Posted on IMDiversity.com:  http://www.imdiversity.com/Villages/Channels/grad_school/articles/grad_how_to_succeed.asp

by Dr. Derek Rovaris Sr. 

Many of you have already decided
whether to pursue graduate studies. Either you are currently enrolled in
a graduate program or you have decided to do so soon. (Note: If you fall
into the latter group, do not allow soon to become a long time from now.)
If you have not yet decided to enroll, you should be reminded that regardless
of your postbaccalaureate dream, today's equation for success requires
training and education beyond the bachelor's degree.

Graduate school is no longer just
a good idea. Graduate education has become an entry-level requirement for
many of the more desirable professional positions. Further, there is a
critical shortage of African Americans with advanced degrees (especially
the PhD) who conduct research, publish, or teach about the many issues
and agendas that directly impact our lives. Your pursuit of graduate studies
could have a direct effect on this urgent shortage.

If you have decided to go to graduate
school, you have chosen well. If you have not already done so, you should
contact your favorite faculty member to discuss the graduate school process.
It is not a process that can be taken lightly and, like anything else that
is worth having, it will require a great deal of work. Nevertheless, it
is not an impossible task, especially if you plan. Starting early is crucial,
and consulting good resources also will be helpful. Several such resources
include: Educational Testing Service's GRE/CGS Directory of Graduate Programs;
the Council of Graduate Schools Graduate School and You: A Guide for Prospective
Graduate Students; and Daniel Cassidy's The Graduate Scholarship Book.
These are all quite good, but perhaps the most comprehensive source of
graduate school opportunities exists in the multi-volume set of books commonly
referred to as "The Peterson's Guides." Peterson's Guide to Graduate and
Professional Programs can be found in most college library reference rooms.
These materials will prove invaluable.

Upon completing your initial investigation
about graduate school opportunities, you may yet be confused about application
and admission. Although the process includes an assortment of tasks, it
is fairly standard from school to school. It does require diligence and
dedication; therefore it cannot be approached cavalierly. It also requires
that you begin the process early! Do not procrastinate!

You should begin thinking about your
graduate career as early as possible. It is not too early for freshmen
or sophomores to start inquiring about options and planning. Successful
graduate school applicants often will have participated in summer research
internships and graduate recruitment fairs during their undergraduate careers.
The wise student will begin the actual application process no later than
one year before his or her expected date of graduate admission. (For more
on the application process, see article by Elaine Copeland and Ave Alvarado.)

Politics Of Graduate School 

The following is a collection of
suggestions for the successful navigation of the graduate school process.
For many students, this is an unfamiliar process and perhaps an unfamiliar
environment. As a result, a great deal of confusion and uncertainty often
develops. Some students quickly make the necessary adjustments, some get
frustrated and respond inappropriately, and some never figure out what's
happening. In any case, these pointers are provided to help graduate students
anticipate situations and avoid potential problems.

It's All In The Department 

• DON'T underestimate the importance
  of the department. Think of yourself not as being enrolled in a university,
  but as enrolled in a department.
  
• DON'T get caught up in department gossip.
  Mess is mess.
  
• DON'T volunteer information about your graduate school
  funding or personal finances to people who have no influence on these funds.
  Your money is your business.

   

   

• DON'T leave your advisor in the dark. Keep
  him or her informed and keep notes of all agreements.
  
• DON'T assume anything.
  Always check information out and verify it in writing, e.g., policies,
  requirements, deadlines.
  

• DO identify faculty and student
  advocates to help you should the need arise. Identify them BEFORE a problem
  arises.
  
• DO establish good rapport with the secretaries. Your chairperson
  is important and so is your advisor, but the secretaries run the show.
  
• DO maintain positive relationships with the faculty, especially your
  advisor. You never know whom you will need.
  
• DO create a calendar that
  clearly plots the steps and self- imposed deadlines required for degree
  completion. If you don't plan, your chances for success are minimized.
  
• DO keep a file of all written correspondence and catalogs. Document everything;
  you never know what you might have to prove later.
  

How's Your Social Life? 

• DON'T let dating, partying, hanging
  in the gym, watching t.v., or other social activities interfere with your
  schoolwork. Make time for these activities, but keep everything in proper
  perspective.

   

   

• DON'T let relationship problems disrupt your studies or
  dramatically alter your academic pursuits. lt ain't worth it.
  
• DON'T let
  family or friends distract you from your goal: True friends and supportive
  family members will understand.
  
• DON'T get so involved in your schoolwork
  that you neglect a healthy relationship. A truly healthy relationship will
  enable you to complete your program faster.
  

• DO get involved in study groups
  and other academic endeavors. Two heads are better than one.
  
• DO socialize
  with department associates. You don't have to like them a whole lot, but
  you do have to work with them.
  
• DO establish healthy functional relationships
  that don't interfere with your academic progress. Life is not all graduate
  school, so you will need these relationships to sustain and reaffirm your
  goals.
  
• DO make time for enjoyable activities outside of academic work.
  All work and no play makes Jack /Jill a dull boy/girl.
  
• DO get involved
  in service to your community that allows you to share your talents. Your
  community needs this, and so do you.
  
• DO maintain a positive spiritual
  relationship. Above all else, your faith will see you through.
  

Race Matters 

• DON'T assume that everything bad
  that happens is a result of racism. You may have brought the misfortune
  on yourself.
  
• DON'T take on the entire burdens of your race. You should
  not take blame for inappropriate behavior of people who happen to belong
  to your race.
  
• DON'T become the official spokesperson for your race. You
  don't have to answer questions that begin, How do people from your
  race feel about...
  
• DON'T fight causes you can't win. Choose your battles
  carefully and make sure they are worth your investment.
  
• DON'T exclude
  people from outside of your race: It often will be necessary to work with
  other groups in order to accomplish your goals.
  

• DO be supportive of others with
  similar backgrounds: There is strength in numbers; working together and
  sharing can often make all the difference.
  
• DO remember where you came
  from. When things get really bad, the folks where you come from will help
  you the most.
  
• DO research issues that are important to you: Your agenda
  might be very different from the mainstream.
  
• DO establish and nourish
  a strong sense of self: Knowing who you are will make life easier when
  you are challenged on the basis of your race, gender, religion, or other
  defining characteristics.
  
• DO go when invited. Go even if you don't want
  to listen to that kind of music or eat that kind of food.
  

To Thine Own Self Be True  

• ALWAYS respect yourself.
  
• ALWAYS maintain your personal integrity.
  
• ALWAYS help someone else when you
  can.
  
• ALWAYS rely on your spiritual strength.
  
• ALWAYS set higher goals.
  
• ALWAYS meet deadlines.
  
• ALWAYS check your work.
  
• ALWAYS remember your primary goal.