Given the urgent need for increased diversity in the scientific workforce, this paper explores Underrepresented Minority (URM) students' paths to the biomedical science doctorate. The Ph.D. pathways of first-generation and continuing generation students were compared. Surface features, such as timing of initial Ph.D. pursuit considerations and research engagement prior to doctoral work, suggested commonalities. However, deeper analysis indicated that the pathway content and opportunities, especially collaborative opportunities to produce scholarship, do, in fact vary. Further, they vary in ways significant to doctoral application competitiveness, doctoral student success within the program, and, potentially, career opportunities available upon doctoral degree completion.