IJETRM (http://ijetrm.com/) [86] Vol-08 Issue 01, January- 2024 ISSN: 2456-9348 Impact Factor: 6.736 International Journal of Engineering Technology Research & Management www.ijetrm.com A CASE STUDY OF GRADUATE SCHOOL STUDENTS UNDER NEW NORMAL IN PASSING THE PROGRAM Arcebido, Marlon P. 1 Damasco, Mirabelle F. 2 Engalgado, Recson B. 3 Campaña, Cherrelyn P. Ph.D. 4 * 1,2,3,4 College of Development and Management Graduate Program, University of Southeastern Philippines, Mintal Campus, Davao City ABSTRACT This case study described the lived experiences of the graduate school students during the new normal. In-depth interviews (IDIs) provided the needed information. which aims to comprehend the challenges, struggles and coping mechanisms by the students to continue in pursuing the graduate school degree program. This study also emphasized the valuable insights that can guide future graduate school students for them to be motivated along its journey in pursuing its dreams. The thematic analysis produced four "key" themes representing graduate school students' lived experiences: Academic pressure, Time Management, Loneliness and Isolation, and Financial Stress. Academic stress such as the rigorous coursework experience, academic stress, and internet connection. In struggling with their situation between work and academic needs, but giving self determination to success and leverang to virtual tools in collaborating its research and academic requirements and by diverting time to a specific task and setting priorities on the specific objective may be the best strategy. And lived experience without social interaction, during the pandemic due to the restrictions of the health protocols their limited gatherings in the community but the students had collaboration and networking with other students and sharing of its knowledge. And financing is one of the requirements for the sustainability of the students and the students had made their ways in order to sustain their academic status by finding alternatives hence the price of the needs during pandemic is much higher than they expected. The detailed explanations of each subject and participant quotes to back them give their experiences including self-motivation and awareness in passing the graduate school degree program during the new normal. Keywords: Case Study, New Normal, Academic Programs, Qualitative Method INTRODUCTION Academic success is significant since it has a strong correlation with the favorable results that we value and the people with high levels of education and academic success have higher employment rates (J. Regier, 2011). According to the EuroSchool, 2023 the concept of academic achievement is a complex combination of both concrete and abstract elements of growth and learning. It has a dual emphasis on comprehension and performance, developing not only a body of knowledge but also a sharpened intellect capable of analysis, creativity and thought. It is still based on encouraging people to have a lifetime love of learning and to pursue education as a means of continuously pursuing intellectual and personal development. Academic experiences are educational experiences that will be useful in their future careers in academia and the workplace. This includes any academic credentials, such as degrees, awards, and accomplishments as well as any experiences, including significant projects, that are believed to be pertinent to the future academic or professional endeavor. To be content with time at college and to achieve well academically, students must maintain their academic drive while making good adjustments to the changes in their personal and social lives (A.Pipere and Iliško, 2018). Struggles are inherent aspects of the human experience, representing challenges, difficulties, or obstacles that individuals face in various aspects of life. These challenges can be physical, emotional, mental, or societal in nature. Ultimately, struggles are an integral part of the human journey, and how individuals navigate and learn from them plays a crucial role