Going back to graduate school as an adult is a significant commitment, especially when balancing work and personal responsibilities. Preparing in advance can help you build realistic expectations, manage your time effectively, and set yourself up for success from the start.
As you begin the process of preparing for graduate school, here are four key tips so you can start off on the right foot.
1. Consider Balance
Achieving a healthy work/life balance can be a struggle for anyone, but toss graduate school into the mix and your stress levels can skyrocket. While you won’t be able to completely eliminate stress, there are things you can do to minimize it.
Map out a weekly schedule
Once you register for your first course, make sure your class times are blocked out in your schedule each week.
Ahead of the rest of the semester, go through the syllabus and note any important deadlines for papers, projects, or exams. Leading up to those dates, ensure you have enough time to complete your school work and to study so you’re not scrambling last minute.
Although your academic responsibilities will likely be completed during nights and weekends, especially if you’re working full time, ensure that you make time for spending time with friends and family and engaging in activities and hobbies you enjoy.
Build that important personal time into your schedule, too — you’ll feel more at ease when you know you have consistent time set aside for each part of your life.
Communicate with others
Let the people in your life know that you are embarking on your continuing education journey so they understand your other commitments. For example, your schedule will likely be less flexible and last-minute social engagements might not be feasible.
Your loved ones want to support you and being on the same page will both help them do so and relieve some of your stress of trying to do it all.
Manage your course load
Lastly, be realistic about the number of courses you can take on at one time. Starting with a manageable course load can help you build confidence and avoid burnout as you adjust to academic expectations.
Most Harvard Extension students take one to two courses per semester and academic advisors recommend starting with just one to see how school fits into your life before taking on more.
Most of my schoolwork was completed early mornings, late nights, or during carefully protected pockets of time between work and family commitments. Rather than waiting for an ideal moment, I learned to integrate education into my real life as it was. That balancing act became one of the most meaningful aspects of my experience, reinforcing that growth and ambition don’t have to be postponed while building a career and a family.
Sherrie Hughes, ALM ’26
2. Find a Support Network
Personal
If you have children or are caring for elderly relatives, figure out who can step in to lend a hand during. Refer to the schedule you built for the semester and consider asking friends, family members, or neighbors for help in advance.
Professional
Consider having an early conversation with your employer to explore options such as adjusted hours, remote work, or temporary flexibility during high-demand academic periods.
Online courses will save you time commuting, too. Many Harvard Extension School programs are designed with working adults in mind, offering flexible formats that make it possible to balance coursework with professional and personal responsibilities.
Academic
Harvard Extension has a robust range of support services, including academic advising. These teams are available to ensure your success throughout your journey.
Don’t forget your classmates can serve as a support network as well! Nothing compares to learning from people who are coping with the same struggles as you are.
There were moments throughout the degree where professors could see my potential and pushed me accordingly. Although it was difficult at the moment, they all shaped me into the person and professional I am today. The biggest appreciation I have for the HES is the faculty. Every educator truly cares about you, truly sees you, and wants you to learn and grow!
Basant Shenouda, ALM ’25
3. Prepare For Your First Class
Before your first class, take time to complete the following:
- Test your technology setup (internet connection, platforms, required software)
- Understand instructors’ expectations to develop your study and assignment strategy
- Purchase or rent any required readings (many will be available online!)
- Set up your study environment
4. Expect the Unexpected
Many adult learners experience moments of self-doubt, especially early in their programs. This is a common and temporary part of adjusting to a new academic environment.
“Imposter syndrome can be really difficult to overcome,” says Kelly Ross, predegree and admissions advisor at Harvard Extension School. “But students should just take it one day at a time, one assignment at a time, one class at a time. It’s likely that many of your classmates are experiencing it too but no one is talking about it.”
Remind yourself that you belong in the program you’re in, just like the rest of your classmates.
Preparation for graduate school is key to your success. Keep your end goal in sight and the payoff will make all the temporary sacrifices worth it.
My classmates were also incredibly inspiring. In the other educational opportunities I pursued, most people were just trying to get through the program. At HES, everyone really cares, they try hard, and they want to earn that A. But instead of being a competitive environment, it was motivating. My classmates’ excitement and enthusiasm elevated me — it was contagious.
Janell Saville, ALM ’25
