Page 13 - Bowie State University: Education Innovation Initiative Handbook

C6.4.B. GET Ready Advising: Graduate Entrance Transcript Readiness

Get Ready Advising offers a comprehensive approach in enhancing the prospects for graduate school

admission. Using the BDEinSTEM Educational Plan developed at entry to the program, the following

benchmarks are identified for scholars to follow prior to graduating from the Bowie State University:
construct a curriculum vitae; research and identify a list of graduate programs with area of study; create a

BDEinSTEM Electronic Portfolio including a short video introducing student, research topic, and plan for
graduate study; register and take the GRE prior to the start of the fall semester of the senior year; present

research at a professional or student academic conference or colloquia; take research intensive and
graduate study “prep” courses such as statistics, foreign language, or public speaking; discuss with mentor

the prospect of publishing research; and lastly, visit a finalist graduate program of choice.

To ensure that McNair seniors follow the GET Ready Advising path, BDEinSTEM will provide each with
BSU institutional support of $200 for costs related to graduate admissions, e.g., GRE test fees, GRE

scores, application fees, visiting finalist programs, postage, etc. In addition, the university will provide
$100 in travel funds for twelve students to present their research at a national conference. Finally, the

Registrar will waive transcript costs needed for graduate school applications.

C6.4.C. Graduate School Visits to PhD Granting Institutions

Visits to prospective graduate programs help students make better decisions and reinforce motivation to

complete the admissions application process in a timely manner. The summer internship program includes

visits to at least three PhD granting institutions. Visits typically include presentations by graduate school

staff, campus and research laboratory tours, workshops, and opportunities to interact with faculty from

various graduate programs. During the fall semester, in conjunction with a conference or graduate school

fair, additional campus visits are arranged. BDEinSTEM also encourages students and supports students to

make individual visits to graduate schools before accepting admissions offers.

C6.4D. Summer GRE Courses

In week one of the summer internship component, all interns take a GRE (Graduate Records Exam) pre-
test and receive a computerized analysis of their results as well as an individualized study plan to target

specific weaknesses and study needs.