blogs

Your First Conference Part 1:What to Expect

Published: 20 March 2017
Written by Rene M. Paulson
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Categories: blogs
Tags: conference, grad school, grad school advice, public speaking, Rene Paulson, what to expect

Conferences are a great way for graduate students to learn about academia and expand their network. The conference environment is uniquely suited to providing a forum in which one can present original research and offer feedback, or debate among members of the same field. This is a great opportunity for graduate students to present their own research and gain some valuable feedback. Below…

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What is an Academic Coach? Do you need one?

Published: 8 March 2017
Written by Rene M. Paulson
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Categories: blogs
Tags: academic coach, adjusting to grad school, first-year grad student, grad school, grad school help, Rene Paulson

  “Academic coaching is an interactive process that focuses on the personal relationship created between the student and the coach. The coach challenges the student to think about his or her personal and/or professional goals in order to relate them to his or her academic/educational goals.

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IRB Review Process

Published: 1 March 2017
Written by Rene M. Paulson
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Categories: blogs
Tags: Rene Paulson

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) at any given institution (higher education or other) is responsible for determining the acceptability of proposed research in terms of institutional regulations, applicable laws, and standards of professional/ethical/societal conduct and practice. The Board evaluates the potential risks and benefits to participants outlined in each proposal. The IRB also examines subject recruitment procedures, proposed compensation, and the informed consent process. In addition, when the IRB…

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Should you work towards a Master’s or Doctoral degree? Which is right for you?

Published: 18 January 2017
Written by Rene M. Paulson
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Categories: blogs
Tags: grad school advice, masters degree, phd, planning, preparing for grad school, Rene Paulson

If you are considering going to graduate school, you are probably wondering which degree to get. The choice should not be too difficult once you understand the differences among the two types: doctorate and masters. Graduate school is a lot of work and can be very competitive. Many students who floated through undergraduate work are…

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Tips on How to Stay Focused: Improve Your Concentration

Published: 28 December 2016
Written by Rene M. Paulson
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Categories: blogs
Tags: grad school advice, grad school eating habits, health, Rene Paulson, self-care, study tips

How many times have you sat and tried to focus on a project or assignment, only to find your mind wandering? Despite your best efforts, you just can’t concentrate. We’ve all been in this familiar, frustrating situation. Many students complain about their lack of ability to focus and concentrate as their minds race from one thing to another as their thoughts run all over the place. The trick is…

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How to Find Free Money for Graduate School: Part 4

Published: 28 December 2016
Written by Rene M. Paulson
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Categories: blogs
Tags: broke graduate student, grad school advice, graduate school, money, planning, Rene Paulson

The best kind of financial aid is money you don’t have to pay back, such as scholarships, fellowships, and grants. Grants for graduate students can be the difference between earning an advanced degree and ending at the bachelor’s level. But while scholarships are often merit-based, grants are more likely to be need-based. There are many grants available if you know where to look. The following includes a…

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How to Find Free Money for Graduate School Part 3

Published: 5 December 2016
Written by Rene M. Paulson
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Categories: blogs
Tags: adjusting to grad school, broke graduate student, budget, finances, financial apps, Rene Paulson

 Assistantships are another way of funding your graduate education and are available at many schools with graduate programs. Unlike scholarships, assistantships are more like a work-study program. Graduate assistantships are additional educational opportunities for graduate students while pursuing their graduate education. With assistantships, graduate students are offered free or reduced tuition in exchange for leading discussions in undergraduate classes, proctoring exams and grading, or assisting professors with important…

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How to Find Free Money for Graduate School Part 2

Published: 23 September 2016
Written by Rene M. Paulson
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Categories: blogs
Tags: broke graduate student, budget, dissertation, finances, financial apps, Rene Paulson

Getting into graduate school is already a challenge on its own, and funding the program once admitted is even harder. Graduate studies involve not just tuition, books and other miscellaneous fees. If you are seriously planning to enter a graduate program, you have to consider how you can pay for your living expenses, as well. As mentioned in my previous post (part 1…

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Dealing with PhD stress

Published: 26 August 2016
Written by Kathryn Lambert
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Categories: blogs

Here is the thing that no one really mentions when you are thinking about committing yourself to three years of research. Stress. I can’t remember anyone mentioning it to me when I first enquired about possible projects or during my first week of reading. Or maybe they did and I just ignored it. I can’t really remember. It all seems like such a blur but I do remember feeling…

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