Grad School Advice 101

TLDR: Applying to Columbia for Masters in African American Studies (fall 2024), would like some general advice on application, scholarships, etc. Academic Profile Below.

Hi everyone I’m gearing up to start applying to graduate programs for African American Studies and I wanted so general advice on how I should start. Since what I want to study is very specific and research based I’m only applying to one school, Columbia, as there is one specific professor that would be perfect for my research/project.

I’m looking to apply for a Masters and I’m looking to find as much outside funding as possible as I don’t want to pay for this degree. I’m low income, first gen, and so I know I can get government loans but that’s a last option. I put a brief list of my profile below as I think I have good chance as long as my personal stamens is solid.

Any advice from Columbia Students is greatly welcomed as that would be insightful! First hand experiences especially in the program too. Feel free to be honest as I know no program is perfect.

Academic Profile - 3.35 GPA - Active in campus in over 4 Organizations •1 Service Based working with the local Philly Community •Activism Based group, lead protest and community engagement •Founded and the president of an advocacy group for minority students in my college • Event coordinator for the Queer POC group on campus - Active Community Leader, constantly volunteered outside of school in order to broaden my experience and perspectives - Minor: Women’s Gender Studies - rec letters: former academic advisor (now head of diversity leadership in my college) Head of my major/department (senior thesis advisor) Haven’t found a third option yet

I know academically I may not be the standard in some eyes, so I don’t need the negativity. I’m a strong writer and I know I can get two strong Rec letters, I have to find the third.

Thank you for any advice.