Making the Grade: Academic Issues at Berkeley

"Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore."
Dorothy from "The Wizard of Oz"

For many undergraduates, coming to Cal can be exciting, intimidating and maybe even alien. The familiar and perhaps comforting world you came from quickly becomes a distant memory as small classrooms give way to larger lecture halls Now you might find yourself in the classroom with the professor who wrote the book you are reading. As for the competition, after being at the top of the class in your previous school, you might now think everyone around you is a former valedictorian. Making the academic transition to Cal can be a challenge. The competition, pace and intensity may be different than what you have experienced before. Even the most confident students realize that taking advantage of academic support services can make the world of difference. There are many academic resources and services that can help you strengthen your study strategy, test-taking, and time management skills.

As for graduate students, juggling life responsibilities with graduate school is stressful and overwhelming. You are in a marathon that requires mental, emotional and physical fortitude to get through the many hurdles. When faced with writing and project deadlines, procrastination and worries about whether you have chosen the right field can surface and create disturbances in your life.

For APIs, pursuing a degree whether it's a bachelor's, master's or Ph.D. is often not only for yourself but for your extended family as well. The pressure to succeed becomes more than a personal goal for various reasons.

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