Skip to main content
University of California Press

About the Book

The first book to provide first-generation, low-income, and nontraditional students of color with insider knowledge on how to consider and navigate graduate school
 
Is Grad School for Me? is a calling card and a corrective to the lack of clear guidance for historically excluded students navigating the onerous undertaking of graduate school—starting with asking if grad school is even a good fit. This essential resource offers step-by-step instructions on how to maneuver the admissions process before, during, and after applying.
 
Unlike other guides, Is Grad School for Me? takes an approach that is both culturally relevant and community based. The book is packed with relatable scenarios, memorable tips, common myths and mistakes, sample essays, and templates to engage a variety of learners. With a strong focus on demystifying higher education and revealing the hidden curriculum, this guide aims to diversify a wide range of professions in academia, nonprofits, government, industry, entrepreneurship, and beyond.

About the Author

Yvette Martínez-Vu is an academic coach and host of the globally top-rated podcast Grad School Femtoring. She is coeditor of the best-selling Chicana M(other)work Anthology and founder of Grad School Femtoring LLC.
 
Miroslava Chávez-García
is Professor of History at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and Faculty Director of the UCSB McNair Scholars Program. She is author of Migrant Longing, States of Delinquency, and Negotiating Conquest.

From Our Blog

Question for the College #ClassOf2024: Is Grad School for You?

As college grads across the country are receiving their diplomas, there remains very r
Read More

Q&A with Yvette Martínez-Vu & Miroslava Chávez-García

Is Grad School for Me? is a calling card and a corrective to the lack of clear guidanc
Read More

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Journey to Is Grad School for Me?

PART ONE: BEFORE APPLYING
1. Demystifying Graduate School and the Hidden Curriculum
2. Is Graduate School Right for Me?
3. Myths and Misconceptions of Graduate School Debunked

PART TWO: THE APPLICATION PROCESS
4. Getting Organized and Creating the Grad School List
5. The Statement of Purpose 
6. The Personal and Diversity Statements
7. Letters of Recommendations, Hidden Costs, Other Components, and the Admissions Timeline

PART THREE: AFTER APPLYING
8. The Application Review Process and Plan Bs
9. Interviews, Relationships, and Funding
10. You Said Yes, Now What? Preparing for the Transition into Graduate School and Beyond

Conclusion: The Impact of Is Grad School for Me?

Notes
Acknowledgments
Glossary
Bibliography
Index

Reviews

“A powerful, intersectional meditation on graduate education. With insight and corazón, the authors have crafted an essential reference work for first-generation, underserved students and their advisors.”—Vicki L. Ruiz, Distinguished Professor of History and Chicano/Latino Studies, University of California, Irvine
 
“An incredible, demystifying resource that should be required reading for anyone thinking about continuing their education beyond a bachelor’s degree.”—La'Tonya Rease Miles, Department of Educational Leadership, Santa Clara University