Songbird222

Very interesting perspective. It will be hard to put my toddler aside for 5-6 years while I complete a PhD. Instead, I like to think of my child as a strong motivator to become an expert in prioritizing my time. Plus, added bonus, he gets to grow up with a cool role model, don't you think?

I am also seriously considering buying the Smart Writing Set, but I'm torn, because I've been reading some great things about the Livescribe pen as well. Would love to hear other thoughts on this!

Very interesting perspective. It will be hard to put my toddler aside for 5-6 years while I complete a PhD. Instead, I like to think of my child as a strong motivator to become an expert in prioritizing my time. Plus, added bonus, he gets to grow up with a cool role model, don't you think?

You know there was a thread about this, but I can't seem to find it. D'oh!
Everyone I know in history uses Zotero, but I think it's largely a personal preference thing. They probably just use Zotero because it's cheap. I use Paperpile, and I've never felt the need to use anything more.
If you went with either of the three that you listed, I think you'd be fine. If memory serves, forum-goers reported in previously-mentioned, unfindable thread a broad variety of preferences. Whatever you choose, I would advise that you choose a platform that exports as BibTex or RIS so you could at least migrate to another platform.
Sorry that I didn't have more insight!  

Hello all,
Does anyone have suggestions or thoughts on different reference/citation management systems? Mendeley vs. Endnote vs. Zotero, etc. My partner, who is in the sciences, uses Mendeley and likes it a lot. It seems fairly robust, but I'm not sure what most people in the humanities prefer. Are there any systems that are particularly good for organizing digitized primary sources?
I'm starting my PhD in the fall and want to get myself as organized as possible this summer!
Thanks!

Very interesting perspective. It will be hard to put my toddler aside for 5-6 years while I complete a PhD. Instead, I like to think of my child as a strong motivator to become an expert in prioritizing my time. Plus, added bonus, he gets to grow up with a cool role model, don't you think?

@Songbird222 @jujubea Absolutely! Kids are like the strongest motivation to get your work done 'cause a) I want to see them and spend time with them,  I want to make them proud of me. Also, my kids are why I study what I study - I want make positive change for the future they will inherit.
Besides, at least in fields like theology, philosophy, education - it really helps to be living a life where your studies hit reality. I deal in ethics - I can't imagine not having my busy, socially engaged life to inform my research and ideas. 

Yay! Others with kids!
I have three. Now they're talking about grad school, too. Plus, they're thinking "wow, mom is totally relatable... she has gripes with teachers and grades and assignments and communication like we do, too!" haha.

Very interesting perspective. It will be hard to put my toddler aside for 5-6 years while I complete a PhD. Instead, I like to think of my child as a strong motivator to become an expert in prioritizing my time. Plus, added bonus, he gets to grow up with a cool role model, don't you think?

For me, I took about five "gap" years in between my undergraduate degree and graduate school. I was undecided between several related career paths, and working in the professional world helped me to explore career options. Ultimately, I applied to graduate programs that I didn't even know existed as an undergraduate.
Also, a totally unexpected bonus was the chance to build a very large professional network to call on if/when I need support in graduate school. They have counseled me throughout the entire application process, and there is always someone I can go to when I'm not sure where to start on a particular problem. In general, people are stressed because there are aspects of graduate school which are very mysterious. But when you have a lot of people to help you get those questions answered, it's easier to make decisions that truly reflect your values/goals.

I think some of this might depend on your field and your career goals, but generally I am a strong supporter of taking some time off between undergrad and grad school. I had planned to go directly to grad school and took the GRE in my final year of undergrad, but then just never quite got my act together to apply (I was working part time, had a capstone project, finals--there just wasn't a ton of time). So, I kind of took some time out of necessity. In my two years away from school, I interned for six months in a new city and spent 18 months working in my field gaining experience. It was probably the best decision I have made. I saved up some money, I learned what it meant to be a professional outside of academia, and I started to really look forward to returning to school rather than viewing it as an obligation. I'm really excited to start my grad program in a few months, which I could not have said at the end of undergrad. Hey, I even altered (slightly) the type of degree I wanted, so it was really valuable. 
Financially, I also think it made more sense for me. Like I said, I saved up some (not a ton of) money, but I also think that my work experience made me a more desirable candidate and allowed me to earn competitive fellowships. Along those lines, I had more time to work on my applications, which I think helped. Additionally--and this will depend on your career goals--I will leave my graduate program with a couple years of work experience under my belt, which I think provides a slight advantage over some folks who will be coming out of grad school with zero full-time work experience. 
I echo what @lovekilledinos said: I'm a much more mature person now than I was when I finished undergrad. Obviously, you'll want to do something productive and use your time wisely, but I think there is a great deal of flexibility to determine what that is and find experiences that are a good fit for you.
Best of luck for whichever route you choose!
 

