Menu
book
The first book to provide first-generation, low-income, and non-traditional students of color with insider knowledge on how to consider and navigate graduate school.
Is Grad School for Me? is a corrective and a calling card 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 fit. Approachable and empowering, this essential resource offers step-by-step instructions on how to maneuver the grad school admissions process before, during, and after applying.
Unlike other guides, Is Grad School For Me? pays attention to what matters to first-generation, low-income, and non-traditional students of color, and does so with a culturally relevant and community-based approach. 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 teaching the hidden curriculum, Is Grad School for Me? aims to diversify a wide range of professions in academia, nonprofits, government, industry, entrepreneurship, and beyond.
“More than a ‘nuts and bolts’ guide, Is Grad School for Me? is 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 at University of California, Irvine
“Is Grad School For Me? is an incredible, demystifing resource that cuts through much of the jargon and uncertainties regarding the graduate school application process. Practical and affirming, the text 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
Dr. Yvette Martínez-Vu is an academic coach and host of the globally top-rated Grad School Femtoring Podcast. She is also the co-editor of the best-selling Chicana M(other)work Anthology and founder of Grad School Femtoring, LLC, where she supports first-gen BIPOC folks in reaching their academic and personal goals.
Miroslava Chávez-García is Professor of History at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and is currently the Faculty Director of the UCSB McNair Scholars Program. She is author of Migrant Longing, States of Delinquency, and Negotiating Conquest.
Join the list and get instant access to free Grad School Femtoring insights, resources, and 2x monthly updates.
Supporting first-generation BIPOCs in reaching their academic and personal goals through a compassionate and social-justice informed lens.