Managing Grad School Overwhelm: From Someone Who’s Been There
Entering grad school is quite an adjustment, ESPECIALLY when it’s data science grad school– a domain in which everyone comes from a unique academic background, skillset, and perspective. Whereas in other programs, most people come in from similar backgrounds to specialize in a particular topic, DSAN accepts people from a diverse set of educational experiences.
It was overwhelming when I started this program because I felt like I didn’t know as much as the other people here. But just remember: literally no one here knows everything we will be learning in this program. Some people come in with better coding skills, but remember that you might be coming in with a valuable perspective that others don’t have. You were literally accepted for a reason. It’s easy to not be able to see and remember your skills, but they are there. Also, our professors and course content are so good that if you do your readings and assignments and study, you will catch up to where you need to be.
Looking back, I know I navigated my first year the best I could have, but in this post, I will talk about some things that I can now see were invaluable to me being able to succeed in this past year. Soooo here is my list of tips and tricks for adapting into DSAN!
- Get involved!– I found that the more involved I was, the more motivated and productive I became. In my first semester, I worked as a PDC Assistant and TA, and in my second semester, I was a lab assistant. These experiences created a symbiotic relationship with my coursework— I was exposed to valuable resources, learned professional tips from peers I was helping in the PDC, and gained technical, organizational, and productive research insights from the lab. They also gave me the chance to build stronger connections with both the DSAN staff and my classmates. That kind of collaboration is truly invaluable, and I can’t recommend it enough.
- Time management- Everyone works differently, but personally, one of my biggest tips is to treat your master’s like a 9–5 job. Coming straight from undergrad, my schedule was a lot less structured, but creating a more consistent routine has helped me stay on top of everything. I also like to stay on campus where I’m forced to do my work and not just relax and watch TV. It will take some time to find what works best for you (we’re not all the same!!), and allow yourself to explore during that time. Some people are most productive on their couch, some are most productive in late hours of the night, some need a quiet library while others need to be in a buzzing cafe with other people around. You do you, but definitely give yourself the opportunity to find which environments support you best with this new format of working. Being able to find where you can best be productive is critical for knowing how to organize your time management.
- Community & support– Meet people and make as many friends as you’d like! Personally, being around others is grounding. Connecting with classmates who are going through the same challenges makes the program feel less isolating and more validating. My friends have been both a source of calm and encouragement—sometimes reminding me not to stress, and other times simply making me feel less alone in it.
- Meal prep– Adjusting to DC took some planning, especially regarding food since I live far from campus. In undergrad, I could run home for a quick bite between classes, but that’s not feasible here. Meal prepping has been a game-changer—it keeps me energized, saves time, and helps me feel more in control of busy days. Take care of your health and make sure you are fueling yourself with good nutrition, without being consumed with stress regarding spending money!
- Self care– I know it’s sooooo cliche, but I have to say it– make sure you are also taking time for yourself and doing what makes you happy. Allowing yourself to rest is critical for being able to keep going.
- Put things into perspective & remember that there is not one absolute path– One thing to always remember is that when people (especially those from the data science domain, in professional events or contexts) give you advice, it’s just that—advice. Imposter syndrome and feelings of inferiority are pressures many of us experience.
- We’ve all had those conversations with older or more experienced people that left us feeling like they were saying: “You better know how to do this, this, and this to get a good job. If you can’t by now, you’re screwed. And by the way, you should already be applying to jobs—if you don’t have at least three interviews lined up for a summer internship by September, then you’re probably going to rot in your bed all summer!” But I promise you, no one is trying to make you feel inferior. We’ve all been there—it’s meant as motivation, not judgment.
Many times, when I heard someone’s suggestions, I immediately took them as proof that I was already falling behind. But the truth is, people offer different advice because they’ve each taken different paths. Your journey doesn’t have to look exactly like theirs. That said, it is important to put in the effort—start applying to internships as early as you can. But if you haven’t started yet, don’t panic—you still have time. Think of this as a gentle nudge to take that first step.
Learning how to adjust is part of the process. Everything will only get better from here. Remember that there are many resources available in our community, and don’t be scared to reach out 🙂 You will get through this, as we all have!