What I Wish I Knew Before Starting Grad School
Starting grad school in biomedical sciences is both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re coming straight from undergrad or returning after time away, the transition can feel like stepping into a completely new world — one filled with lab coats, grant deadlines, data analysis and a whole new way of thinking.
To help ease that transition, we asked our current Graduate Student Association officers to reflect on their first semester and share the things they wish they had known before starting grad school. Here's what they had to say:
Grad School Is Hard — Don’t Go It Alone.
"One thing I wish I had known before applying to grad school is how important it is
to build a support system early on. Whether it's friends in your program, a good relationship
with your PI/mentor or just people outside of academia you can talk to, having people
to lean on makes a huge difference."
-Kevin Graham, GSA President, GMES Student
Your support system is just as important as your GPA. From lab mates to friends outside of science, having people you can lean on makes the journey much more manageable.
Lab Rotations are like speeding dating but for science.
"When it comes to lab rotations/picking a mentor, try to be honest with yourself about
what your passions are and what environment you work best in — not just what sounds
impressive on paper."
-Kevin Graham
"My tip for lab rotations is to not be afraid to directly ask the PI if they can afford
a student — as you can like a lab, but if the PI can't fund you, then that part doesn't
matter. Also, it’s OK if you don’t have a lab decided by the end of fall. I didn’t
find my lab until the spring."
-Dakota Robison, Treasurer, Ph.D. Student
Choosing a lab isn’t about what sounds impressive — it’s about where you’ll thrive.
Be honest with yourself, ask direct questions and trust your instincts.
Sleep. Eat. Have Fun. Seriously.
"Don't underestimate how much better things feel when you get enough sleep, eat decent
meals and have things outside of school to look forward to!"
-Kevin Graham
You can’t pour from an empty beaker. Prioritizing your health and happiness is essential for long-term success — yes, even in grad school.
Trust the Process
"Something I've come to rely on here at the HSC is the idea of 'trusting the process.'
Grad school is tough, and it's easy to feel like you're behind or somehow the one
person who isn't going to make it. But the programs here at the HSC are designed to
help you succeed. If you show up, do the work and ask for help when you need it, you'll
get there — even if it doesn't always feel that way in the moment."
-Kevin Graham
Everyone feels behind at some point — but you’re not. Grad school is built to challenge and support you. Keep showing up, ask for help, and give yourself time.
Imposter syndrome is real – and normal!
"One tip I have for impostor syndrome is to be aware that grad school is for learning,
so it's okay OK if you don't know everything or if it's your first time learning about
a concept or a lab technique that your peers already have experience on."
-Abigail Torres, Secretary, Ph.D. Student
"As for stuff like impostor syndrome, I would mention the counseling center. They
are very inviting, can help with a variety of stresses and we have free sessions with
them, so we might as well use them."
-Dakota Robison
Impostor syndrome is incredibly common in grad school — but that doesn’t mean it has to control you. Embrace the learning curve and focus on your own growth.
Find your rhythm, your way.
"Just don't rush yourself and give yourself time to adjust to new environments."
-Dakota Robison
There’s no single timeline for success. Whether you find your lab in your first rotation or your fourth, give yourself room to grow and adjust.
You don’t have to know everything on day one.
"Avoid comparing yourself to your peers, as everybody comes from a different background
and has different experiences and strengths. Recognize your strengths and acknowledge
that it's okay to take your time to learn and understand new concepts. Approach challenges
with curiosity and a learning mentality."
-Abigail Torres
Starting grad school isn’t about knowing it all — it's about learning how to ask questions, explore ideas and become comfortable with uncertainty. Give yourself permission to grow.
Grad school isn’t just about mastering techniques or passing exams — it’s about growing into the kind of scientist, scholar and person you’re meant to be. If you’re heading into your first semester, take a breath. You don’t have to have it all figured out right away. Lean on your people, ask for help, and give yourself grace.
