10 Critical Questions to Consider Before Choosing a Graduate Program Why is the graduate faculty and student body predominantly white? Action Step: Re

Yes, it does.

Considering that over 4.1 million graduate applications are submitted annually, is it fair to expect institutions to reserve spaces for individuals based on specific racial and gender factors? The U.S. Supreme Court ruled to limit the use of race in college admissions significantly on June 29, 2023. While males make up the majority of graduate degree awardees, there has been some progress in certain fields. However, this small growth hasn't significantly changed the situation.

According to the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) report on race and gender among graduate students, 61.1% of master’s students and 63.1% of doctoral students identify as white males and females.

Are faculty to blame for the lack of race and gender diversity in graduate education?

Faculty members play a significant role in the decision-making process for graduate school admissions. NCES reports that as of fall 2022, 72 percent of full-time faculty were white, with 35 percent being white females and 37 percent being white males. Admissions, retention, and graduation fall under the umbrella of faculty responsibilities. Given what we know about bias, it could be argued that faculty members are to blame.

Application systems, overreliance on test scores and GPA, lack of diversity within leadership, poor resources, and strong desires of "I don't care" from key decision makers are also major contributors to this, which faculty don't fully control.

Are there other considerations for the lack of race and gender diversity in graduate education?

Black and Hispanic graduate students have the highest student loan debt. The Education Data Initiative reveals that four years after graduation, black students owe an average of 188% more than white students borrowed. Forty percent of black graduates have student loan debt from graduate school, while only 22% of white college graduates have graduate school debt.

Some diversity-related issues are directly linked to access and equity, including the resources needed to pay for graduate school. Some individuals do not apply for or start graduate programs simply because they lack awareness of how to finance their education.

To learn more about how to pay for graduate school, consider attending my workshop on July 17th at 8 pm. Register here: https://www.applytograduateschool.com/events/how-do-i-pay-for-grad-school-2.

Aside from financial challenges, many students face major obstacles due to racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination. Some programs have a longstanding unspoken and unaddressed tradition of being hostile towards people of color and women.? Honestly, some programs lack the diversity they desperately need because they just don’t want it.

DON’T APPLY WHERE YOU ARE NOT WANTED!!!?

Being in an environment where you can thrive and finish your degree should be on your list. Too many students apply and start graduate programs out of excitement for the letters or possibilities but negate accreditation and graduation information. Don't apply to programs or institutions that will be closed or lose accreditation in 5 years.

Should students still strongly consider attending graduate school if they do not identify as white or male?

Absolutely.

Regardless of your racial or gender background, you should consider several questions before choosing a graduate program.? Start with this list of ten.

10 Critical Questions to Consider Before Choosing a Graduate Program

1. Why is the graduate faculty and student body predominantly white? Action Step: Research the program's demographic data and ask current students and faculty about the reasons behind this trend.
2. How does the lack of diversity impact my academic and professional success? Action Step: Look for studies or reports on the relationship between diversity and academic/professional outcomes in the program or similar institutions.
3. Whose theoretical frameworks, methodologies, research, and views will I learn from, and why? Action Step: Review the faculty's published work and course syllabi to understand the perspectives and methodologies emphasized in the program.
4. What have been the successes and challenges faced by individuals like me based on my racial identity? Action Step: Reach out to alumni or current students who share your racial identity to learn about their experiences.
5. Has this program been successful in graduating individuals like me? If yes or no, what has contributed to the graduation outcomes? Action Step: Request graduation and retention statistics disaggregated by race and gender from the program's administration.
6. Will I contribute to maintaining or disrupting racial diversity in graduate education? Action Step: Reflect on your potential impact and discuss your concerns and goals with program advisors or mentors.
7. What support systems and resources are available for students from diverse racial and gender backgrounds? Action Step: Investigate the availability of mentorship programs, affinity groups, and counseling services for underrepresented students.
8. How does the program address issues of racial and gender equity within its curriculum and research opportunities? Action Step: Examine course offerings and research projects to see if they include diverse perspectives and address equity issues.
9. What is the program’s track record in addressing and combating discrimination and bias within its community? Action Step: Inquire about the program's policies, initiatives, and past actions taken to address discrimination and bias.
10. How does the program foster an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and experiences? Action Step: If possible, visit the campus and talk to students and faculty to gauge the inclusivity of the program's environment.

There are many other factors related to race and gender in graduate education.

Listen to my episode of GRE Snacks, where I discuss how race and gender factor into your graduate school decision and experience: https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/csc/postsecondary-faculty.