One of my primary concerns about starting graduate school was the transition from my undergraduate school to the Institute. At Meredith College, a small women’s college in Raleigh with a maximum of 1,200 students, my major classes typically had between 5 to 10 students. This intimate setting made it easy to form close relationships with both my peers and professors. Moving to the Institute felt daunting, but as I began the fall semester, I found that the transition was smoother and less dramatic than I anticipated.
Expectation 1: Coed classes with about 50 people would feel drastically different.
I anticipated that the mix of coed students and the larger class size would create a significantly different atmosphere from what I was used to. I worried that the increased number of students might be overwhelming and affect my ability to engage effectively.
Reality 1: Surprisingly, the experience hasn’t been as starkly different as I expected. I find that I still get the chance to connect with those sitting around me, and there are plenty of opportunities to ask questions and participate in class. The class environment remains engaging and approachable.
Expectation 2: There would be a high level of competition among peers.
With a highly selective program, I was anticipating encountering a competitive atmosphere where everyone was solely focused on their own success.
Reality 2: Instead, I’ve discovered a collaborative approach among my peers. Everyone is eager to support one another, sharing knowledge and working together towards a common goal. There is a focus on collective achievement rather than individual rivalry.
Expectation 3: It would be challenging to get in touch with professors and faculty.
I expected that the larger class sizes would make it difficult to communicate with professors and ask questions.
Reality 3: Contrary to my fears, there are ample opportunities to engage with professors. They are accessible through various means, including office hours, and open-door policy, and the scheduling system for appointments. This accessibility ensures that I can get the support I need.
Columnist: Emma Brooks