Rene Paulson

How to Deal with Grad School Competition

Published: 6 July 2017
Written by Rene M. Paulson
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Categories: blogs
Tags: adjusting to grad school, competition, grad school, grad school advice, peers, Rene Paulson

It is no secret that pursuing a graduate degree is emotionally, psychologically, and physically exhausting. Graduate school can be the first time students truly experience the deep frustrations of a competitive learning environment. Graduate students can come face to face with a deep, pervasive anxiety that seeps into everyday life, a constant questioning of capability, intelligence, and whether or not one is cut out to be there. As…

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What No One Told Me about Graduate School

Published: 8 June 2017
Written by Rene M. Paulson
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Categories: blogs
Tags: grad school, grad school advice, grad school help, graduate school, Rene Paulson, what to expect

What I wish I knew There are things no one will tell you about your first year of graduate school, and the Internet is full of postgraduate “advice” from former and current grad students warning people to stay out of graduate school. Some advice: If someone tells you what they wish they would have done or known before entering…

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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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