『Victors in Grad School』のカバーアート

Victors in Grad School

Victors in Grad School

著者： Dr. Christopher Lewis
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今ならプレミアムプランが3カ月 月額99円

2026年5月12日まで。4か月目以降は月額1,500円で自動更新します。

概要

 Victors in Grad School explores what you can do to find success in your own graduate school journey no matter what you plan to do. Through experts and individual interviews you will be introduced to what it means to find success and tips on achieving success in graduate school.2024
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  • How to Include Specific Examples in Your Graduate School Essay (and Still Stay Within the Word Limit)

    How to Include Specific Examples in Your Graduate School Essay (and Still Stay Within the Word Limit)
    2026/04/06
    If you've ever tried to write a graduate school essay, you've probably experienced this exact moment: You're writing along… feeling good… and then you check the word count. And suddenly your heart sinks. Because you're either: 400 words over the limit or200 words under the limit orright at the limit… but your essay feels vague and generic And the biggest source of frustration is usually this: "I know I need to include specific examples… but examples take up so many words." If that's where you are, I want to reassure you: You're not a bad writer. You're just experiencing what almost every graduate applicant experiences—because great examples are what make an essay strong, but word limits are what make essays feel impossible. So today, I'm going to show you how to do both: include specific examples (the kind admissions committees actually remember)and stay within the word limit Let's jump in. Why examples matter so much in a graduate school essay Let's start with the "why," because it's important. When admissions committees read essays, they're not only looking for good intentions. They're looking for evidence. Examples are evidence. Examples show: what you've donehow you thinkhow you solve problemswhat you've learnedwhat you're ready for Without examples, an essay becomes a list of claims. And the problem with claims is that anyone can make them. For example: "I'm a leader.""I'm passionate about equity.""I'm committed to community impact.""I'm ready for graduate-level work." All of those statements might be true. But admissions committees are quietly asking: "Can you show me?" That's where examples matter. The core challenge: examples increase detail, and detail increases word count This is the tension you're feeling: Specific examples make your essay strongerBut you only have 500–1,000 words (sometimes even less) So the goal isn't to remove examples. The goal is to learn how to write examples efficiently. Think of it like this: You don't need more examples. You need better examples. And you need to write them in a way that delivers maximum impact in minimum space. The golden rule: one strong example is better than three weak ones Many applicants go over the word limit because they try to squeeze in everything they've ever done. But a strong grad essay usually needs: 2 to 4 strong examples total That's it. Not 10. Not your full resume. A few examples, chosen intentionally and written clearly, will always outperform an essay full of scattered experiences. Choose examples that do double (or triple) duty This is one of the most powerful strategies. A great example should demonstrate more than one strength at once. Instead of choosing examples that only show one thing, choose examples that show: skillimpactgrowthand alignment with your goals Here's what that looks like: Weak example choice: one example for leadershipone example for researchone example for community serviceone example for teamwork That becomes too much. Stronger approach: Choose one experience that includes multiple dimensions. Example: A capstone project might show: research skillscollaborationcommunicationproblem-solvingcommitment to a populationreadiness for graduate study That's a high-value example. Use the 3-sentence example formula This is one of my favorite techniques for staying within the word limit. When you include an example, limit yourself to three sentences: what you didwhat you learnedhow it connects to your goals Here's a template: Sentence 1: I did ________ in ________ setting.Sentence 2: This taught me ________ or helped me develop ________.Sentence 3: This connects to my goal of ________ and prepares me for ________. Here's how that sounds in real writing: "During my internship in student support services, I helped launch a peer mentoring program for transfer students. Through this work, I strengthened my ability to design support structures, analyze engagement patterns, and communicate across diverse stakeholder groups. This experience shaped my goal of pursuing graduate study in higher education to build equitable student success initiatives grounded in data and community needs." That's three sentences. Clear. Specific. Connected. And most importantly, efficient. Replace long storytelling with "high-density" details This is how you keep examples specific without writing a novel. Instead of spending 8 sentences describing the background, use details that condense the story. For example: Instead of: "I was working at a nonprofit and we were trying to help community members and there were many challenges and I learned a lot…" Use: "In my role as program coordinator at a community nonprofit, I managed outreach initiatives supporting first-generation college students." That one sentence includes: rolesettingpurposepopulation That's high-density detail. When applicants run out of words, it's often because they are writing ...
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    13 分
  • Overcoming Self-Doubt: Success Strategies from a CRNA Student's Perspective

