The MUSE Scholars program has been committed and invested in the success of its participants, regardless of whether or not they chose to apply to Michigan State. Most students who have participated from the MUSE Scholars program have been accepted to competitive universities for master’s and doctoral programs. This is what MUSE Scholars have shared about the program:
“I was interested in MSU when I participated in MUSE, so I really appreciated establishing connections with professors, seeing the campus and getting to know more about the department. I also liked that we were given the opportunity to attend a seminar. It was a good way of envisioning what the future could look like.” — MUSE Scholar 2019 cohort, Ph.D. Candidate
“I was interested in MSU when I participated in MUSE, so I really appreciated establishing connections with professors, seeing the campus and getting to know more about the department. I also liked that we were given the opportunity to attend a seminar. It was a good way of envisioning what the future could look like…Without it I would have never been able to apply to grad school and finish my Master’s degree.” — María Burgos Carradero, MUSE Scholar 2021 cohort, M.A. in English, Michigan State University
“As a first-generation student (first born in the U.S. and first to pursue a higher education), my introduction to MUSE alongside faculty, staff and students demystified graduate school–from the application process to funding and the student experience. As part of the inaugural cohort of MUSE Scholars who enrolled in the Department of English, MUSE introduced me to faculty who now serve as advisers, mentors, and collaborators that are committed to my personal and professional development.”— MUSE Scholar 2018 cohort, Ph.D. Candidate
“MUSE was one of the first times that I got to present my research in front of peers and academics, and it provided me with essential skills and experience for presentations going forward…The various sessions and discussions about applying to graduate school and hearing from grad students were extremely helpful in my application process and making informed decisions.” — Laurisa Sastoque, MUSE Scholar 2021 cohort, MPhil Student, University of Cambridge
“Highlights of the MUSE Scholars program were the close-knit community and the individualized mentorship. The faculty truly cared about my success, both academically and personally. The program’s focus on professional development was invaluable. Additionally, the opportunity to present my research at the conference gave me the confidence and experience needed to excel in graduate school. What I liked most about MUSE was the unwavering support and encouragement I received from everyone involved. The program fostered a sense of belonging and empowerment, which made all the difference as I prepared for my next steps after graduation…MUSE Scholars was instrumental in my professional development. The program’s emphasis on research and writing prepared me for the rigors of doctoral study. The guidance I received from faculty mentors helped me develop my research interests and connect with scholars in my field, especially here in Michigan. This network has been invaluable as I navigate my PhD program and explore potential career paths…”— Nathan Omprasadham, MUSE Scholar 2021 cohort, Ph.D. Candidate University of Michigan
“Meeting other grad students with similar ambitions and getting to work with established professors who respected us as young scholars and were invested in guiding us through academia…the program and the people I met introduced me to the realities of applying for graduate school and it also showed me the different opportunities available to me once you reach the other side.” — MUSE Scholar, 2019 cohort
“The MUSE program highlighted the importance of developing a strong academic community filled with individuals who are more deeply and personally connected to their work as well as the success of fellow women of color and Black women.” — Gabrielle M. Jean-Louis, MUSE Scholar 2019 cohort, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Miami
“MUSE helped me grow confident in my potential as a [grad] student, scholar, and professional. The mentorship I received during the program helped me strengthen my application materials, and get accepted into programs in different universities. Participating in MUSE was pivotal in my decision to come to MSU for my PhD, as I got a glimpse of the community, support, and mentorship I would receive during my time in grad school.” — Jennifer Mojica Santana, MUSE Scholar 2018 cohort, Ph.D. Candidate, Michigan State Univeristy