The ‘weighted waiting’ encountered by Black students in pursuit of a PhD are thankfully not insurmountable, as demonstrated in these accounts. However, unnecessary institutional barriers leave many Black students traumatised from their higher education experiences, making the idea of continuation in the system an anathema. Despite these realities, the determination and courage of these students are to be admired, but not followed. These accounts highlight the very real need for greater institutional support for the Black undergraduate community. What institutional support structures are needed to remove the current barriers? How can institutions provide better training and transparency in their admission processes? We should not have to wait. Why are we waiting? Starting the process at a disadvantage makes the next stage more difficult to navigate as the accounts in the next part will outline.