How to Graduate with Sanity Intact: Advice from Upper-Years

I remember my first year. In particular I remember how the second, third, and fourth years would purse their lips and say things like, “I remember my first year.” Then they would nod gravely, shrug, and lean-in to impart some tasty, tasty knowledge.

In this environment, it takes hard work to get good information. First, the advice drawn out of upper-years is often flatly contradictory. Second, for a school with such institutional memory, our FAQ section is scant.

To remedy this situation, I’ve compiled the most thoughtful and widely agreed-upon nuggets of upper-year wisdom that have been handed to me over the past three years. I was a sycophant, so you don’t have to be.

For some of us, graduate school is a looming prospect. As such, it helps to have the inside scoop from those who have applied:

“When applying to graduate programs, make sure to submit all of your application materials on-time.”

“If you’re in second year or above, make sure you take the time to get to know your professors.”

“If you need a letter of reference, make sure to secure it several weeks in advance. Professors are notoriously difficult to track down during application season!”

Trinity students set unrealistic expectations for themselves and are often uncomfortable discussing failure. This can create a stressful environment. Thankfully, upper-year advice suggests that graduate school criteria are not as strict as first-years may believe:

“Don’t worry about one A- on your transcript. Lots of people get into law or medical school with two or three.”

Even if you’re applying for research-based Masters programs, don’t be too concerned about publications. A friend of mine only had one and he got into Harvard. (The publication was in Nature, but it was about the relationship between proteins and Type-1 diabetes – nothing ‘current’ like Ebola.)”

“Don’t worry so much about your extra-curricular record. The formula is pretty simple: as long as you try your hand at water-polo or volleyball and run at-least one 30k, you should be fine.”

U of T has the unfortunate reputation of a monolithic institution where students are “just a number.” Happily, these perceptions don’t match reality. It is possible for any student to make their mark here:

“If you are in a student governance meeting, make sure to shout often. This will let your peers know that you have the courage of your convictions.”

“It is important to act violently in tutorials. This is how you develop critical thinking skills!”

“If you haven’t been able to meet your professors in class, try going to office hours. If the occasion strikes you, leap onto your professor’s windpipe. Tear the head off of a small mammal and shove it in your professor’s letterbox. Academics respond well to students who carry themselves with confidence.”

Broader life advice is also a staple:

“Why walk when you can jog?”

“Try debate! It’s a great way to meet people.”

“Hail Satan, Prince of Darkness!”