The Hill Memorial Library played host Tuesday evening to students eager for advice. Donald Asher, one of the nation’s foremost authorities on graduate admissions processes, spoke to potential applicants on the best ways to get accepted. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, enrollment in graduate programs increased 62 percent between 1976 and 2004. With such a rapid increase, selection for graduate school has been narrowed to a science. “You have to change the way you think about getting into graduate school,” Asher said. Frederic Amman, biology sophomore, wants to pursue a master’s degree from the University rather than attend another institution out of state. “I’d like to get my master’s degree but not my PhD, just because it will save time,” Amman said. Asher would advise against Amman’s plans for two reasons. He said a decision on which graduate program to apply for should never be based on geography. “If you’re going to graduate school at LSU, go because it’s the best place for you,” Asher said. “Unless you have eight kids by five different people or a felony probation, you shouldn’t consider geography.” Instead he suggests looking at faculty biographies, research produced by a department and publication practices. Asher discouraged students from stopping after a master’s degree. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, doctoral graduates make an average $1.3 million more than those who attain a bachelor’s degree. Law school graduates will make $2.3 million more than bachelor’s degree graduates. Asher offered $20 cash to the student who could say what Asher’s law was. One student actually won the $20 bill after answering correctly. “Exactly,” Asher said. “Asher’s law states that you should always read a professor’s work before speaking to him about your graduate school application.” Asher strongly advocated communicating with professors of potential graduate schools to ensure that a program is fit and matched to a student’s specific plan of study. “You know you’re specific enough when you tell people what you plan to study, and they give you a weird look,” Asher said. The lecture was sponsored by the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists & Chemical Engineers. Monica Sylvain, the secretary of the organization, contemplated what she thought was the best piece of advice given Tuesday night. “I think Asher’s law was the best,” Sylvain said. In addition, Asher encouraged students to go above and beyond for a professor at their undergraduate university who can later write recommendations for graduate programs.
—–Contact Kristine Breithaupt at [email protected]