What have I done!?

[steeladept]

That is it, I have completed my application and acceptance for Doctoral Studies.  So now that it is done, what did I get myself into?  Am I really that much of a glutton for punishment?  Between this and a 4 year old and a two year old, I must be a masochist who loathes the thought of sleep.  On the up side, between what my employer will pay and the discount for my military service, it is actually free - as long as I maintain good progress (a C or better in each class they pay for is how they word it).

Guess I won't be seeing quite as much of this site, at least not socially.  Don't worry, though, I will likely be here for more specific information quests and in 3 years (according to the program) I will have a D.Sc in Information Systems and Communications.

Thoughts?  Suggestions?  Condolences?

[Eóin]

How about best wishes and congratulations

[40hz]

Bravo!! Go for it Doctor Steel!

If you get a chance, pick up a copy of this book:

Getting What You Came For: The Smart Student's Guide to Earning an M.A. or a Ph.D.

Worth it's weight in gold.

[steeladept]

Thanks for the congratulations...  I am just getting that jittery feeling similar to the one I got when I bought my first house.  The possibilities, they just abound.  The planning and dreaming of what it can become.  The payments associated.  The maintenance nightmares, the WHAT?  How did that turn so scarey so quick!

Yeah, that kind of wonder and remorse all rolled into one...

[tinjaw]

Let the clock start. steeladept should disappear from the forum for a period of six months starting in about 18 months. That will be about the time we'll hear something to the effect of "I really really really need to start my thesis".

[40hz]

I am just getting that jittery feeling

Yup. It is scary. It's also a sign that you're growing as a person.

Let the clock start. steeladept should disappear from the forum for a period of six months starting in about 18 months. That will be about the time we'll hear something to the effect of "I really really really need to start my thesis".

He'd never say that.

However, he very well might say: "I really really really need to start my dissertation..."

[app103]

I am just getting that jittery feeling

Yup. It is scary. It's also a sign that you're growing as a person.

Let the clock start. steeladept should disappear from the forum for a period of six months starting in about 18 months. That will be about the time we'll hear something to the effect of "I really really really need to start my thesis".

He'd never say that.

However, he very well might say: "I really really really need to start my dissertation..."

At which point he will be offered a copy of Instant Boss and a link to PhinisheD.org

or he can join mouser in the  DC ABD Procrastinators Club.

[steeladept]

At which point he will be offered a copy of Instant Boss and a link to PhinisheD.org

or he can join mouser in the  DC ABD Procrastinators Club.

Quite possible.  I wasn't aware it was an official club with a name and everything LOL...  Is cody part of the club or is there another mascot planned for when the club gets around to it?

[tinjaw]

or is there another mascot planned for when the club gets around to it?

Nice touch. 

[jgpaiva]

Well, In case that helps, you're not alone!
I'm now finishing my msc, and have already applied for the phd. I'll be starting next month!
I think I'm not fully aware of what I'm getting myself into, but hopefully this will be yet another battle won

[mouser]

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mnemonic]

Good luck.  I did a PhD a few years ago (in chemistry) and it was a good experience.  Took me a year to write up the thesis at the end and it helped me discover that I never wanted to step into a lab again 

My tip would be to keep a good bibliography of source papers while you're going along - I left it until the end and it was painful trying to find that obscure reference that I needed for the introduction...

[J-Mac]

Congratulations!!  I think... 

Talk to Darwin; he has worked on his since, well...  you'll have to ask him! 

Jim

[jgpaiva]

Talk to Darwin; he has worked on his since, well...  you'll have to ask him! 

You mean as in "talk to know what you're expecting" or as in "talk to know what not to do"?

[Mandork]

I'm a long time member of Phinished (both MA and PhD were written under their auspices) and it's definitely a great place to go for general advice, and especially if you run into trouble.  We make great use of the "time boxing" method, in various lenghts of time, and a lot of people credit it with getting them to actually finish their work.

And Instant Boss is great, too.