Introduction to the SurviveSJTUManual Project
The SurviveSJTUManual project is an undertaking aimed at supporting students at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU). Originally written in 2008 by a group of undergraduate students from SJTU, the manual has been a guiding light for numerous students over the years. However, as time has passed, some content has become outdated. The manual was primarily authored by students who pursued doctoral studies abroad, leaving gaps in the areas of domestic further studies and employment. The current project seeks to transform the manual into a living document by using GitBook for its publication and continuous updates. This initiative hopes to provide ongoing support and guidance to current and future SJTU students, with gratitude extended to the original authors.
Planned Updates and Additions
The project has outlined several modifications and additions to maintain the manual’s relevance:
- Updated Prologue and Declaration: To introduce the manual with a modern perspective.
- Shanghai Retention Policy Updates: Useful for students considering staying in Shanghai after graduation.
- Research Guidance and Advisor Selection: Detailed advice for undergraduates interested in research, including tips on choosing the right mentor.
- Major Change Experiences: A new section containing personal experiences regarding changing majors.
- International Transfer Experiences: This section will include experiences regarding transferring to overseas universities.
- Subject-Specific Introductions: Planned to be integrated once sufficient submissions have been received.
- Graduate Program Experiences: Guidance and experiences related to graduate studies and direct PhD admissions.
Independent Modules on SJTU-Application
Certain parts of the manual will be hosted separately on the SJTU-Application GitHub page. This platform allows for easier submission of new content. Contributions from current and former SJTU students are encouraged, especially in areas such as:
- Experiences from SJTU graduates currently pursuing or having completed doctoral programs.
- Updated policies and shared experiences on internal recommendations for postgraduate studies.
- Anecdotes from students who have successfully navigated the postgraduate entrance examination due to current employment market trends.
- Insights from student exchanges at foreign universities.
- Guidance on overseas applications for master's or PhD programs and summer research opportunities abroad.
How to Contribute
Any SJTU student or alumni interested in contributing can do so by submitting pull requests (PRs). The contribution process includes forking the repository to a personal account, making modifications on GitBook, and then committing changes for review. Submissions that pass review are incorporated into the main branch ensuring the manual remains current.
Addressing Concerns
Questions or suggestions regarding the manual's contents, or requests for content revisions can be made by creating an issue. This will enable the review of specific sections by individuals with similar backgrounds to verify accuracy and relevance.
Background of the Original Manual
Previously, the manual included topics such as welcoming messages to new students, tackling different thought processes like exam and passive thinking, and providing insights into failing mindsets and effective learning approaches. It also covered a broad range of subjects from choosing courses and adjusting to academic life to career advice and the value of research.
With the ongoing updates and additions, the SurviveSJTUManual continues to be a valuable asset for SJTU students, ensuring they are well-prepared and informed throughout their academic journeys.