TEM #023: Long days, short years.

December 29, 2023

Happy last Friday of 2023!

I’m having a balanced week of holiday relaxation and a bit of adrenaline to finish a couple big projects before the new year.

(You’ll be the first to know when they roll out!)

The best part of December has definitely been reviewing personal statements. Helping people connect their life experiences with future career plans in a way reviewers will love brings me so much joy.

This week’s highlights:

  • Your education affirmation

  • Get ready to apply in 2024

  • Wishfetti 🌟

  • January contest: Win a 1:1 Strategy Session!


Education affirmation.

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” - Malcom X


Get ready to apply in 2024.

The best part about becoming a graduate student is celebrating TWO new years: January 1 and your first day of school. 📓

But first: the application process.

If you’re preparing to apply in 2024, here are 3 things you can do in January:

  1. Update your resume or CV (curriculum vitae - these are more common for PhD applicants or research-focused programs)

  2. Start researching potential programs based on your personal priorities

    What’s most important to you in a graduate program: The cost? The length of the program? The geographic location? The faculty and opportunities of a specific program?

  3. Based on your program research, determine if you need to schedule a standardized test (ex. GRE, GMAT, LSAT)

    You can register soon enough, let’s just figure out if you even need to take one for the programs you’re considering.

As you prepare to apply, remember that it’s a slow, months-long process and you don’t have to do everything right now (even if you’re super excited and want to get those ducks in a row immediately - I get it).

One step at a time, I’ll be here to help!


Fun fact.

This is my favorite fun fact ever.

The paper confetti that falls at midnight in NYC’s Times Square?

Wishfetti 🎊

It’s made of actual wishes for the new year. The tradition started in 2015.

Submit yours in person or online for NYE 2024!


January contest.

Are you on the cusp of starting the graduate school application process in 2024?

Do you wish you had someone to help navigate your specific process instead of going down the Google rabbit hole trying to figure out what information even applies to you, your career and the degree you’re considering?

You’re in luck! This is my jam.

Enter to win a 1:1 Strategy Session in January 2024.

The winner will get:

  • One 45-min strategy session ($125 value) 💻

  • We’ll discuss:

    • Your current role and intended career trajectory

    • Your priorities in choosing a graduate program

    • The research you’ve done on graduate school options

    • Your questions or concerns with applying (anything from technicalities like a low college GPA to looming imposter syndrome, I’ve been there)

  • You’ll leave our session with:

    • Clarity on the best type of program for your specific career goals

    • Action steps for what to do next in your application process (this could include people to contact, programs or funding resources to check out, and creating a reasonable application strategy for your busy life schedule)

    • A big dose of confidence and excitement that you can successfully apply this year and take the next giant step toward achieving your career goals

Wishing you a satisfying end to 2023 with all loose ends tied and a glorious start to 2024 filled with exciting new goals.

You’ve got this!

Dr. Jena

P.S. If you’re not applying this year and know someone who is - forward this email and encourage them to join The Education Mindset. They’re welcome to enter to win a Strategy Session, too!



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Dr. Jena Pugh

I teach working professionals how to apply for graduate school and other advanced degrees so that they can achieve their education and career goals.

https://drjenapugh.com
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TEM #024: Study abroad… in graduate school?

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TEM #022: The gift that keeps on giving.