Worried about your student debt? You should be.

The job prospects for graduate students are certainly better that what you see here but the numbers are somewhat mind-boggling anyway. Not to mention the debt for graduate school is on top of undergrad debt.

Source: Onlineschools.org

Grad School Orientation Topics: Please Take Our Two Minute Survey

WHAT ORIENTATION TOPICS DO NEW GRAD STUDENTS NEED TO LEARN ABOUT?

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W3GNPJM

You told us you need more orientation as you begin your grad studies at WSU and we’re listening!

GSA will be incorporating orientation topics into our annual welcome reception for new graduate and professional students. Please take our quick, two-minute survey to tell us what you think we should be talking about.

Thank you for helping us improve the graduate student experience at WSU!

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Great iPad apps for grad school

Here’s a list of apps for your iPad that any grad student can put to good use. It’s certainly not an exhaustive but definitely worth investigating. Feel free to leave a comment and share your favorite grad school app. And our apologies to the many Android fans — we’ll post something about your apps soon.

Numbers – MBA degree program students are likely to need an app like this. Compatible with Numbers 09’, Excel and CSV files, the app helps you create and calculate your data into simple spreadsheets. Numbers includes templates you can work off of or build your own. Discover a new way to make spreadsheets without having to be plugged into a computer.

iProcrastinate – While this sounds more like the name of a rehab program, this app is useful for anyone who always waits till last minute. Simply put, it’s a task manager. You can create different subject files, assign tasks and designate any that need to be recurring. Usually recurring tasks work well for online course where students have to post discussions frequently. Prioritize your tasks or use groups as a reminder for when something is overdue, or due tomorrow!

NotesPlus – Nominated in two categories in 2010 for Best App Ever, NotesPlus is a winner. Handwrite your notes and personalize them by font, color or “pen” size. Distinguish important material by colors or doodle the name of you and the hottie in your class ala 6^th grade style. Handwriting, typing and audio recording are all supported in this app.

Read It Later - Similar to online “bookmarking”, the Read It Later app allows you to read articles and webpages without an internet connection. Whether you’re on a plane, train or automobile get the information you need. The Read It Now app is an all-in-one place to save your bookmarks without cluttering your browser or email; tied to a single account you can access your reading material on your phone, home computer, work computer, and wherever else you may need those important files. And the best part, it’s free!

Wolfram Alpha - If you’re a sucker for useful (and useless) knowledge, you’ll want to consider the Wolfram Alpha app. Did you ever wonder how many people live in the United States, the equation of gravity or how many calories are in that Hershey’s chocolate bar you’re eating? Wolfram Alpha can answer each of those questions.  Think of this app as Google on speed; no need to look through links, just get the answers you need and be on your way.

From here for the original blog article.

I want a Ph.D. I think.

There is so much information available about whether or not to pursue a Ph.D. Lately I’ve seen a lot of not. The argument? The process can seem never-ending (and sometimes is), tedious, can be expensive and may not increase pay down the road, etc. And etc. For many, however, it’s a challenge and goal that is strong enough to overcome the cons of the process. The short and sweet take away here is you shouldn’t go down this road without serious and honest dialogue, self-reflection, and careful consideration. Here’s a link to an infographic that’s easy to understand and comes with some sobering stats.

That being said, it’s time for me to get back to work writing my research proposal … for my Ph.D.

Yours truly,

Lisa J. Douglas