Grad School vs. Undergrad: Which Was More Challenging?

Many people might assume that graduate school is significantly more demanding than their undergraduate studies, but my personal experience suggests otherwise. While I was under the impression that my master's in Applied Math would be more challenging, I found my undergraduate degree in Liberal Arts and Philosophy to be more difficult. The key difference lies in the breadth of subjects studied and the specialized focus one gets during graduate studies.

Breadth of Subjects in Undergraduate vs. Specialization in Graduate School

During my undergraduate years, I was required to take a wide range of courses in various areas such as Ancient Greek, French, and music theory, despite having no natural talent or interest in these subjects. Studying these subjects was challenging both academically and in terms of time management. My foreign language courses, for instance, were particularly grueling, especially given my abysmal skills. In contrast, my graduate studies allowed me to focus solely on math, an area where I excelled and had a genuine passion. This specialization vastly reduced the strain while enhancing my motivation to study.

Academic Preparation and Skill Transfer

One aspect that significantly eased the academic challenge of my graduate studies was my prior experience with university-level learning. During my undergraduate years, I had to adapt not only to the subjects but also to essay writing, referencing, and other academic skills. These new skills were often challenging to master, especially when they were not part of my high school curriculum. However, by the time I reached graduate school, I was already familiar with essay structure and referencing, making the transition smoother.

Personal Reflections on Academic Difficulty

While graduate school's content is undoubtedly more advanced, the ease or difficulty of the experience is largely contingent on one's familiarity with the academic environment. My undergraduate experience taught me how to navigate university life, how to manage my time, and how to engage with faculty members. These skills provided me with a solid foundation that allowed me to focus more on the content of my courses rather than the logistics of university life.

In summary, my graduate studies felt easier because I was already accustomed to the academic routines and the expectations of higher education. The content was challenging, but the familiarity with the study environment and the skills required for academic success made the process more manageable.