anyone have any experience with masters programs for teachers or any specifically in the DC metro area. I'm trying to decide if I want to start a program but I dont know where to start or even how to research the field I'm interested in. Help!

Take one step at a time
 

check out maryland - www.umd.edu

perhaps udc or bowie.

us news and world reports or maybe www.peterson.com to find out rankings and get feed back on these programs.

speaking as a maryland alumnus many of the programs are highly ranked and i have heard that their education department is pretty good.

Just make sure...
 

Unfortunately we still live a world that severely wants to restrict access to higher degree education... So I am basing what I am going to say about my close to 10 years of hell in grad school. Although, grateful for the final outcome--my Ph.D. in molecular genetics, I want those who wish to pursue a higher degree to know how to take the glaze out of their eyes much like I had to do...

It's about sacrifice. How much are you willing to give up. If you are 20-something, you may think this could be the best thing to do. Well it is true for some fields, such as medicine, science and law. But not for all fields. Are you willing to give up all your 20's for a piece a paper?

Well, if you are, the risks are great but the benefits are plenty!

If you are 20-something--you will watch your fellow school friends obtain wealths of cash, houses and cars. Your folks--no matter how supportive they are--will wonder why you are behind. They might not say it, but you will feel it and they will never admit it.

Your fellow girlfriends will get married to the "ultimate" husband and have tons of children. And you will begin to wonder about the meaning of life during grad school. Why the hell would you want to do this...

It is at this point when you have to go back are remember what most of us are telling you now... Once your in--you don't give up... But if you have any reservations before you are in--wait! And work awhile...

Think of it this way, most employers want responsible employees. Typically, that means folks who have mortgages to pay and some vested interest in the field... What that means is that you will not be a "super" accomplisher until your late 20's or early 30's anyway. So in the meantime, for your ultimate goal of what you want to become, do you see the folks who are doing what you want to do with higher degrees? If so, I'd say, go for it. If not, rethink about what it is you wish to seek...

No matter how hard grad school can become, once your in it, you must not give up. Get the poem "Don't Quit" and follow it each difficult day you will have while in grad school.

And hey, you aren't the first person to say they are sick of school--no more school... But also do not live with the regret of why not...

So in some ways it is a catch-22...

Pray and seek God's counsel...

Much Thanks
 

Thank you ladies for all of your helpful comments and suggestions. :) I decided to take a break until I get more of an idea of what I have a passion for - and how it is I will get there.

Re: Just make sure...
 

I truly have great respect for you and your opinion. What I am wondering is, what does marriage have to do with grad school? I ask because, in my undergraduate department almost ALL of the grad students were married- some even had kids. Texas A&M is the #1 grad school for Biological and Agricultural Engineering, so its no easy program, but I can only think of one or two grad students that I knew that weren't married. I speak from experience because I spent a summer doing bio-engineering research and worked very closely with them.

So I guess my question is do you really feel grad school precluded you marrying, or could it be something else? I understand the difficulty in having children, but I really am curious as to why you felt somehow grad school inhibited you marrying? That is what I took the above quoted section to mean, I apologize if I have misunderstood your intent.

I ask also because I plan to get married during law school, as I know many who have, and am wondering if I am missing something.

marriage is hard enough but with grad school in can be tougher
 

fortunately i have a supportive husband however, i think many people find it difficult to develop any type of long term relationship or marriage with someone while they are in grad school, particularly if it is a doctoral program. many people do not understand the sacrifices that a student has to make, the long reading and research, the various projects and the work you have to do as a grad asst. as part of your financial obligation.

from what i have gotten from a close friend of mine in a doctoral program, you are essentially married to the program. unless you are in it, it hard for someone to relate to a person when they are up real late working and up real early because a project is due.

financially it is a big sacrifice. we are talking about years of not being able to progress a whole; difficulty buying a home, a new car. it is hard to work while in your program or from my understanding it is not recommended. therefore there is no supplemental income to do some extra curricular things.


exquisite-depending on what your financial situation is, you may want to wait, simply because many law school graduates leave with lofty loan obligations after graduation. weddings are very expensive, so unless you plan on something small and intimate or your family is footing the bill, i suggest you do it before you go to law school or consider waiting until after. if you consider waiting, at least you will have something to think about when you get tired of reading those law texts or need a break from studying for the bar.

