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Hello everyone! This is my first post here. I'll be starting a PhD this fall in OB. I do not have much of a business or stats background so I'm wondering if there are things I should be doing over the summer to prepare. For example, learning a programming language, studying statistics of some sort, reading certain papers or text, etc. I'll definitely be bringing this up with my advisor but I would love to hear from you about what your experience has been like starting the first year "from scratch". Were there things that you wish you had prepared in advance to feel less like you were completely out of place in the business school?

Hello! I've recently started a PhD program in Applied Economics at a mid ranked public school. Since graduating in 13' with a bachelors in Econ I took Cal 1-3, Linear, and some Stats. Never did I think graduate school would be so difficult! I'm interested hearing whether or not this is typical for other graduate students too? A bit more details: The program has the first semester split into two sections- 1st 8 weeks Math for Econ & Intro Econometrics, 2nd 8 weeks Intro Macro/Micro theory. Spring semester returns to normal 16 week structure covering more Econometrics and Micro Theory. My performance in Math for Econ was less than steller (first taste of test anxiety), Intro to Econometrics was difficult but I believe I was slightly above the mean. I just took my Micro Theory midterm and I believe I will have a good marks. Overall I would say I'm not drowning but I'm definitely not swimming. I believe the difficulty is due to the pace of the program. Does the pace typically get easier or does one adapt? I'm the only nonresident in the cohort (4 state residents and 10 internationals), the entire program has about 40 students (mostly all that remain are internationals), I've only met maybe 3 students from older cohorts. I would like to make life easier on myself and study with other students but most of them seem to keep to themselves or with 1-2 close friends, any advice? I find myself putting in around 14 hours a day on campus (3 hours of class 4 days a week, remainder studying). It seems really crazy but I still really want to be here but I can't imagine how I can keep this up for another 5+ years. Suggestions, tips, experiences, etc welcome.