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blackraven
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I am just curious as to why people drop out of graduate school.
homeomorphic said:I don't think I'm going to drop out since I am so close I may as well finish it, but I realized I am not sure I want to be a math professor, which takes some of the wind out of my sails.
Isn't there some joke that says if you are a math phd and you don't want to go into academia, then your only option is to become rich?
homeomorphic said:Money doesn't make too much difference to me. I just don't think I want to deal with teaching or the all the BS involved in academic research (the pressure to publish anything I can, rather than just pursue my interests wherever they lead).
Haha this is exactly my plan.R.P.F. said:Same here. I don't think I'd like to sit in front of a computer 8 hours a day to write hedging programs. However, it seems that becoming rich is easier than going into academia. So my plan is to do something that I'm crazy about for 5 years in grad school, and then go do something that I feel ok with for the rest of my life.
There are multiple reasons why people may choose to drop out of graduate school. Some common reasons include financial concerns, personal or family issues, academic difficulties, and lack of interest in the program or field of study.
Dropping out of graduate school is not uncommon, but the rate varies depending on the program and institution. According to a study by the Council of Graduate Schools, the overall dropout rate for doctoral students is around 40%, while the rate for master's students is around 30%.
The level of difficulty in graduate school can be a contributing factor to dropout rates. Graduate programs often require a significant amount of time and effort, and the workload can become overwhelming for some students. Additionally, the pressure to maintain high grades and produce original research can also contribute to high levels of stress and anxiety.
Some warning signs that a student may be at risk of dropping out of graduate school include consistently low grades, frequent absences, lack of engagement in coursework or research, and expressing doubts or concerns about the program or their future career goals.
Graduate schools can support and retain students by providing resources such as financial aid, mental health services, and academic support programs. It is also important for institutions to create a supportive and inclusive environment for students, offer mentorship opportunities, and facilitate communication between students and faculty. Additionally, addressing any systemic issues within the program or institution that may contribute to high dropout rates can also help prevent future dropouts.