Here's a question to ponder.

[BioBum]

I've got my prospective graduate student weekend coming up and I've been thinking about possible topics that may come up and questions they might ask me. 

Using the all powerful interwebs, I found a list of questions the admissions committee could ask. I found one specific question interesting and thought it might be good to get ideas for others that have gone through or are going through this process. 

What do you think you will need to do to be successful in graduate school?

My own ideas:

To be successful in grad school I need perseverance for WHEN I fail and tenacity to see me through that failure. A graduate education is, in my opinion, about pushing the boundaries of our current knowledge base. I would be entirely arrogant if I thought I could attain a graduate degree without hitting a few speed bumps.

 

Edited February 5, 2014 by Tachycineta

[VioletAyame]

Haha somehow I have the answer to that question immediately in my mind, even though I've never been asked before. I guess it's part of my "What makes you think you can do this?" internal doubt. So my answer would be:

 

I need to grow a thicker skin and not take rejection/criticism so personal. I need to stop comparing myself to other people and just focus on me and my projects. I need to get used to being around tons of intelligent and awesome people all the time and not be so intimidated. I also need to be less obsessive, anxious and neurotic and learn to relax sometimes. And I say "less" because I still believe being a bit obsessive, anxious and neurotic is a given in grad school.

[bsharpe269]

I also think passion is necesary. Passion + perseverance will get you through IMO.

[glm]

In addition to the comments above: time management skills, possess adaptability in the face of failure and unexpected turns of events.