Whether you’re preparing for the final semester of college or you graduated years ago, the overwhelming question of whether to attend graduate school may occupy your mind. There’s no easy answer. You’ll need to spend some time considering your career goals and determining if an advanced degree could help you attain them. Here are some things to keep in mind as you decide if grad school is for you.
 
Identify Your Goals

First things first — your grades are not an indication of your intelligence. That said, if you’re not getting the grades you want, there are some simple ways to get there. Earning high marks is about working smarter, not harder. Do that, and you’ll find that getting better grades is easier than you thought.
 
Study Your Own History

For some students, the science fair has become a tradition to look forward to each year. For others, it’s a frightening new challenge. Whatever your experience level may be, participating in a science fair provides much more than competition. The experience offers an opportunity that could influence your academic path or even your career. While only a handful of students walk away with an official award, most leave with the lasting prize of a new mentor, peer network, or professional aspiration. Entering a science fair doesn’t have to be complicated.

Your life, especially in college, will start to make sense if you give it some time. You’ll find your people. You’ll find the right clubs and organizations. You’ll find a major suited to your talents and goals, and eventually you’ll find a job. What may seem hopeless and overwhelming in your first few months at college will become brighter and even fun by spring semester. While it’s hard, try to be patient with yourself and the process — you will settle in. Here are some tips for finding your place at college.
 

The countdown to the AISES National Conference is on! This year’s conference, with the theme We Are All Scientists, is in Minneapolis, October 2–4. If you’ve never been to an AISES National Conference, it’s an amazing opportunity for Indigenous students and professionals to learn, grow, and share their knowledge. With so much to do and so many people to see, it can be overwhelming. Here are a few ways to get the most out of your time.

Moving from high school to college is a major change, and it’s normal to feel excited, nervous, and well, overwhelmed. Living in a new place, meeting new people, and learning how to manage roommates, course loads, and your newfound freedom can be a lot. But there’s one thing to remember — you’re not alone. Every other new student is in the same boat, even if they don’t show it. Whether it’s worrying about making friends, conquering your statistics class, or finding the best dining hall, you’ll inevitably experience some highs and lows during your first year.

A lot of emphasis is placed on college applicants’ academic records leading up to the college application process. But while grades and extracurriculars are important, they do not tell your whole story. Colleges also are interested in learning who you are, what values you hold, and how you might enhance their community. There are opportunities throughout the application to reveal skills and aspects of your personality not captured by lists and stats. Here are five skills to consider highlighting on your college application — and how to do it.
 
Commitment

Have you ever experienced a churning stomach before giving a presentation, or gotten goosebumps upon hearing a beautiful singing voice? These physiological reactions are caused when the brain releases a chemical — cortisol in times of stress or oxytocin in times of pleasure — in response to whatever emotional event you’re experiencing. The response also demonstrates how closely our mental and physical health are linked. One can have a direct impact on the other, which can affect your overall health and wellbeing. It's known as the mind-body connection.
 

With roughly 6,000 colleges in the United States, choosing the right one can seem like an overwhelming task. Factors such as programs, academic rigor, size, location, and available resources need to be considered by a prospective student and their family. While visiting college websites is important, there’s nothing like a campus visit to help get a good feel for a school and what it’s like to be a student there. Here are some tips for a productive campus visit.  

Increased independence comes with growing older. But don’t mistake independence with living alone on an island. There will be times when you’ll need some extra guidance and support — and that’s perfectly OK. While it’s good to try to work things out for yourself, it is important to know when to ask for help.