Remember, your ultimate goal is to gain admission into the graduate school of your choice, in the discipline of your choice, and with full funding from your graduate institution.

You may find that this goal is not shared by many of your colleagues, and may perhaps even be frowned upon. Do not let this deter you. The decision you have made to pursue scholarship as a career is both a difficult and rewarding one. Do not allow the interests of others to derail you.

While it is inevitable that at times you will question your identity, self-esteem, self-worth and academic competence, remember that your course should be consistent with your values and goals, not with those of others.