Grad School Study Tips & Favorite Study Spots in Pittsburgh - Claire Magill

 

Grad school is a challenge, there’s no doubt about it. Adjusting to the pace, depth, and application-based learning can take some time, but with the right study strategies and a supportive environment, you’ll find your rhythm before you know it!

Genetic counseling school emphasizes applying knowledge rather than simply memorizing facts. Since our work is so interactive, we need to develop skills, not just recall information. This is often different from undergraduate coursework, so it’s important to approach studying with a fresh perspective.

One of the best pieces of advice I can offer is that it’s okay to not know everything! You’re here to learn how to become a genetic counselor, there’s no expectation that you already know how to do that. Embracing discomfort and uncertainty is part of the process. Your faculty and cohort are there to support you, and asking questions is encouraged.

Another tip is to take advantage of the depth of knowledge that faculty have. Office hours are an amazing opportunity to get further clarification on topics you find challenging, and faculty are always willing to meet one-on-one for deeper discussions. The welcoming and supportive nature of the program makes all the difference as you navigate this learning curve.

The next tip is to lean on your cohort! One of my favorite aspects of Pitt’s genetic counseling program is the non-competitive collaborative environment fostered by both faculty and students. The support from classmates is invaluable, especially when it comes to studying. Group study sessions are a game-changer. Each person in the cohort brings unique perspectives, and teaching others is one of the best ways to reinforce your own understanding. It’s reassuring to know that everyone genuinely wants each other to succeed, it makes all the difference in the grad school experience.

Now that we’ve covered study strategies, let’s talk about where to study! Pittsburgh offers a variety of great spots, both on and off campus, to keep studying fresh and enjoyable.

On-Campus Study Spots:

Public Health Building: The genetic counseling program is housed in the School of Public Health and has great study spaces. The third floor Human Genetics department has a lounge which is perfect for working on projects and collaborating with classmates. My cohort and I do group work here as well as eat our lunch and hangout between classes! If you need a silent space, the designated quiet study room, affectionately nicknamed "quiet jail” is ideal for focused work. These are great study spots on campus between classes.

Cathedral of Learning: The Cathedral of Learning, also called Cathy by students, is the tallest educational building in the Western Hemisphere. The architecture inside gives major Hogwarts vibes, making it a fun study spot when you need a change of scenery to keep you going.

 

Off-Campus Study Spots:

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: Just a short walk from the public health building, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in Oakland is both beautiful and functional. With a variety of seating options, it’s a great place for solo or group study sessions. There are other locations throughout Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods which may be close to your apartment for weekend studying.

 

 

Delanie’s in Shadyside: One of my absolute favorite coffee shops for both drinks and the cozy study vibes! They have fantastic seasonal drinks, and the atmosphere is great for getting work done. 

One of the perks of living in a city is the endless number of coffee shops, libraries, and unique study spaces to explore. Trying out different spots keeps studying fresh, helps you discover new favorite places, and makes the process more enjoyable.

While studying in grad school may feel different from undergrad, you’ll find your groove. The material is relevant, engaging, and directly tied to your future career, making it all the more exciting to learn. I can’t wait to see how my own study habits and favorite spots evolve over the next year!

Do It Scared: Adjusting to Life in Grad School - Kathryn Mierzejewski

 

As a prospective student, one of the ways I gained exposure to the field of genetic counseling was by conducting informational interviews with genetic counselors in a variety of specialties and roles across the country. One of the questions I asked in all of these conversations was if the genetic counselor felt that their undergraduate education and other job experiences had prepared them for their graduate school experience. I heard a variety of responses. Some felt that they were adequately prepared. Others felt like they underwent a big leap into their grad program, rather than an ideal smooth transition.

I asked this question in particular because I had a deep-seated fear about adjusting to life in graduate school and wanted to hear more perspectives. I was applying right out of undergrad and did not have any full-time work experience, so I worried about seeming less professional than others. I didn’t get perfect grades in college, so I worried that I would not be able to keep up in class. I had not worked as a genetic counseling assistant, so I worried about having less knowledge about the field than others did. Imposter syndrome is a very real thing! I also felt nervous about moving to a new city all alone and making a life for myself in Pittsburgh. 

Looking back on those feelings a year later, I would love to tell myself that I did not get where I am today by accident. I have found adjusting to life in the Pitt GC program to be personally and professionally enriching, and challenging in good ways. My cohort has such a wide variety of lived experiences, which means they all give the best advice and tell the best stories. This includes myself– I have learned that I also bring a unique perspective to the table. While our classes certainly aren’t easy, I feel so connected to my purpose for being here every day. I am much closer to my graduate school classmates than I was in my undergraduate courses and have learned how valuable those personal connections can be for support on a daily basis. I’ve also really grown to value the confidence-building model that our faculty here at Pitt intentionally employ. Experiences such as simulated patients and observational clinic days have allowed me to gradually build up my knowledge before I enter my clinical rotations this summer. 

Adjusting to a new city and Pittsburgh itself has been such a fun adventure. For example, I felt so energized by the idea that anywhere I went to eat next could be my new all-time favorite restaurant, and that I had so many new museums to check out. Now that I’ve settled in I love having friends from my hometown and my college come to visit so I can share my new home with them. This city and its people have been so approachable, down-to-earth, and welcoming. I have been able to make time for my hobbies (even adopting new ones) and pursue volunteer opportunities in the city. I am, of course, now a Steelers fan. 

One of my favorite sayings that I think really applies to the adjustment into graduate school is “do it scared”. You might not feel entirely confident and every day may not be perfect, but the important part is showing up and doing it anyway. My life looks very different from how it did a year ago and changes of this magnitude are never easy, but they are certainly worthwhile. I am so glad to be where I am today!