When asked why Black students have a propensity to be such loners, Adams says, "They're a little mad. They've been the `only one' so often."
His advice for under-represented graduate students is as follows: "Graduate school is like a guild. It is a chosen group that decides who it wants to collaborate with. The guild includes professors, postdoctoral students, graduate students, undergraduates, technicians, and support staff.... Being part of the [lab group/ research group] team is the way the relationships are built. Don't underestimate the protocol or the politics of the process."
Adams strongly advises undergraduate science and engineering majors to consider pursuing graduate education, suggesting that they learn as much as they can about the applications process as early as possible -- preferably while still underclassmen. Acquiring quality research experience is another must.
Adams urges graduate institutions to recognize the complexity of issues that can impede the success of under-represented graduate students, and take immediate action to provide the additional support these students require and deserve.
Editor's Note:
Dr. Howard Adams is the author of Making the Grade in Graduate School: Survival Strategy 101, available through the National Center for Graduate Education for Minorities, P.O. Box 537, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556; (219)287-1097, fax: (219) 287-1486; or e-mail at: <gem.l@nd.edu>; or <www.nd.edu/~gem/>.
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