    Overcoming Self-Doubt: Success Strategies from a CRNA Student's Perspective
    2026/03/30
    Embarking on the journey of graduate school can feel both exhilarating and overwhelming. On this week's episode of the "Victors in Grad School" podcast, host Dr. Christopher Lewis sits down with Marissa Charles, a current student in the Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) program at the University of Michigan Flint, to explore the heart, grit, and strategies needed to thrive in grad school. Marissa Charles shares a story that many prospective students will find deeply relatable. After completing her Bachelor's in Nursing and working for several years—including through the COVID-19 pandemic—she initially dismissed the idea of returning to school. "I always said I'd never be smart enough to be a CRNA," Marissa admits, pointing to the self-doubt that can plague even high-achievers. Her journey is a powerful testament to the idea that growth comes not just from academic readiness, but personal readiness. Sometimes, it's about timing and gaining confidence in oneself, rather than inherent capability. A central theme throughout the episode is the importance of mentorship and community. Marissa credits much of her success to the robust support network within her program. From the moment students are accepted, they're paired with mentors who guide them not just academically, but through the personal transitions essential to thriving in an intensive program. Extra-curricular opportunities, like mixers with students from other universities, further broaden the sense of camaraderie. Grad school is no easy path. Marissa emphasizes the necessity of balance, self-advocacy, and strong communication. She reflects on strategies for managing bumps in the road—whether it's an unexpected personal crisis or the all-too-familiar imposter syndrome. Her advice is universal: don't be afraid to reach out for help, and remember that setbacks are a normal part of the journey. Faculty, family, and peers are eager to support—you just have to take the first step. Whether you are considering grad school, in the midst of a program, or mentoring others, this episode offers inspiration and practical advice. Marissa's narrative proves that with determination, support, and clear priorities, pursuing an advanced degree is not only possible, but rewarding. Ready to find encouragement and actionable tips on your own grad school path? Tune in to this episode of "Victors in Grad School" and join a community invested in your success. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:01]: Welcome to Victors in Grad School, where we have conversations with students, alumni, and experts about what it takes to find success in graduate school. Welcome back to Victors in Grad School. I'm your host, Dr. Christopher Lewis, Director of Graduate Programs at the University of Michigan Flint. So excited to have you back again this week. As always, we are on a journey together. I say it's a journey, and I know every week I say this, but it is so true that you are on a journey. You've made a decision. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:32]: Whether you are just the very beginning and you're just starting to think about graduate school, or maybe you've applied, maybe you've gotten accepted, maybe you're in a graduate program. No matter where you are, this is a journey from start to end of that graduate degree, and there are things that you can do right now, today, to be able to find success sooner. And that's what this podcast is all about. I love meeting with you every week to be able to provide you some things to think about, some perspectives, some thoughts, and especially to bring you others that have gone before you that are either in graduate school now, they've gone to graduate school in the past, and they are excited to be able to share their own journey with you so that you can learn from it and maybe repeat some things, maybe not repeat some things, to be able to help you to make your journey as smooth as it can be. Today we got another great guest. Marissa Charles is with us, and Marissa is a student within the Nurse Anesthetist program at the University of Michigan Flint. Really excited to be able to talk to her and to learn more about her journey in and through graduate school. Marissa, thanks so much for being here today. Marissa Charles [00:01:45]: Thank you, it is my sincere pleasure. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:47]: I am really excited to be able to have you here today, and I think first and foremost, I know you did your undergraduate work at the University of Michigan Flint. You got a bachelor's degree in nursing at the University of Michigan Flint, and then you went off, you went off, you worked and started in your career, and at some point you made the decision for that you wanted to continue that education. Bring me back to that point, that point in your life where you said, "It's time." Why was it the time to make that jump? And what made you decide to go all in? Marissa Charles [00:02:21]: 100%. So I graduated December of 2020, definitely a crazy time ...
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    27 分
  • From Dropout to Doctorate: Dr. Rita Fields' Inspiring Educational Journey

