A 4-week summer institute committed to helping talented minorities pursue graduate degrees in education immerses participants in a graduate-level curriculum of critical and cultural theory, increases their language and analytical skills, and prepares them for and supports them through the graduate school application process. In 10 years, the…

In 1999, College Horizons brought 50 American Indian high school students from 28 tribes to the Native American Preparatory School in Rowe, New Mexico, for a unique seminar. During the week-long summer seminar, college representatives presented intensive workshops and large-group sessions on the college application process, including essay…

Advice to American Indian students on writing a college application essay focuses on conveying an honest portrayal of significant aspects of their lives. Distinctive stories grounded in Native American experience are likely to catch the interest of the admissions officer. A sample essay and representative essay questions are included. (SV)

Four American Indian college counselors who work with Native students discuss their role in helping to recruit and retain Native students, the importance of student support groups on campus, negative stereotypes of students of color, outreach programs for Native high school and middle school students, and the emotional struggle of Native students…