In this study, we conducted in-depth interviews with 52 college graduates as they entered a Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP). Our goal was to investigate what it means for these aspiring scientists, most of whom are from groups underrepresented in the sciences, to feel ready to apply to a doctoral program in the biomedical…

Points out that African Americans are underrepresented among Ph.D.-holding scientists. Examines the career decisions of three African American college students and indicates that student interest in a science-related career is directly related to the degree to which they perceive that career as being supportive of deep-seated life goals. (Contains…