Prepping for grad school

[chrisb1234]

I was wondering if anyone had advice on methods articles to read or classes to take this summer to prep for grad school? I have been working for a government consulting firm for the last few years and am not as familiar with the new literature. I will be studying IR and methods. My research focus will be conflict. 

[cy92]

I don't know much about the IR literature, but depending on your math background, it may be useful to study some mathematics in preparation for your methods sequences. Linear algebra, multivariable calculus, and real analysis will all come in handy. Simon and Blume's Mathematics for Economists and Rudin's Principles of Mathematical Analysis are useful for learning or reviewing these topics (and answers to problems in these books are not hard to find online). For something a little more thorough, you might try using the MIT OpenCourseWare for these classes. I know they have an excellent Linear Algebra course, and I believe they have course materials available for multi and analysis.

Do note, however, that you don't necessarily need to do a lot of prep this summer. The summer before I started grad school, many people advised me to take a break since I would be studying these things for the next six straight years. I personally chose to work on a lot of Political Science-related things because I knew that was what I would enjoy, but it wasn't a necessity. You were accepted to a program because the professors deemed you prepared for it and once you arrive, you will quickly become immersed in the literatures relevant to your interests.

So, math can be helpful if you think you'll enjoy it/don't have a lot of it already, but don't sweat it.

[reasonablepie]

I'd say the most useful thing you can do over the summer before grad school is get some rest and get ready on a practical level. If you have to move to a new city, all the organizing associated with that is going to take up a lot of your time. Even if you're not, it's worthwhile getting all your logistical stuff in order. You'll be much happier starting grad school if your apartment is all set up, you've got any tech/gear/etc you might want, any legal/official stuff is taken care off (especially for international students), so that you can just focus on the classes and getting comfortable in your new role. So the summer would be the ideal time to do that research about what new laptop to buy, or to pick out your furniture on the IKEA website, or to decide on a financial plan, and so on. I found having this kind of stuff out of the way reduced a whole lot of the stress of starting out.

I also agree with cy92 that in so far as you're planning to prepare content-wise, math is probably where you can give yourself the biggest advantage by doing some things over the summer. This comes with the caveat that some programs start with a pre-first semester/quarter math camp of some sort where a lot of this will be covered, so if you are going to be attending one of those independent prep is less necessary although still useful. Another practical skill it could be worth investing time in is your software abilities; depending on how comfortable you are with R/STATA/whatever stats program is preferred by your new department, it could really pay off to get more fluent in these or even start learning one from scratch. 

[chrisb1234]

Thank you both. I guess I just want to hit the ground running but the advice seems good. I told Calc I-II, linear algebra, and stats in undergrad. I'm planning on taking a stats class this summer. Other than that (and setting up my apartment) maybe I'll just relax. 

[kronos16]

On 2/28/2016 at 6:34 AM, chrisb1234 said:

I was wondering if anyone had advice on methods articles to read or classes to take this summer to prep for grad school? I have been working for a government consulting firm for the last few years and am not as familiar with the new literature. I will be studying IR and methods. My research focus will be conflict. 

 

Basic game theory, stats/regression, and R. These 3 things will give you a leg up and make the course work/reading much easier. 

 

Where are you going if you dont mind me asking? 

[puddle]

If you are interested, many schools have old or current comprehensive exam reading lists up online. Check these puppies out - more than enough reading to keep you occupied. Don't forget to take good notes on anything you read!

[chrisb1234]

On 3/5/2016 at 1:19 PM, kronos16 said:

 

Basic game theory, stats/regression, and R. These 3 things will give you a leg up and make the course work/reading much easier. 

 

Where are you going if you dont mind me asking? 

I am deciding between UILUC, PSU, OSU, and UI. Still visiting programs to see which is the best fit. I think I am going to take an online class on R and summer statistics course. I visited some programs a few weeks ago and realized that I will be on a slightly older end of most incoming cohorts. I wanted to get back into the swing of taking classes again this summer. 

[GradSchoolTruther]

Is the grad program you are entering using R? Probably a good idea to find out what's being used in the methods sequence.

[chrisb1234]

7 hours ago, GradSchoolTruther said:

Is the grad program you are entering using R? Probably a good idea to find out what's being used in the methods sequence.

Yep they all use R and Stata.