You need to go to graduate school

Black Collegian, Oct 1998 by Rovaris, Dereck J Sr

1998-99 GRE TIMETABLE

ETS must receive your registration for the November 7, 1998 test before October 2, 1998. Registration for the April 10, 1999 test must be received before March 5, 1999. There also will be a Subject Tests Only administration on December 12, 1998. ETS has computerized administration of the GRE available at a test cite near you. Call 1800-GRE-CALL to register. The computerized test is administered by request and is offered at the individual test taker's convenience. Scores are reported much quicker and test takers may schedule the exam when they want. After April 1999, all GRE administrations will be on computer, because ETS will have eliminated the pencil and paper tests.

Why A Graduate Degree Is More Than Just a Good Idea

Obtaining your graduate degree is more than just a good idea, because a master's or a Ph.D. degree can only enhance your career, in whatever field you have chosen. Your marketability and profitability will increase, as will your prospects for major contributions to your field and for leadership responsibilities. Preparing today for an advanced degree will enable you to join the leaders of tomorrow.

It's more than just a good idea, because the numbers of African Americans with advanced degrees is embarrassingly low. The need for African-American lawyers and MBAs is crucial. However, the necessity for African-American Ph.D.'s to provide research and instruction in all academic areas is at the critical stage. Without their presence, education will look different. Their absence will be felt in all segments of society. You can be a part of the solution by pursuing doctoral study.

What about money?

Right now there are millions of dollars in graduate student fellowships and assistantships available to you. Some are designated to address the shortage just mentioned, others are designed to train scientists and educators for the twenty-first century, and others are designed to simply provide access. Most African-American graduate students are financially supported through stipends, grants, and fellowships. Although most do not find it necessary, some will take out student loans. The point here is simple: For most African-American full-time graduate students, there is enough money available to support your study without your having to borrow money! Graduate schools have funding, foundations have funding, government agencies have funding, as do other sources. Seek out these sources and likely you will find that you cannot afford not to go to graduate school

Now that you understand the importance of obtaining a graduate degree, how to go about applying and how much funding is available, it should be clear that you need to go to graduate school. It's more than just a good idea. You owe it to yourself and the world around you to make the most of your education and your life.

Dr. Dereck J. Rovaris, Sr. is assistant dean of the Graduate School and director of Graduate Placement at Xavier University of Louisiana.