Re: Re: Just make sure...
 

darling1 couldn't have said it better...

Exquisite5---

While in doctoral or professional school programs, it is extremely difficult to devote the time required to complete the required coursework and graduate, and have the time required to nurture a relationship--most especially if the relationship is not as strong as one had imagine... Can you honestly have utter devotion to your man when you have several papers that need to be edited by the next morning? It can be done, but it's hard to do when you pursue a higher degree... I can go on and on, but I'll leave this one alone.

I did not add this in the original post, but what I wanted to say is that when you are young (under 30) and you see your girlfriends choose family rather than promoting their careers, you may start to wonder, why did I choose this life for me... I went thru that thinking. Then I saw many of those same girlfriends now divorced, fighting for child support, and wishing they had gotten more "marketable" in their career pursuits...

You mentioned that many of your fellow classmates are married with children? How many of those are men? We would like to think that society has changed and the female roles in a family are different from what they were 25 years ago. In some aspects it has.

But, ACADEMIA has not had the kind of accelerated acceptance of female roles in the home as one would anticipate similar to the private sector. There are no family leave, paid vacations or helping your child out when sick while one is in grad school. And how does one fathom paying day care with a graduate school stipends being less that $30K per year? And if you have student loans??? Not happening...

From what my friends tell me who have children day care runs at least $300 per week... And it's been hot in Texas, and I just got out of Dallas right after that little 2 year died who got forgotten in the hot van... So, when that kind of "thing" is going on, does one really want to take on the kinds of responsibilities required to upholding a family AND finishing a higher degree? I know I can admit I was too weak to do that. I have enough stress in my life.

In no way am I saying it is wrong to marry before or while in the middle of grad school. I chose to marry waaaaay after grad school. But I also made this choice knowing that I may be too old to bear children too. That was my choice, though...

Also, I have had many elder women come to me--even my own mother--and tell me that they wish they gotten their own "thangs" together before they got married. Society told them that getting married at such and such a time and date was what proper women do and now they live with some level of regret...

My point is, as time goes on, it will get easier for women to pursue higher degrees whenever they choose. But as it stands now, we still have far to go on the equity standards for pursuing those Masters and Doctorates....

Darling1 and Soror AKA Monet, you both have said a mouthful! I agree wholeheartedly!

I've only taken 2 graduate level courses so far on the road to my MS in Counseling, and tried to find a way not to neglect my household while adding yet another thing on my "to do" list. My husband is supportive as well, but of course, they can get jealous when it appears that they're being neglected (school included). It's not easy to find that balance, all the while being able to have some "me" time. What can sometimes happen is that one gets burned out, and maybe doesn't finish grad school.

I have a few reasons for wanting to return to school, after so many years of completing my BS degree. Soror AKA Monet mentioned one of them - there will eventually come a time, IMHO, that you will have to have additional letters after your name. Once upon a time it was fine to just get a BS/BA degree, but now everyone wants that advanced degree, and although you may have the experience, it's usually an advanced degree with less experience that wins the prize. Also, I'm looking out for my future - prayerfully nothing happens to my husband, who earns more than I do, but if something does, I want to be able to provide for myself and my daughter.

Good discussion!

Sorors, thank you for your wonderful answers to my question. I truly appreciate it.

Ideally, I plan to get married the summer after my second year in law school so I will only be married and a student for a year. Also, my family will be paying for the wedding, I am so Southern, lol, so I hadn't even thought of that issue, but I do see how that can preclude marriage.

Actually, for me, since my "future hubby" is a Naval Officer it is kind of a financial lift for us to go ahead and get married as he'll get paid more, his allowance for housing will increase and I'll get AMAZING insurance coverage. My medical insurance right now is a grip, like 300 a month. So for both us, since we're not paying for the wedding, it kind of makes since.

But I say all this now as I sit 40 days from entering law school. If I come back to this post 40 days after starting HU's law center I'll probably be saying something totally diff!!:)

But thank you guys so much, it helps to hear from those who've been there before.

Let me ask this now, those of you in grad school with meaningful relationships/married, how do you nurture your relationship and your education? Do you have any tips for striking the balance?

Thank you so much!

Soror, that's a whole 'nother thread! Feel free to IM or PM me. That is an interesting question - I would be interested to hear others' ideas/suggestions!