FAMU students hoping to go to graduate school can get help from programs on campus.
The Graduate Feeder Program has an agreement with 47 schools to hold three to five admission/financial aid packages for chosen students. The program is open to students in any major. It accepts sophomores through grad students with a 3.0 cumulative G.P.A. Linda Knight, the director of Fellowship Programs and Recruitment, said the program has improved since last year.
“The program offers workshops to help students do research, write a thesis and prepare statements for grad school,” Knight said.”This program is a win-win situation for any student.”
The Florida-Georgia Alliance for Minority Participation is for students in engineering, mathematics and science fields. This program is available for freshmen through seniors and offers students a stipend for tuition and fees.
“It’s a valuable tool,” said Sheri Fadeyi, 20, junior computer information science student from Tampa.
“One of the best things about the program is it offers free GRE preparation classes for juniors and seniors,” Fadeyi added.
The McNair Program gives students a chance to research and publish an article in a scholarly magazine. “Fifteen students are selected each summer for 10-week-long research,” said Lisa McClelland, director.
Students have been pleased with the program.
“McNair prepares you for the style of writing and research expected in graduate school,” Kelvin Price said.
Price, a 22-year-old graduate student in African-American History from Quincy, Fla., said he believes the program got him “in shape” for research.
Price said McNair is “a worthwhile program that sets you apart from an average student applying for grad school.”
Programs such as these and many others have been available for students for a long time, said Phyllis Green, coordinator of administrative services. “Freshman year is not too early to begin looking for grad schools,” Green said. “Students need to take initiative. The opportunities are there.”