New! Undocu Grad School Guide
If you are an undocumented student, you may have wondered if graduate school is for you. Why? Well, as undocumented students we know that, first, it may be years before we can get our careers going -if ever-, and second, the application process and the costs associated with it all are discouraging and frustrating. Now, if you live in New York (like me), this graduate school dream and journey are not that bad, because some public institutions do not only make it more affordable but also have in place some protocols for us to use and take advantage of. I LOVE NY!
Like actors say in those fitness commercials: If I was able to do it, you can too! It is true! Ten years ago, when I first applied to community college, information online, websites, social media, and college coaches were not a big thing (at least not for undocumented folks), and I still managed to apply for it myself (while bumping my head against the wall). The same thing happened when I had to apply to a senior college (I was a transfer student) and the same for graduate school. Do you know what fueled my spirit? My hunger to be better! I did not leave my country and family to struggle in the shadows here. This is the same feeling that conceived and gave birth to this guide. A lot of people wanting to help undocumented students to succeed and to bring all the tools, tips, tricks, and procedures together in one guide for you to start and continue your grad journey. I know my life would have been a lot easier if I had had this guide a few years ago because following one guide tailored to our undocumented community saves money, time, and energy.
I decided to put myself through the pain of graduate school because -despite my undocumented status- I am worthy. I can provide value to my community, I have things to say and I can pave the way for those who come behind me with the same experiences, and education is a tool that will magnify my voice! This is your turn, there is nothing worse than wondering what could have happened. Start your journey now because you can do it, too!
Forward by: María José
This guide was written under the guidance of Guadalupe Ambrosio, Pamela Benitez, Gabriela Martinez, and Roxana Herrera Ramirez from the New York State Youth Leadership Council by New York University (NYU) School of Law Immigrant Rights Clinic (IRC) J.D. candidates Juan Esteban Bedoya and Sofía López Franco under the supervision of Jessica Rofé, Esq.
CHAPTER 1: Preparing for Graduate School
A. Deciding to Apply – Things to Consider
B. Paying for Graduate School
C. Preparing for and Taking Standardized Tests
D. Undocu-Friendly Schools Outside of New York State
CHAPTER 2: Attending Graduate School
A. Working During Graduate School
B. Graduate School-Specific Requirements
CHAPTER 3: Using Your Degree After Graduate School
A. Professional Licenses
B. Working After Graduate School
CHAPTER 4: Helpful Tips and Considerations
Undocumented and interested in graduate school?
Watch these videos from our Instagram.
Introducing: Undocu Grad Guide
Hear Pamela, Roxana, Guadalupe, & Gabby speak about creating the guide.
Miguel
We had the honor of speaking with Miguel E. Sanchez Robles @mrobles752. He supported the Undocu Grad School Guide by providing tips & advice. He is an undocu grad who currently is the Assistant Director of Admissions at PACE Law and an MBA student at PACE University. Hear about his journey to graduate school and how he did it.
Carolina
We had the honor to speak with Carolina founder of My Undocumented Life website which was established in 2011. The My Undocumented Life mission is to provide up to date information and resources to undocumented students. Carolina has navigated undergrad & three years of graduate school as an undocumented student. She now shares her knowledge & experience alongside guest contributors to the undocumented community. You can visit her website at mydocumentedlife.org.
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