The Q: I started my 1st semester of grad school while working full-time at my first job. I took three classes and had to take W's at the last second because I couldn't handle the load along with my new job. I missed registering for spring semester and now I think the soonest I can take classes is in the summer term. I need to go back to school. I know I can handle the work, but my job seems to sap my energy and I don't know if I can do it and work. Any advice?

The A: This is not an uncommon experience. The shift from undergrad to grad is traumatic for many of us, not unlike the shift from high school to college. Expectations are much higher, and understanding and sympathy in many ways lower. And while many grad programs accommodate working students, others do not.

So here's my advice:

• Spend the rest of the spring putting your life in order. Make sure you develop systems to spend the least amount of time possible on life functions. Learn to make food and put it in the freezer so you don't have to choose between cooking (too time consuming) and eating out (too expensive and unhealthy). Develop a bill paying system that takes minimal time, whether it's one evening a month or one hour a week.

• Choose one class for summer that you're *really* interested in and committed to. Use that course to develop routines and skills. And don't take more than one class until you're sure you're ready to handle the workload.

• If it's at all financially possible, work less. I'm sure you would have thought of this, but just in case...

The trick to studying and working at the same time is to be as systematic as possible. The more you organize yourself, the more you can accomplish in your limited time.

Let me know how you do!

—Anahid Kassabian, Chief Advisor

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