    From Dropout to Doctorate: Dr. Rita Fields' Inspiring Educational Journey
    2026/03/23
    Navigating graduate school isn't a straight line—it's a journey full of turns, challenges, and unexpected lessons. In the latest episode of "Victors in Grad School," host Dr. Christopher Lewis sits down with Dr. Rita Fields, a lecturer at the University of Michigan Flint's School of Management, to explore her unconventional, inspiring path through higher education. Whether you're already on your grad school journey, considering taking the leap, or supporting someone who is, this episode is brimming with honesty and actionable wisdom you won't want to miss. Dr. Rita Fields candidly shares her beginnings as a high school dropout who returned to education, ultimately building a career in human resources and pushing herself to the highest academic levels—including earning a doctorate while juggling executive work and family life. One major theme is perseverance: She discusses the powerful role self-motivation and setting clear boundaries played in her success, especially when life threw unexpected hurdles in her way. A key takeaway from the episode is the stark contrast between undergraduate, master's, and doctoral studies. Dr. Fields describes graduate school as "straight broth with no water added"—a deep, immersive experience that requires true engagement with your chosen field. Whereas undergraduate education is about finishing what you start and getting well-rounded, graduate studies demand critical analysis and, at the doctoral level, becoming the expert who can teach the topic. Another highlight is the discussion about burnout and self-doubt. Dr. Fields is refreshingly honest about reaching points where she questioned her ability to go on, and even considered quitting. The key, she says, is being kind to yourself, setting and honoring boundaries, building a support system, and remembering that challenges and stress are inherent in all meaningful pursuits. Finally, Dr. Fields offers clear advice: take graduate education seriously, resist the urge to just "check the box," and prioritize real learning over simply accumulating credentials. Understand your limits, be honest with yourself about your capacity, and remember—it's okay if your path takes a little longer. Ready for candid insights, practical tips, and a big dose of inspiration? Listen to the full episode to hear Dr. Rita Fields' journey and discover how you, too, can chart your own successful grad school path—even when it gets tough. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:01]: Welcome to Victors in Grad School, where we have conversations with students, alumni, and Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:06]: experts about what it takes to find success in graduate school. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:11]: Welcome back to Victors in Grad School. I'm your host, Dr. Christopher Lewis, Director of Graduate Programs at the University of Michigan Flint. Really excited to have you back again this week. As always, every week we are on a journey together. It's really important that you know that this is not a— always a— going to be a linear path. It may be a little bit circuitous. You may end up coming and going and getting different types of educational experiences along the way. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:00:36]: But hopefully you've done that work to be able to know what your goal is, and you find ways to be able to hit those benchmarks along the way to be able to help you to keep moving toward the goals that you have set for yourself. Every week I love being able to introduce you to new people with different experiences that have all had their own experiences in graduate school, And they're here to share that experience with you so that you can build some tools for your toolbox to help you in that journey that you're on. Today we got another great guest. Dr. Rita Fields is with us today. And Dr. Fields is a lecturer for— at the University of Michigan Flint. That basically means she's been teaching classes for a bit and she teaches a number of different areas within our School of Management. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:26]: And I'm really excited to be able to have her here to be able to talk to you about her experiences to have her here on the show this week. Dr. Fields, thanks so much for being here. Dr. Rita Fields [00:01:38]: You're so welcome. Thank you for having me. Dr. Christopher Lewis [00:01:40]: I am really excited to be able to have you here and to talk about your own journey. And I know I love starting the show with an opportunity to turn the clock back in time. I know that you did your bachelor's degree down at Marygrove College in Detroit, and I know that at that time you got a Bachelor of Arts in English and Psychology. And then you went out, you got some experience, and along the way, at some point during that time that you were working, getting different experiences, you made a decision. You made a decision that you were going to go back to school and get a graduate degree. Take me back to that point. And what made it the ...
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    32 分
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