five motivational rap songs for applying to PhD programs {or other big projects.}

The hardest part of applying to PhD programs was that it filled me with an incredible amount of self-doubt. Every time I sat down to write, I compared myself to millions of imaginary ivy league applicants with perfect GRE scores and perfect hair (... not that hair has anything to do with getting into a PhD program. But for some reason the "best and brightest" always manifests looking like something out of a Vidal Sassoon commercial)

Fortunately, one faithful friday night, I discovered that the mix my sister made for running a marathon was still loaded on my iPod. Twenty six miles worth of pump-up jams - songs about overcoming challenges and getting to the top. These songs got me. Maybe I don't know what it feels like to become an international superstar after slingin' rocks on a street corner. But, I do know what it feels like to have big dreams and to be willing to do anything to make them happen. 

Sam's Top 5 Motivational Rap Songs About Making It Happen:

• Lupe Fiasco - The Show Goes On
• Drake - The Winner
• Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy
• Kanye West - All of the Lights
• Jay Z - Encore

 ... use responsibly. The ideal confidence level is somewhere between "Jessica's Daily Affirmation" and Richard Sherman's post game interview.