After finishing my undergraduate degree, I decided to work instead of enrolling in a postgraduate degree right away.
I did so because I wanted to break free from the monotonous routine that I had been stuck in for my academic life.
I wanted to move away from the cycle of stressing over passing exams for a while. Also, I was eager to see what professional life was like.
Imagine pursuing a PhD for four years only to realise in the fifth year that research and teaching are not the right paths for you. This is where I found myself – waking up one day, knowing I was on the wrong track.
Leaving my homeland and family to study in a different social and cultural landscape was overwhelming. So, I kept putting off starting my applications, as there was always some uncertainty. Finally, as the intake deadline for my shortlisted universities inched closer, I had to rush to prepare all the required documents.
Lesson learned: Procrastinating doesn’t help. If you can manage the final aspects of studying abroad and have the required qualifications, just go for it.
Whether you are settling back into a routine, returning to exams, or starting your studies in January, planning ahead can ease the transition. Here are some practical tips to help prepare for a smooth return to university.
After the festivities of the winter break, shifting back into academic life can sometimes feel difficult. To make this transition easier:
| 2023 Data (2022) | Harvard | Wharton | Columbia | Booth | Kellogg | Stanford | MIT | 2023 Total/Average (2022) |
| Class Size | 938 (1,015) |
Not surprisingly, the most expensive online MBAs tend to be highly ranked or offered by prestigious business schools.
Unlike Harvard Business School, which is among the most generous in fellowship grants and the most transparent in reporting on them. Also unlike Harvard, Wharton declines to disclose graduates’ average indebtedness to U.S. News & World Report which also gathers info on debt.