Thread by @kassthefish, Just a reminder that although many students thinking about graduate school may [...]

Kassandra Ford

kassthefish

Just a reminder that although many students thinking about graduate school may not know what's in that "black box" of secrets (how to get a mentor, how to apply, how to get funding), there are many more who don't even know the black box exists.

We all need to do better. A

I did UG research for 3+ years at an R1 institution and had no idea there were universities out there who

1. Had "interview" days or weekends
2. PAID for said trips

Or that students got to enjoy experiences with other grad students during those times & learn about the program.

I paid for my own visit to my potential program out of pocket. It was for about a day, I met a few faculty, my potential labmates, and saw a bit of the campus.

Other programs have hiking or ski trips, paid for by the university.

Let that sink in.

Part of this boils down to mentorship. But the burden is also on PIs, programs, universities, and societies to disseminate this information out to students who may not have the same connections as a student who went to their first society meeting as an undergrad.

We need to get rid of that little black box surrounding grad school & academia

This should not be about who you know

You shouldn't have to scour the internet for a blog about grad school apps

This should be about your excitement about research & your potential as a scientist

I'm not mad at or jealous of those who got to experience those opportunities. I'm asking for us all to work together to dismantle the black box, improve mentorship, share the knowledge, and make sure those opportunities are available for everyone.

/end

Some additional resources: https://twitter.com/omearabrian/status/1348368828582002688?s=19