Due to start MSc and I AM SO NERVOUS what if I'm too stupid?

[NotHermione]

I'm getting quite scared now I love the subject, and everything feels right about the university...but I'm scared I'm too stupid.

Any tips for managing study, or being more confident?

Fake it until you make it. Don’t show your fear as others love that. If you like the subject and have enthusiasm then you have all the qualities necessary to complete a Masters. Enjoy every moment and don’t be worrying what others think of you - it won’t help you write those essays. Good luck 😁

Ooh, I'm starting one too! I've done a bit of pre-course reading and I can practically hear my brain cranking into gear. My current worry is fitting it in alongside work as I know I will want to push myself and do extra reading etc.

Are you doing yours full time or part time?

Full time here! I work for myself and the nature of business means I can simply not take bookings for periods when I'll have an avalanche of assignments, but do need to generate money so will be working about 20 hours a week. Are you full or part time @Submariner?

@Rainbows I'm an old gimmer compared to all the 21 year olds I'm studying alongside, and don't really care what they think as long as they're pleasant enough to do the group work with! Though I kind of need to worry what the staff who are grading me think when they read my work

Wow you put me to shame!! I'm working twenty hours a week but just doing one module at a time at the moment. Think it will take me about 3 years.

Roughly what area are you studying? Mine's within social policy studies.

Mine is in the healthcare field.

Still can't believe they let me in!

I'm 41. I started my masters today. I was terrified!

I'm the oldest by far but it seems there nothing to fear. Everyone and everything is so less intimidating at this age. Or at least that's what I'm telling myself 😂

If they’ve accepted you on the course it means you can do it! Plus if you love the subject that goes a long way.

I’d say go for it! Lots of planning, don’t be afraid to ask for help from lecturers /tutors.
Congratulations and enjoy!

pickleface I think my course will attract an older set of that makes sense? It's the kind of topic you'd be more likely to come into through life experience, which is why I think I got on. (Certainly didn't get on because of my knowledge of sociology - think I need to find some kind of specialist dictionary!)

How was your first day?

@Pickleface what area is your subject in?

I'm less nervous today, but still a bit. I think maybe a few nerves keep you sharp so it's not all a bad thing!

I keep reminding myself of why I want to do it, and then I relax.

OP I think you may be me...

I'm 40 and start a PT MSc next week. I was really excited, now I'm just really anxious. It is 20 years since I was last at university. The admissions process for the MSc was surprisingly easy, to the point that I'm now worried that they've made a mistake and I'm actually far too stupid to do this. I'm feeling physically sick just thinking about it.

I'm doing musicology. Most of the others are in their early 20s but it's fine. It's so hardcore academic as are all masters I guess but I'm really looking forward to the challenge.

I also am self employed and have to cut down and rearrange my workload a hell of a lot which is unfortunate.

How is everyone going on?

Can I join in! Doing work related MA. If I can get through it. It's part uni based & online. It has a little over lap with the degree I did 18years ago. Work full time so we will see how each module goes! Start 2m. 😳

You'll love it!

I spent my early years believing I was quite dim.
It was only many years later, after getting a really good degree at a decent uni, that I realised that maybe I wasn't.

I loved every minute. Mine was health related too.

Are you doing it in 1 year or 2?

Sorry, missed where you said that you were doing it in 1 year. I'm halfway through a 2 year MSc, but working full-time (plus on calls) alongside it. It was tough at the start but once I got into the swing of it I was fine, apart from exams which were horrendous 😱

I try and stay completely on top of assignments, so I set myself a daily word count (usually 50-100 words an hour) and I stick to it. Avoids the last minute panic which I hate!

you'll enjoy it.

Master's are so much more enjoyable than bachelor's degrees.

You will have a great time. Most important thing is just communicate - if you're stuck, ask. No such thing as a silly question. I lecture at a uni, love my nature students and the wealth of life experience they bring to the classroom. Please relax and look forward to it!

Congratulations! With any luck the 21 year olds will be nursing hangovers while you sail through the readings and assignments!

Thanks everyone! I have the reading list now, so going to get stuck in. I hope everyone else studying is essentially feeling good about it, even if there are a few fears lurking too.

Mine is completely terrifying if I think about the whole thing and all the numerous components that will add up to a good mark - I am desperate to do well at this. I don't want to end up scraping by with a pass mark of 50%.

But - when I just think of it in little chunks, and allow myself to get engrossed in the topics which I love - then it all seems fine!