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1. Humility is your new best friend. Don't expect things to come easy; the ability to humbly ask for guidance when you need it is imperative. 

2. Grades mean (next to) nothing. Having a 4.0 doesn’t mean much in a doctoral program, because a doctoral degree is a terminal degree. Instead of focusing on grades, adopt a growth mindset and seek to truly master the content in your courses.

3. Accepting critical feedback is non-negotiable (prepare to be rubbed the wrong way). You will receive a lot of feedback throughout your program. Commit to taking feedback in the spirit it is intended – to transform you into a doctor. Dump being defensive and get curious. 

4. Self-care is your secret weapon. Stress impacts your ability to think clearly, and if there is ever a time you need to unleash your genius it is now. If you don’t already have a daily self-care practice, get one. 

5. Journaling is magic for writer’s block. Putting pen to paper allows you to tap into ideas that simply don’t come out when you are sitting in front of a computer screen. 

6. Becoming an expert takes time (probably longer than you think). Getting your general research idea accepted by your committee typically comes only after reading MANY (think 50-100) articles on your topic. If you are struggling, chances are this is why.

7. You can’t do it all (and that’s ok). If you don’t already have about 15 hrs/wk to dedicate to your studies, now is the time to figure that out. Having a strategic plan can be the difference between finishing or not (and for those in a relationship - the difference between staying partnered or being single at graduation). 

8. Hiring outside help is common (and can be your saving grace). Scholarly writing at the doctoral level takes years to hone. Also, many research projects require techniques not taught in core courses. Your committee is there to guide you, not teach you these additional skillsets (see next point). 

9. Your committee is not doing this work for pay (and are very busy people). Being on a committee is how faculty give back to their profession and stay connected to their field. It is not done for money.

10. Your passion may be your pitfall. If you are too close to the topic, it can wreak havoc, making it difficult to maintain a scholarly voice. More importantly, you will likely uncover wounds; healing emotional trauma takes time and energy, two things that will be scarce. 

11. Your committee is made up of humans (they aren’t perfect). It is very common for a Chair to pass a milestone document only to have the committee return it with significant feedback. At some point, you and your Chair will habituate to the text and not be able to “see the forest through the trees”. Your committee members will be reading your document with fresh eyes and will see all the gaps and inconsistencies. 

 12. It’s ok to take a break (or even stop altogether). Universities do not encourage breaks because if you take one, you mi

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