This book offers African American graduate students practical advice concerning all aspects of graduate study. It is organized into 11 chapters which address the following topics: (1) what graduate school is, advanced degrees, and the importance for African Americans of obtaining graduate degrees; (2) choosing a graduate school and financing graduate education; (3) developing a master plan and the need to set goals and plan a program of study; (4) "staying in the game" (the value of mentorship; support from other students, family and friends; managing finances; and maintaining personal health); (5) "knowing when to leave the party," loving oneself, social life, alcohol and drugs, and love relationships; (6) effective strategies for good study tactics, writing papers, making connections, and the comprehensive examination; (7) selecting and managing one's major professor and advisory committee; (8) the thesis or dissertation (common fears, the dissertation format and process); (9) the dissertation defense; (10) completing the degree; and (11) dealing with racism. (Contains 22 references.) (DB)