@Songbird222 Sure. Send me a pm later. I won't be starting my internship with them till August.

Also, I just wanted to point out that my internship was my project (it wasn't a response to an open opportunity). So if you don't see any posted projects, you should definitely come up with what *you* want to do and email some potential hosts. I emailed a scientist at the Smithsonian, told her my idea, and asked if she would be willing to be my "host", even though my research isn't directly related to what she does. Good luck!

No problem! I actually just bought a pair of their heels are they are extremely comfortable. The company is also very socially and environmentally conscious, which is a great bonus.
However, make sure you have a good return policy or you try them on in store, because I tried one pair and the one I received (which was the same identical size) was much bigger.

OK, this topic has been going on for a while now. I remember I used it before starting grad school! After three years, I thought I might give my two cents. 
Note taking: I have always been a pen-and-paper person. Yet, I decided to go laptop for grad school. Two main reasons:
You can search you notes faster. For writing papers and/or sitting for your Comps, it is always better to make your notes word-searchable. Easy to edit. If the discussion involved a reference to a book that I didn't know, it is easy to add hyperlinks/side notes to that book. Also, I would go home and add historical background (if needed), or other information I saw pertinent. A good resource was adding keywords and their definitions.  For notetaking, I use OneNote. Free and websync so you don't lose your stuff. 
Laptop: I brought to grad school a 2010 Dell mini 10''. Light, easy to use but very old and very slow. It took it half an hour to start running (even if it wasn't shut down). For my third semester I invested in a MacBook Pro and it was the best decision  I have made. First, because I have VERY GOOD campus support for Mac. Second, it is as light as my previous computer but the screen is bigger so I can actually work here (13''). Third, because Mac is SO much better for viruses. I travel a lot for research so it is nice not to worry about one thing. Pay attention to your campus offers as regards software. Most of the software I can download through my school is both for Windows and Mac, which is great. 
Software:
Bibliography– I use Zotero but because I only made a choice when I started three years ago. It was either Zotero or Endnote. Choose one and stick to it. I would suggest doing some digging -again- about support on campus. For example, when I work on campus computers, I make sure I choose one where Zotero is installed for using with a word processor. Endnote is everywhere, Zotero not so much. Like OneNote, it syncs online which is great. Writing– I recently started using Scrievener. It is a great resource for extensive writing. It has many features that you sort of discover as you use it: brianstorming, corkwall, keywords, etc. The only problem that I have with it is that there is not a good extension for bibliographic managers. But I will definitely write my dissertation here. SO MUCH BETTER than word. You can try it out for free for 30 days (30 days that you actually use it which can extend over a longer period). Scanning– If you need to scan books/documents, I suggest CamScanner. It scans and turns your scans into PDFs documents, and then you can send them to your e-mail. I also use traditional scanners if I am on campus, and traditional cameras if I am in the archive. But this is an awesome resource because, let's face it, your phone has a good camera.  Organizing files– For knowing what documents I have from which archive, which one has been OCRed, etc, I use online AirTable. It's a database software but SO MUCH easier to use than access. And it looks nice. And it's free. And online.  Organizing research– A Gantt Chart. Always. How to make a good Gantt chart? Look up GanttTeam.com or something like that. I have planned my research plus the tasks for each time.  Misc: I always have a copybook, pens, and color markers on my desk, including highlighters. I often make graphic notes for prepping for lectures and I need color for that. Also, writing by hand makes your mind process your thoughts differently than typing so I always resort to hand and paper when stuck. My "drafts" notebook is full of postits, bubbles, highlights that look like a mess, but made sense to me at some point! Finally, I have page markers all over the place: my desk at home, my bag, my office in school, my pencilcase... You cannot have enough of these! 
Furniture: My first year I lived in a furnished apartment and bought a bookcase like many suggested here. On my second year, I bought this bookcase-desk combo on craiglist. Actually, the "little" bookcase on one end of the desk was the one I had before and I put it next to the big one as a bed-side table (my room is pretty small). The desk + big bookcase + office chair were like $100. Oh yeah, invest on a good chair. The guy also gave me his desk lamp . So never underestimate Craiglist for a good buy! On this topic: many schools have an office that manage furniture and many sell their old furniture really cheap, look for those. Also, ask your department to contact you with people that are leaving/graduating to see what they do with their furniture (we "inherited" a lot form older students: bedframes, side tables, washer/dryer). 
Finally, I am happy to answer any questions! All the best to new students!!!!!!  
AP
 

I know a few pages back there was some discussion about a LiveScribe pen to take/digitize notes and record lectures. I just saw that Moleskine came out with their Smart Writing Set that transfers your hand written notes to their app, and from there you can automatically transcribe them to type and download them as a PDF. You can also record lectures with the app as well. It also uploads to Google Docs and syncs with Evernote, if you happen to use that  I'm seriously considering this! I like to handwrite my notes, and but I'd like to be able to convert it all to text and easily search through my notes later!

