Make certain you can commit to the time required to successfully complete a master's program. You will be required to attend classes and in many cases will also be working as a teacher's assistant or with a faculty adviser on research projects. Additionally, you have to prepare for classes each day. Expect to spend at least 25 to 30 hours a week devoted to your program. Be realistic about your current schedule and make necessary adjustments before your first day of classes. This might mean you need to cut back on work hours if you are employed or give up other commitments.
If you have a partner or a spouse, talk with him about how attending school will impact your relationship and your availability to help out around the house. Family and friends can end up feeling as if you have abandoned them for you studies, and in a way, you will. Your evenings will be spent studying and completing coursework. Your days will be spent in class. You will be on firm deadlines. Your schedule will be dictated by the academic calendar, meaning you might not be able to take time off for that winter getaway or a long weekend at a family reunion. Talk with your partner about how you can still make time for one another and how you can redistribute household chores while you are in school.
Decide on a plan to cover your expenses before enrolling in a program. Remember that you will have to cover tuition, books, supplies and lab fees at a minimum. Financial aid is available from the federal government and private financial institutions as well as directly from your school. Investigate all your financial aid options. Budget for what you will owe out of pocket immediately and what you will decide to pay off after you graduate.
Graduate school is an intense period of study where you will be expected to perform at a high level at all times. While the challenge of being in school will bring you many moments of joy, it will also come with a great deal of stress. Institute stress management techniques as soon as possible. Set aside a half hour a day to go for a walk, do yoga or sit quietly with a cup of tea. Learn to use a day planner so you don't have to keep a list of everything that you have to do in your head and so you are always aware of upcoming deadlines and can plan accordingly. Pack healthy lunches to avoid grabbing greasy, unhealthy meals between classes.