The First-Gen Guide to Grad School demystifies the hidden curriculum of academia with a blend of humor, vulnerability, and strategic guidance that is as emotionally resonant as it is practical. This is the kind of book that students will keep carrying with them--not just as a resource, but as a reminder that they belong, that they are capable, and that they are not alone. I wish I had it when I was applying to grad school.--Nancy Huante-Tzintzun, Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies, California State University, SacramentoJohn Kincaid's book cuts through all the pretentious and elitist nonsense of academia to give prospective students the information they need to apply and succeed in graduate school. His style is disarming, appealing, and bound to resonate with his audience.--Fred Block, Professor Emeritus of Sociology, University of California, DavisWith thoughtful attention to the experiences of first-generation graduate students, Kincaid clearly breaks down the challenges and uncertainties of preparing for and applying to grad school. Blending humor with firsthand insight, he offers a practical road map for students considering post-baccalaureate paths in their fields.--Manuel Fernando Rios, Professor of Fine Art, Woodland Community CollegeRooted in personal stories and real-life lessons, this book offers first-generation college students a practical guide for navigating the path toward grad school that also honors all the emotions that come with the process. It carries the steady warmth of a trusted mentor, making the path feel doable and deeply relatable.--Ricky Gutierrez-Maldonado, Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies, Cosumnes River College