I've been thinking about this as well! Whenever I go on sites looking for reviews (like the femalefashionadvice section of reddit), I see tons of support for a shoe brand called Corso Como: https://shop.cccorsocomo.com/
They are apparently made with comfort in mind and people say that their flats are really good.
You could also try different kinds of loafers or smoking slippers (some loafers can be found here): http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/womens-flat-loafer-moccasin
If anyone else has recommendations, I'd also like to hear them! I'm constantly looking for shoes that will last a long time, as I walk tons every day.

Once I've sync'ed the pen with the computer, the notes on my computer are searchable.

Hey S, If you do a Google search along the lines of "Backpack grad Cafe" you will get links to previous discussions of the topic on this BB. (I am in a bit of a rush and don't have time to get you started.)

You might also check out a blog called Carryology.

In any case, I do not recommend the Tom Bihn Synapse 25 and I recommend the Arcteryx Blade 21 if you can find one on eBay. The Arcteryx Blade 24 is more readily available and more stylish but one has to figure out the best way to pack it depending upon the load and one's schedule.

If a casual look is your goal, I recommend the Arcteryx Mantis and the Goruck GR0. If you have a ton of stuff to haul, I recommend the Arcteryx LEAF Khard 30.

#HTH

I'm a big fan of http://www.kleankanteen.com 
Far cleaner and durable than a plastic water bottle.
 
For the lunch bag/tote, perhaps you could try Etsy for inexpensive good looking stuff?

Yeah, I will echo what the others are saying. It varies wildly between programs. I would not recommend that you focus so much on how competitive the field of education is, but instead just focus on what your career goals are, based on what you know about yourself and your interests. After that, find some programs that seem to prepare their graduate students for those career paths you're interested in. If you connect with faculty members you would like to do work or collaborate on research with, your conversations with them will clue you in on how likely you are to be admitted and/or succeed there.
It's very powerful to be submitting graduate school applications after having already established communication with those faculty members you've listed as your top choices. It doesn't guarantee you admission, but it does greatly strengthen your odds. This worked in my favor, and for lots of other people I know in multiple fields.

Very interesting perspective. It will be hard to put my toddler aside for 5-6 years while I complete a PhD. Instead, I like to think of my child as a strong motivator to become an expert in prioritizing my time. Plus, added bonus, he gets to grow up with a cool role model, don't you think?

I have to say thank you to all the students who commented here, and the original OP for asking the question.  I am starting my first year of grad school myself.   I am an older woman, married, and my son is grown and on his own now, but I have to say I am blessed with the amount of support I have from my family going into this. 
I have already read the living syllabi for my classes, and I am mentally prepparing myself over the summer for the work I am about to engage in. 

I would argue that emotional support and regular sex are definitely necessities, especially when launching yourself into a potentially demanding and stressful environment. I wouldn't underestimate the benefits of finding a romantic partner during grad school; yes, they require work, but their benefits can be numerous. 

Sure. I'll put my marriage on hold (so long husband, go find a gf for the next 7 years while I finish my PhD), give my pets away, etc., just so I can focus on research. That doesn't seem like a recipe for disaster. 
 
I am a pretty successful student, I think, and I work maybe 6-8 hours a day (I'm in the humanities, so no lab work, but I do have to work on independent research and I also have teaching duties). That leaves 8 hours of sleep, and the rest of the time to the other so-called distractions. You see, I found that after working more than 6 hours, I was no longer productive. I'd sit in front of the computer staring into space, or rereading paragraphs from a book over and over unable to concentrate.
 
If I didn't have a partner* at home willing to look at my drafts or bounce ideas with (not to mention the emotional support, the cooking when I'm not in the mood to, etc.), a cat to snuggle up to me when I'm having writer's block, or a dog to force me to go outside a couple of times a day so I can go and process ideas during a walk, I would not be successful. Productivity isn't about spending every waking hour "at work," but about making your working hours count.
 
* this could also be a friend/roommate. It just so happens to be my partner.
 
Going out to beer with friends isn't just a "social" activity. We talk about our research... we bounce ideas back and forth. It releases tension but it also allows us to "work" by developing our thoughts. I find inspiration in those moments.
 
The people I know who struggle the most are those who don't have any of those things and who focus exclusively on "work." They live by themselves because roommates are too distracting. They don't have pets. They don't go to anything "social." There's no balance. Their work suffers... they don't really exchange ideas with anyone else, and what they produce reflects that.