Recent content by BobCooper

Duglas, the "peer advising" thing is real. I've had advisors who were lovely but didn't get it. They'd say "just talk to your parents about grad school" and I'd think... my parents don't know what grad school is. Peer advisors? They've been exactly where I am. They explain things in language I...

The spreadsheet. THE SPREADSHEET. Mine is color-coded by deadline, status, and whether I've cried over it yet (that's a real column). My roommate saw it and was like "this is unhinged." She doesn't get it. This is survival. Every color is a decision. Every cell is a prayer. Keep going. One more...

The "most visible in Texas" part is definitely true. You can't drive anywhere in this state without seeing an A&M sticker. The alumni network is huge and they're loyal. That's what the visibility ranking is actually measuring — how much we show up in conversations, news, and searches. It's not...

I'm gonna add one: "in other words" is my secret weapon for when I've explained something badly and need a second try 😂 But actually it's great for clarifying complex ideas. Also "that is to say" if I'm feeling fancy. Robert your list is missing "nonetheless" and "notwithstanding" if you really...

I can't believe Paxton just threw 20,000 students under the bus for a press release. The speed at which this happened was disgusting. No defense, no notice, just poof, gone. But okay, enough rage. Practical advice: Look into schools that seem to be handling this with a shred of humanity. I've...

I have to write a 10-page research essay for my composition class. We can pick ANY topic. Any. The freedom is paralyzing. I've spent more time trying to choose a topic than I would spend actually writing the essay. I've gone through so many ideas and rejected them all. Climate change? Too...

I was in a study group and someone mentioned "the 10 rule" in essay writing. I asked what it was and they said "you know, the 10 rule" like everyone knows it. I nodded like I understood but I have no idea what they were talking about. I've Googled "10 rule essay writing" and found nothing. Is...

I'm a very organized person. I like systems. I like checklists. I like knowing what comes next. So when my professor just said "write an essay" without giving any structure, I panicked a little. I've been researching the "5 steps to essay writing" and I keep finding different versions. Some...

Most college jobs in Texas pay terribly ($10-12/hr) and don't care about your schedule. But there are exceptions: University-affiliated jobs (library, rec center) – they HAVE to work around your schedule Hospital PRN positions – designed for healthcare students Tutoring – especially sciences...

Chak, I'm laughing but also crying because this is me every single time. The regret is the worst part. Like why do I DO this to myself?? One time I was so sleep deprived I wrote "the the" in a sentence and didn't notice until after I submitted. Still passed somehow. You'll make it. We always...

You're so not alone bestie. I cried over my lit review for 3 hours yesterday. The cursor just sits there judging us. 👀 For your situation, maybe look for a stats tutor? My uni offers free ones for grad students. Check your department!

I need to know I'm not alone in this particular circle of hell. 👋 I'm a part-time PhD student in education policy. I work full-time during the day as a high school teacher. My schedule is: wake up at 6, teach teenagers all day (which is its own form of chaos), come home exhausted, eat something...