The Educational Research Enhancement Program (UREP), in partnership with the Southern University Graduate School, is aimed to help undergraduate students prepare for graduate study.
“Our total objective is to increase the number of Southern University undergraduates into graduate school,” said Eileen B. Kennedy, director of the Educational Infrastructure Enhancement Program.
The program is designed to enhance and improve verbal, quantitative, writing, research, and analytical skills as preparation for graduate studies.
UREP is a component of Educational Infrastructure Enhancement, which offers information on applying for admission, financial aid , fellowships, sessions and programs on graduate school opportunities, in-dept workshops and seminars to enhance and improve writing, research, and analytical skills for graduate study success.
Students in the program attend workshops and seminars that emphasize library research, writing and computer skills, in addition to preparation for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).
“There are advantages for those that enter the program,” Kennedy said. “We vow to get a fee wavier or vouchers for the GRE (Graduate Record Exam) for students that attend the seminars and workshops regularly.”
The Graduate Record Exam is $115 to take. It is given six days a week, Monday through Saturday on a computer. The exam consists of quantitative, verbal and analytical writing. All graduate schools require at least the minimum required GRE score to attend school. However, a higher score increases financial aid opportunities.
A total of 24 people will be entered into the Undergraduate Research Enhancement Program during the 2004-2005 school year. Desiring applicants should be in their junior or senior level of undergraduate courses. The application deadline is September 27, and classes begin Oct. 1.
The Princeton Review will offer one free lecture to a selected number of students interested in graduate school during the summer.
Students cite several reasons for enrolling in graduate programs. Among them are: desire to advance in a desired career path, research or simply wanting to know more about a subject area.
“I ran into several hurdles after graduation with only a bachelors degree,” said Niaja Talton, a 2002 graduate and current graduate student at Southern. “With a masters degree, more doors will open for me in my career path.”
Students not accepted into UREP are urged not to be discouraged. There are books, CD-ROMs, booklets and other pertinent material that can assist in graduate school preparation. Much of the information can be found in the Southern University bookstore. There are also GRE preparation classes given around the city and throughout the state.
“Students need to be aware of the culture, advantages and expectations of graduate school,” Kennedy said. Her advice to students, “Go to graduate school and get it out of the way while you are still young.”
For more information, contact Kennedy at 771-1043 or in T. H. Harris Hall, room 1043.
