Advice for Future EPA Students by Jackie Strom

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

CROSS-REGISTER all year! HGSE isn't the only place in Harvard.

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

Go to office hours! With anyone! Just write the email!

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

Try to know EPA requirements in the Fall to free up the Spring.

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

Take advantage of cross-registration! And find the registration schedule in August because each school is different.

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

Be planful about your courses and have backups. They fill quickly.

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

Grow relationships with professors! Ask questions, advocate for your experience and know you belong here. Make this your home for the year :). - Valentina T.

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

Don't be scared of S040, Joe's AMAZING.

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

The research methods classes here are very good. -Emma P.

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

Listen! You don't have all the answers. Learn from professors, TFs, and peers. Take it all in. Challenge your perspective. Ed policy has many problems + answers.

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

Talk to Carrie early + often!

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

Lamont Library 3rd floor study rooms. Best study spot @ Harvard.

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

Don't be afraid to drop classes! - Colin Lin

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

You pay tuition, do what you want within reason. - Pempho

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

Read course evals!

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

Dinesh will be your bestie!! - Komal

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

S040 isn't bad! You will do fine! I promise! (Joe is great).

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

Cross-register at MIT!

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

Grades don't really matter - learn and take care of you! Make friends + have fun <3

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

Take classes you are interested in - not just resume builders. Learn + have fun <3 - Mary

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

AUDIT anything you're vaguely interested in. Even undergrad lectures - just drop in! :)

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

Get clear on what topics are your top priorities to explore. The year goes quickly!

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

Take some classes that are good for your resume, some that are good for your soul, and some that are good for both <3.

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

Ask questions even though asking questions can be hard. - Emma P.

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

Cross-register at MIT and take classes in HGSE iLab. - Natalie Varkey

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

Don't feel obligated to take J-term classes. If you do too much, it will exhaust you come Spring.

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

DON'T TAKE 6 COURSES!

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

For those of you scared of data: lean in and let EPA guide the way. If this art history major can do it, so can you! - Dylan K.

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

Be intentional about what you take! (Take advantage of cross-registering <3).

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

Don't take more than /16 credits/ semester.

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

Take Gretchen's CPAR class! (It's the best one @ HGSE).

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

Go to office hours! Profs want to know you! - Mary

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

Go to office hours, even if you don't have class with the professor.

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

Don't be afraid of stats classes!

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:23:00 UTC

Find Chloe.

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:27:29 UTC

Give to Class Gift! - Brittany S.

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:28:22 UTC

Frequent Gutman to make new friends :). -JunJun

Class of 2023

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:28:43 UTC

Be yourself, focus on yourself, and pick the right classes for you!

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:42:47 UTC

Spend time on other parts of the HU campus (HLS & HKS) because you pay this tuition! Also, visit 'Gypsy Place' Coffee and Juice Bar! Enjoy every sec, even the stressful ones.

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:43:54 UTC

Include the 30+ year olds at the parties. We are still cool, can out-drink you, have $ to contribute and have serious FOMO.

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:44:32 UTC

Gutman coffee is not that bad - grab a cup with your friends. You will learn more than you think!

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:44:51 UTC

Go to Felipe's every Wednesday.

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:45:36 UTC

DON'T MISS FREE DRINKS

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:46:07 UTC

Meet a cool girl at Orientation - she will be your bestie! <3

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:46:48 UTC

Gutman events always have leftovers... get the cookies!

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:48:14 UTC

There are numerous events/opportunities at Harvard - you have to actively look for them!

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:48:32 UTC

Advocate for a yacht party!

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:48:53 UTC

Do the informal coffee chats! - Brittany S.

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:49:35 UTC

There's free massages at the business school.

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:49:58 UTC

Go out! Work will always be there.

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:51:25 UTC

Mwah!

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:51:46 UTC

Your degree will pay for itself. Live it up this year!

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:52:42 UTC

Drink lost of water, sleep 8 hours, remember grad school grades don't really matter. Health> (:

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:53:39 UTC

LIFE ALIVE has great study vibes - and awesome cold brew!

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:54:09 UTC

Slow down and enjoy the process. The year goes quicker than you think!

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:54:57 UTC

You are NOT alone...

We ALL have imposter syndrome at first =)

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:55:37 UTC

It is going to fly by! Take advantage of every single opportunity and enjoy! <3 Yasmin

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:56:20 UTC

Be intentional about the relationships you want the cultivate!

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:56:42 UTC

Don't be afraid to speak up for what you want! - Colin '22

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:57:45 UTC

Be selfish - learn the things that bring you joy, spend time with friends - do it for you.

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:58:16 UTC

Go outside when it's about 40 degrees...

You may never know when it will happen again.

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:58:45 UTC

Don't doubt yourself, you BELONG here! <3 Parisa

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:59:06 UTC

Find your tribe!

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:59:29 UTC

Go out and explore Boston... just not on St. Paddys.

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 15:59:49 UTC

Get a therapist now <3

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 16:00:30 UTC

I have a secret...

They don't fail you =)

You will come out a Harvard Grad!

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 16:01:30 UTC

Make the most of your time here - it flies by!

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 16:02:57 UTC

Allow your "plan" to change. Gods' purpose + passion may shift during grad school! That's good! Take on new things, challenge yourself and be okay with new ways to change the world. V.T.

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 16:03:34 UTC

You will GROW so much here. Take leaps! Be confident in yourself! Lift others up! - Hope

Class of 2022

stromjacqueline — 2022-08-01 16:04:37 UTC

Take all the opportunities that call to you, but don't sweat the ones you miss/choose not to follow.

Class of 2023

stromjacqueline — 2023-05-22 15:33:24 UTC

Be selective about what you want to do. Quality over quantity.

Class of 2023

stromjacqueline — 2023-05-22 15:34:10 UTC

You can only win a game if you break it. Navigate, negotiation, talk!

Class of 2023

stromjacqueline — 2023-05-22 15:34:45 UTC

HAVE FUN!

Class of 2023

stromjacqueline — 2023-05-22 15:39:25 UTC

Read emails carefully

Class of 2023

stromjacqueline — 2023-05-22 15:40:37 UTC

Be open to things you were suspicious about.

Class of 2023

stromjacqueline — 2023-05-22 15:41:03 UTC

TRUST YOURSELF

Class of 2023

stromjacqueline — 2023-05-22 15:41:35 UTC

Harvard is proud to have you!

Class of 2023

stromjacqueline — 2023-05-22 17:44:46 UTC

Work smarter, not harder! Use as many projects as possible to meet multiple requirements.

Class of 2023

stromjacqueline — 2023-05-22 17:46:26 UTC

DO NOT SIT AT HOME UNLESS ITS FREEZING COLD...LOL!

Class of 2023

stromjacqueline — 2023-05-22 17:47:23 UTC

Asking for extensions is okay!

Class of 2023

stromjacqueline — 2023-05-22 17:48:01 UTC

Take fun classes! Along with the serious ones.

Class of 2023

stromjacqueline — 2023-05-22 17:48:55 UTC

Take Harouni and adaptive leaship class at HKS :)

Class of 2023

stromjacqueline — 2023-05-22 17:49:52 UTC

International students should ask about:
- Academic coaching
- Accommodations

Class of 2023

stromjacqueline — 2023-05-22 17:50:40 UTC

Read Appian Waves - student reflections on their biggest takeaways from 2022-2023

Class of 2023

stromjacqueline — 2023-05-22 17:50:53 UTC

Attend EPA events!

Class of 2023

stromjacqueline — 2023-05-22 17:51:09 UTC

Meet as many faculty as you can!

Class of 2023

stromjacqueline — 2023-05-22 17:51:44 UTC

Watch Slack groups (statistics and others) for job postings in spring!

Class of 2023

stromjacqueline — 2023-05-22 17:52:29 UTC

Invest in relationships. They will matter the most...

Professionally.
Emotionally.
Personally.

Class of 2023

stromjacqueline — 2023-05-22 17:52:51 UTC

Explore all the opportunities HGSE has to offer =)